between energy intake (calories), energy expenditure (exercise), energy retained by the body
(bodyfat vs. lean body mass) and body size. In fact, one study shows that dietary fat may actually
reduce tumor growth.^10
Other studies have pointed directly at bodyfat and overall weight, and not dietary fat, as prime
contributors to prostate11,12,13 and breast cancer.14,15 With the high carb diet laying down so much
more fat than the high fat diet, we might be wiser to begin some study of high carbohydrate
diet links with cancer instead of blaming so much on dietary fat.
THE BLOATING OF AMERICA
Along with the chronic insulin response, the high carb diet also decreases the testosterone
and growth hormone. That puts you in a position where the effects of the 3 critical hormonal
contributors to growth—insulin, testosterone and growth hormone—are limited. You’re just
not going to get maximum growth with this situation.
Bodybuilders also often report becoming passive and less motivated toward training when they’re
loading up on carbs and, again, this is not something that’s going to help you grow. Much of this
passiveness can be linked directly to the biochemical effects of a carbohydrate laden diet.
High carbohydrate meals increase the level of the chemical, serotonin, in the brain. Serotonin
increases make you more tired, relaxed and ready for sleep. It’s serotonin levels that are affected
by the antidepressant drug, Prozac. Likewise, the carbohydrate/serotonin link is one of the reasons
why many people crave carbohydrates when they’re upset. They’re looking for the relaxation
serotonin can bring.
But the serotonin increase caused by high carb diets can also leave you with a kind of “who
cares?” attitude. Alertness can be affected^16 and this can also have a negative effect in the gym.
It’s also been suggested that the kind of carb you eat can influence the serotonin effect. Meals
high on the glycemic index, like sugars, may have a bigger effect on serotonin production than
low glycemic foods.^17
With the reduced level of carbs on the high fat diet, you don’t get this kind of sleepy, weak
or unmotivated response. This could be one of the reasons why people on the Anabolic Diet
claim to feel more energetic.
They also claim to be more aggressive. This doesn’t extend to the unhealthy, near “rage” level
that has been reported with anabolic steroids. but a rise in assertiveness and commitment is
clearly present. This is not surprising, given the Anabolic Diet’s ability to stimulate testosterone
and growth hormone and other anecdotal evidence. In many primitive, warring tribes, meat is
saved for the hunters and warriors to increase their ability and aggressiveness. Similarly, many
football and other sport coaches also claim that red meat tends to aid aggressiveness.
Because the high carb diet makes you retain more fluid, a feeling of bloatedness may persist
after meals. This will also serve to slow you down and land you on the couch instead of in the
gym where you belong.
HISTORY OF BODYBUILDING DIETS 21