I haven't added back in carbs yet, but need to soon.

I'm concerned about muscle tone. I've been lifting weights and my muscles look good. Will I lose some definition?

I'm still about 16 carbs net per day so I need to alter my carbs soon because I want to maintain rather than lose any more weight.

Thanks.

Anyone here?

this is a slow area.And it is Saturday afternoon- a slow time. I can't answer your questions as I don't do Atkins and have no idea what you should do. Hope you get the answers you are looking for-
E

Athena:
Most of my carbs are post workout (weights) plus 1-2 pcs of fruit/day. I lost my weight on Atkins, went low cal/low carb and ended up like a skeleton (esp since I kept working out w/o enough fuel), I lift 4x/week for about an hour a session. I ended up finding a low carb guideline/plan set up for lifters who want to drop bodyfat. I figure it keeps me lowcarb but allows a little wiggle room too since I don't need to lose more. I don't plan in those "extras" but they give me space so I don't beat myself up!

Basics are this: The "green" veggies (basically your induction veggies/low carb/low gi types) are fairly unlimited. This is your filler area. Protein at eat meal/snack. Lean proteins are great, but don't fear the fat. However, if you have a really fatty piece of protein, try to limit it to 1 or 2 servings/day (carbs & fat don't mix). 1-2 servings of fruit/day. 1-2 servings of dairy (ie yogurt, milk in your coffee, cottage cheese -- which doubles as protein!) if you want. 1-2 starchy carbs/day. This plan suggests you do them in the same meal to limit the insulin spike. So, if you want oatmeal for breakfast or a low carb tortilla with supper, it's ok.

Most days I don't even have my starchy carb or just use it in my workout recovery shake in the form of 1/2 a banana.

This is working out great for me. I'm keeping my lean muscular look but have room to eat a few carbs a day IF I CHOOSE TO!!! Pretty much the carbs, dairy & fruit are in that "if I choose to" category.

So, basically, I eat "clean" in weight lifting terms but keep the starches out most of the time.

Hope that helps!

Increasing your daily carb count shouldn't have any affect on your current muscle structure. I'd say your protein intake, overall caloric intake, and your workout schedule are the real factors.

Um yeah, I agree with Kristine. I'd say your protein is going to be most important for making sure you don't lose muscle. If you want to increase carbs, you should decrease fats to balance out your calories.

double post

Upping carbs for muscle retention? Uh, no. That's a gym myth.

If you're going to supplement, do not supplement with carbs. How do you think you got that muscle definition? By eating low carb, right? Eat more PROTEIN if you're worried. As long as you lift you won't lose muscle.

I marathoned on Induction level carbs. I lift 4x per week, do cardio seven days per week. I train other women in my gym and am personally trained (for free) by the owner of MY gym, simply because he took me under his wing for a "fun project."

In short: Don't buy into the carb lure.