PSMF, one for the fatties

[hrdgain81]

In my quest to become as lean as possible, I found an interesting concept on Lyle mcdonald's forum. here he talks about the PSMF aproach to fat loss, how and when it should be used.

For me this simply isnt an option. The PSMF method has a huge catabolic effect on the body. But for someone who is not a bodybuilder, and has a large amount of fat on his/her body, this method could be a good starting point.

PSMF: Read this first!!!

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I'm finding that people are totally unclear on what a PSMF actuall is based on the questions they are asking. Please read the following. Then read it again and maybe a third time to make sure you are clear on what it is.

The PSMF is an attempt to maximize fat loss while minimizing body protein loss. Basically they looked at starvation first, which generates scads of fat loss but you lose too much body protein. So someone thought "Hey, what if we just provide protein, we can keep calories ass low, maximize fat loss and hopefully minimize body protein loss." Over time they figured out that 1.5 g/kg lean body mass of protein and NOTHING ELSE (ok, you get some veggies and vitamins/minerals) did this. That is what a PSMF is, 1.5 g/kg lean body mass of protein, some veggies, vit/min supplements and NOTHING ELSE. No fat, no carbs (or as minimal as you can make them).

I have modified this further. Protein is adjusted based on level of leanness and activity. Get you fish oils at 6X1 g/day. But that's it.

As you can see from Lyles explination, it is a protien only diet. It basicly keeps your body at a level just above starving, or at starving. Personally I dont think i could do this for more then a few days.

There is a very long thread on his board (http://158.91.213.178/showthread.php?t=4844&page=1) and if you want more info on it I would go check it out.

[Jeff_Brodsky]

You're right hardgain.. this doesn't sound like a good idea for anyone who wants to be healthy and have a "bodybuilding physique"

IMO - people are always looking for the easy way out... the next atkins fad diet... if it were that easy, everyone would be huge and ripped. There is no substitution for hard work, consistency and patience.

[hrdgain81]

IMO - people are always looking for the easy way out... the next atkins fad diet... if it were that easy, everyone would be huge and ripped. There is no substitution for hard work, consistency and patience.

I completely agree with that statement. but I honestly dont think thats what this is. Shit, starving yourself, or being close to it is no picknick man. Lyle knows his shit, and from what i've read this technique is simply for those extremely overweight, and really dont need to worry about losing hard earned muscle.

i just thought the theory was interesting, and i'm wondering how going into this state of starvation effects insulin resistance, and the amount of ketones released in to the blood. I would assume its freaking drastic, but i would go insane on no carbs after a day or two.

ok, new thread time ... how to spot fad/bullshit diets.

[Jeff_Brodsky]

I see your point.. I'm always leery of any diet that says to leave out any of the 3 macronutrients..

I have heard of another starvation type diet meant to help patients that are morbidly obese to lose weight for surgery.. it involved eating watery soup 3x a day that's it!

back when I competed in powerlifting I followed a no carb diet for 1 week before a meet to make the 220lb class from 232.

I made the weight class but felt like shit... I know I could have lifted more had I done it right..

[ToothHoP]

Lyle knows his shit

For sure dude, this is definitely not one of those fad diets or "lose fat quick" schemes. If you have ever read any of Lyle's books or even been following his posts, he is more than qualified to be an expert on fat loss/muscle gain and even a combination of them both. Lyle knows his shit