Episode #124: What Would Happen If You Didn’t Eat Any Carbohydrates?

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In this December 15, 2010 free audio episode: what would happen if you quit eating carbs, how to get rid of that last bit of body fat, hyaluronic acid injections, putting aero bars on a road bike, TFL pain, irritable bowel syndrome in athletes, good sources of research for fitness and nutrition, alpha lipoid acid supplementation, what to do about dry skin from cold weather.

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Featured Topic: What Would Happen If You Didn't Eat Any Carbohydrates?

In this featured topic, I interview Jimmy Moore (pictured right) from the Livin La Vida Low Carb Show! During the interview, Jimmy and I have a very frank discussion about eating a very low carbohydrate diet, and Jimmy answers these questions:

-How did you come to adopt a "low carb" lifestyle, and how do you define that lifestyle?

-How do you eat on a typical day?

-On your show, you have interviewed many well known folks in the health, fitness and nutrition field. Who have been your top 3 most interesting guests, and why?

-For weight loss or health, is there anything wrong with a non low-carb lifestyle such as veganism or vegetarianism, if somebody is still eating protein?

-How big of a problem is heart disease risk among low-carbers? -Aside from listening to your show, what are the best resources, books or videos you'd recommend to people who want to go low carb?

During the interview, Jimmy mentions the book "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes.

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Listener Q&A:

Now offering free 1 month membership to Ben's Body Transformation Club to the best questions!

Justin asks: My question is about losing body fat. I carry my excess in my thighs and in my low abdomen, I'm about 12% body fat and it's all in those areas. How can I get rid of the last bit? I'm a triathlete who finished my first half ironman this past summer, and now in the off season I'm focusing on weights, would starved cardio work every morning if it was say 30 minutes at moderate intensity? I'm not looking to gain cycling fitness doing this.

bigpaully1 asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield how do you feel about hyaluronic acid being injected into a knee to reduce pain in that joint.

Jake asks: does it make sense to add clip on aero bars to a standard road bike? It seems to me that the geometry of the road bike does not lend itself well to being in the aero position, and that riding in the regular drop bars is more efficient. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Mike asks: In your experience with your athletes, has anyone ever complained of TFL pain/syndrome? I've had a few massages, ice, NSAIDSs, A.R.T., Graston, stretching, strengthening, refrained from all running, dry needling, hydrotherapy jets, and witchcraft. And after 7-8 weeks, the pain is no better, just disappeared a few times only to return the next day. No pattern of when it feels better, but it doesn't hurt during any activity except running or 1-leg squats (2-leg squats are 100% pain-free). I'm not a crazy runner, I'm like one of your athletes, just 10-15 hours/week max, and I rarely run more than 30 miles/week. It only bothers me during running (walking sometimes), though it feels worse the next day, and I've only run 2x in the past 3 weeks. Glutes, hammys, and quads are good to go (strong, flexible, rested). Psoas/obliques are a little tight on the injured side.

In my response to Mike, I recommend he try my "Bulletproof Knee" program.

Billy asks: I think I recently developed IBS and I was wondering if you can talk about IBS in athletes. My doctor took blood tests and stool samples (all negative) , and a xray of my abdominal area and the results says I have a large amount of stool present at the time of the xray. I like to note that I do go 1-3 times a day, but most times a don’t feel fully relieved. I’m currently playing around with my diet and hoping that this will help. The doctor thinks I may eat too well and that its causing me to be constipated. I drink lots of water 3 litres a day. I’m adjusting my serving sizes and time between I eat because I tend to eat too much. From all my training, I tend to feel I need to eat a lot in one sitting ( avoiding this now). Do you have any advice?

Here is the link to the parasitic testing from Unikey Health Systems that I recommended for Billy.

Blaine asks:I know that you do a ton of research of various journals and publications in putting together your website and podcasts. I would really like to learn more about exercise science and nutrition and I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions of some good journals or websites to follow or ones that you get the most information from. Also sometimes you mention some of the research studies when answering questions on the podcast. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to site those research studies in the show notes. If it is something that is not that easy to do don’t worry about it, as I know that you already put a lot of work in.

In my response to Billy, I mention Alan Aragon's Research Review, the National Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, PubMed, and the Stone Hearth Newsletters.

Patrick has a call-in question about cold weather, dry skin and lotion. Pete asks: I have a question regarding the R isomer of Alpha-Lipoic Acid. I have heard that R-ALA can be used to improve blood glucose levels and possibly prevent some fat gain by increasing insulin sensitivity. Also, I have heard that the generic Alpha-Lipoic acid is a 50/50 blend of R & S ALA, where the S isomer has no use and can even be harmful. What is your opinion on supplementing with R-ALA to improve insulin sensitivity? Do you think there is any benefit of taking say 150mg of R-ALA vs. 300mg of a standard ALA supplement?

Congratulations to Pete, who wins a free month of Ben's Body Transformation Club for asking the best question!

Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com.

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Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):

Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here.

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