Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

1

Thats my question ^

edited Jul 15 2011 at 17:53

asked Jul 14 2011 at 23:19

matt
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Matt -- please rephrase this question in the context of Paleo. Otherwise, this is simply a question better suited for other forums. And it will get deleted. – Patrik♦ Jul 15 2011 at 7:40

good point, pat. this could be better asked at Tnation, etc – ben61820 Jul 15 2011 at 20:43

Austin · Answer 1 · 2011-07-14 23:32:50Z UTC

I guess they may not technically be necessary, but they sure as hell make it easier. Check out this article for a good take on the issue.

http://www.70sbig.com/blog/2011/03/why-you-need-carbs/

Insulin is the most anabolic hormone in the body. Anabolism is the process where smaller units are made into molecules. For our purposes in training, it means growth and recovery. You can not — repeat, NOT — get optimally strong without it.

and (emphasis mine)

I’m not suggesting you have giant carb meals to create an insulin response. People forget that exercise, particularly exercise that induces a state of growth (like lifting) will increase insulin sensitivity. Fish oil also increases insulin sensitivity, and most people that read this site are taking it. You won’t need crazy amounts of carbohydrates to induce a solid insulin response — unless you’re a Skinny-pain-in-the-ass-Guy. I do want to point out that “crazy amounts of carbs” is a relative thing since a lot of people are eating melons, berries, and pine tree bark as their daily carb source (it’s what Lucy ate, after all). Unless you’re a fat person — and you know if you’re fat or not — aim for a similar amount of carbs and protein.

Fruit and tubers are great carb sources if you're trying to gain mass while staying paleo.

ben61820 · Answer 2 · 2011-07-15 01:37:52Z UTC

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Hate to be a geek here but there is no "how" with necessary. Something either is or is not.

So the answer has to be that no they are not necessary.

However, you will not gain weight efficiently without carbs. And you wont feel as fit or ready to lift hard without them.

Eat your carbohydrates, and eat a lot of them. If your goal is to gain weight then why would you omit a macronutrient?

answered Jul 15 2011 at 1:37

ben61820
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	Exactly. You want to be big? Eat. It's certainly not Paleo but is great for inspiration if you need it and haven't already seen it (70sbig.com). Be sure and click on "Food FAQs." – Tom R. Jul 15 2011 at 1:42
	oh dude, 70s big was one of the first sites someone told me to check out when i started lifting. Great stuff. light hearted but still real deal info. I love that site. – ben61820 Jul 15 2011 at 11:45

Todd · Answer 3 · 2011-07-14 23:19:37Z UTC

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Not necessary, but very helpful.

answered Jul 14 2011 at 23:19

Todd
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	do you think overdoing them is a potential issue? – matt Jul 14 2011 at 23:25
	Context always applies... – Todd Jul 15 2011 at 3:31

WaveHunter · Answer 4 · 2011-07-14 23:46:50Z UTC

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If you want mass gain Necessary 100%

answered Jul 14 2011 at 23:46

WaveHunter
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What if I just want to lean out some more? Don't really want to bulk up. – 42 Jul 15 2011 at 0:49

miked · Answer 5 · 2011-07-15 19:38:20Z UTC

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Depends on the individual. I've gained significant amounts of mass just with a LC paleo approach with most of my carbs PWO and lots of periodized heavy lifting. See what works for you.

answered Jul 15 2011 at 19:38

miked
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Phazo · Answer 6 · 2011-11-10 05:45:04Z UTC

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Are a sufficient amount of carbs necessary to get toned without bulking up?

answered Nov 10 2011 at 5:45

Phazo
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Bill1102inf · Answer 7 · 2011-11-10 05:31:27Z UTC

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You don't need carbs. Its preposterous to even believe that. With that said, you should consume some prior to working out.

answered Nov 10 2011 at 5:31

Bill1102inf
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How neccessary are carbs in a paleo mass gain?

7 Answers