Ask The Ripped Dude: Consuming Carbs For Fat Loss Tips

I've graced more than 28 magazine covers in the last 3 years. The global fitness industry has branded me 'The World's Most Ripped Fitness Model.'

Q. I'm trying to lose fat. Do you have any tips for carb intake?

Your understanding of how carbs work and when you should eat them will be fundamental to attaining your low-fat physique. You can definitely keep carbs in your diet and burn that unwanted fat, but you'll need a solid plan. Let's hit the basics first.

Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient. They are your body's preferred energy source, and they're a great source of fuel for any physical activity you might do during the day. But, if you don't use carbs the right way at the right times, they can add an enormous amount of fat to your body.

Here's the right way to eat carbs and stick to your goals:

1

Wakey, Wakey: Eggs and Oatmeal!

It's best to consume carbs in the morning when your body is calorie-deprived from sleeping. Your glucose tolerance is typically at its highest during the morning, so having breakfast with a big portion of your daily carb intake is very important.

Complex, slow-absorbing carbs like oatmeal are great choices for a delicious, nutritious breakfast.

2

Need a Good Finisher? Eat Carbs

It's also a great choice to consume your carbs right after you work out. Your body is ready and primed to suck up the carbs for recovery and energy replenishment.

Fast-absorbing carbs like fruits, fruit juices, and honey contain simple sugars that are great to have roughly 1 hour after you train. If you go by the numbers, I would shoot for 40 to 60 grams of post-workout carbs.

3

Cancel Your Nightly Bowl of Chips

Unless you do a late-night gym session, avoid eating carbs at night. My rule is that, generally, you shouldn't eat carbs after 7 p.m. If you consume carbs when your body isn't doing enough physical activity to burn them, then your body will just store them as fat.

4

Don't Put All Your Carbs In One Basket

Your complex and fibrous carbs like legumes, whole grains, and veggies should be spread out evenly throughout your meals. That means you should eat veggies with all of your meals except breakfast.

Don't eat all of your daily carbs in one sitting. Instead, spread them out over small portions to keep your energy high and your body fueled.

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