Bodybuilding Forums

marochka_raduga wrote: P.S. Outback is our go-to place to eat when my friends are trying to be considerate of my low-carb diet. I hate it because I also have to watch my calories, and they just don't have a good way to do both there.

marochka_raduga wrote:Just think of all the weight you'll be able to lift with 454 grams of glycogen in your muscles this week!!!

marochka_raduga wrote: Jeez. You know, I don't remember the last time I had french fries. I think it was well over a year ago. I was SO addicted to curly fries and tater tots I probably didn't go one day without them for years. The smell still gets me, so I don't think I'll ever go there again. It's not worth it.

andrewpmast wrote:You got it man, the by-product of carb-ups causes your muscles to bloat up. It's due to the fact that glycogen binds with water when stored in the muscle. So, as your glycogen stores get reduced your muscles can look smaller or flabby... boom, carb up and you feel like a beast.

I read that pro bodybuilders (after weeks/months of cutting and thinning) actually carb-up before a contest to get some of that bloating for the show. I have a picture of Franco Columbu eating a huge piece of pizza before a contest.

Interesting I always heard the opposite, that bodybuilders and models tend to carb down and/or take diuretics before a competition or photo shoot to remove as much water as possible under the skin so they get a more shredded and defined look.

I definitely notice a soft and less defined look for a short time after downing a high carb meal, and I seem to have the most definition in the morning after waking up, which is probably when I'm at the most dehydrated state I'm going to be in for the day.