I started doing Stronglifts on a paleo diet but 1) it was too expensive and 2) I needed the carbs for my lifts. After a point I started stalling on lifts. Now I just eat what I want and getting enough carbs is not a problem. I have to try hard to meet my protein macro. I concentrate on that and fat and carbs just fall into line. Sometimes I need to add whey protein to plain yogurt or a smoothie to hit my protein number.
I'm a lot happier not restricting carbs. Also, I have increased my calories closer to maintenance as I am close to goal and am trying to lose fat. I've been told that maybe having your most carb heavy days coincide with lifting days is a good idea. Lately, I make a pre-workout snack of whole wheat toast, peanut butter and sliced banana. I generally eat lunch right after workouts, too.

myturn15 wrote: »

Thanks Llamapants86. I am only doing strength training at home right now without the correct equipment for SL. I am having a hard time finding the right gym. Once I am fully into routine, I will keep in mind that carbs may need to be higher on the lift days.

Leangains is a great program for that. He suggests a combination of intermittent fasting (10-hour window for women) and lower-carb on rest days.

I'm new to this group and fairly new to SL and really appreciate your question. I like low carb, as well, especially since I have a lot of fat to lose and it helps me with satiety. However, I've had some energy dips the last few days and upped my grams and ate at less of a deficit yesterday. Had a good lifting day today! I've been very snack-y today, but I think that may be related to poor sleep (too humid!).

I'm looking at carbs 20%, protein 25-30%, and fat 45-50%. I use IF for calorie control, as I've never been one to eat in the morning, and lift/workout before eating. Have no idea if the macros/calories will support me better, or not.

I aim for at least 1g protein per lb LBM, so about 85g protein a day. My MFP goal though is just over 100. I try never to go below 85. Sometimes I need a protein shake to meet my goal, but only a couple times a week. I have my macros set at 45% carb, 30% fat, 25% protein. This works for me. I really only concentrate on protein, then rest ends up within 2% over the week naturally. I don't really aim to hit carbs or fat, but I do look at those when I am planning evening snacks. If I have calories left and am higher in fats, I will choose a more carb heavy snack. If I am high on carbs that day, I will have cheese or something higher in fat. If I know I had a high carb day, I will aim to have a lower carb day the next.

I love carbs though, so I never have a problem getting them in :P

Carbs might be a little low at 20% but you can try it and see how you feel. If you find you're lacking energy, sleeping poorly, feeling down in the dumps, etc. up carbs or overall calories (don't know how much you're eating a day).

I calculated protein on IIFYM and it matched to about 25% of my daily calories on MFP. Left fat at 25% and carbs are 50%. I usually go over on fat and protein though a little.

Keeping track of your mood is a really good idea @myturn15. It is something that I think we overlook. I would love to know how you get on.