Low-carb/Refeed/Leptin Levels

runner_girl_120
runner_girl_120 Posts: 47
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone familiar with this topic?

Basically, I have been on a high protein/low carb diet for 8 days, where I lost 8 pounds (clearly not all fat). I just did a one day refeed of 4000 CALORIES, as recommended by Lyle McDonald and other various sources to increase my leptin levels and refill my glycogen stores.

Now my question is-this only made me gain 2 pounds, MUCH LESS then I expected to gain from water/glycogen being stored. If I go back to my regular MFP diet now and start running, will my weight start to drop again, or will it continue to increase from eating carbs?

I guess my hope is that after a day of 650grams of carbs, going to about 150grams a day will be a lot less so my body will start to lose weight again.

It should probably be noted that I'm a college runner so once I start running again it will be about 30-40 miles a week, so I also need to be properly fueled before I start doing that again-which is scheduled to be this upcoming monday to be exact.

Replies

  • Raihaanah
    Raihaanah Posts: 121 Member
    I think you should just reread the book. Im reading the book now and just started The Ketogenic Diet, but from LIndora. Today is my third day of Protein. Reread the book, he will tell you what you should do especially since you started with it.
  • runner_girl_120
    runner_girl_120 Posts: 47
    Well maybe I'm dumb because I didn't grasp what I should do next and just want opinions from others with similar experiences.
  • BodybyPlants
    BodybyPlants Posts: 76 Member
    This concept is foreign to me, however, I have taking many BioChemistry classes and Advanced Nutrition classes and I understand by going low carb you are forcing your body to use Ketones to feed vital organs such as the brain (which ONLY use carbs)... Yes your body will have to work harder to convert proteins and fats to feed your body (thus burning more calories) BUT your body's main nutrition source is carbs. Which is why it is the highest percent of what we should eat. The biggest determining factor in weight loss is calorie intake... I would personally focus on a balanced diet of healthy fats, carbs, and protein and make sure you calorie intake gives you a small deficit and you will see your weight go down... Because as a runner it is important to fuel your body correctly...... PLUS diets are not the way to go --- You want to make a lifestyle change and these so called "diets" are not sustainable for the rest of your life... Sorry for being so preachy but I know a lot about this stuff and the harm you can do to your body...
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    Anyone familiar with this topic?

    Basically, I have been on a high protein/low carb diet for 8 days, where I lost 8 pounds (clearly not all fat). I just did a one day refeed of 4000 CALORIES, as recommended by Lyle McDonald and other various sources to increase my leptin levels and refill my glycogen stores.

    Now my question is-this only made me gain 2 pounds, MUCH LESS then I expected to gain from water/glycogen being stored. If I go back to my regular MFP diet now and start running, will my weight start to drop again, or will it continue to increase from eating carbs?

    I guess my hope is that after a day of 650grams of carbs, going to about 150grams a day will be a lot less so my body will start to lose weight again.

    It should probably be noted that I'm a college runner so once I start running again it will be about 30-40 miles a week, so I also need to be properly fueled before I start doing that again-which is scheduled to be this upcoming monday to be exact.

    In theory your weight will start to DROP again if your leptin was low and the refeed successfully boosted it. EDIT: However, since you're coming off an RFL I have no idea what your expectations should be. In general though:
    Low leptin--> Weight loss slows/stals ---> Refeed
    >Leptin goes up
    >Weight loss resumes.

    ^ That's my simplified understanding of this.
  • runner_girl_120
    runner_girl_120 Posts: 47
    I appreciate an honest and informational answer!!! :)
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