Can you build lean muscle without carbs??

[highaltitudebc]

I have heard you need carbs to build muscle. Just wondering if this is true or not? I know you need about 1.5 grams of protein per pound of weight. Can having too much protein make you gain fat? Can you build lean muscle with little or no carbs?
I am a neebie but i would think the importance of carbs would be to fuel your muscles for when you workout. I have heard so many mixed opinions on this and would appreciate some clarification as to what is true and what is not. Thanks ...:D

[TT Eric]

Pretty hard to grow without insulin and carbs raise insulin.

Read the article Prae posted not long ago : http://www.canadabodybuilding.com/showthread.php?27635-Harness-the-power-of-insulin!

Eric

[highaltitudebc]

Thanks Eric i will check it out.

[Delt King]

Carbs properly timed is.the key

[Praetorian]

You are not building any significant muscle without carbs period!

As DK said its all about carb timing and nutrient partitioning.
P

[tt_tom]

I don't think it's possible to build any muscle without carbs. It never works. Proper timing is also important. And i don't think you would get fat with too much protein.

[Sean Summers]

I'm pretty sure you can but it's very crazy. I'll scan in the article I have for you Prae and send it out ASAP. You'll like it! :excited

[Praetorian]

Well maybe we should clarify things a bit...people ask can you lose fat and build muscle at the same time...scientifically the answer is yes, they ask can you build muscle without carbs...scientifically the answer is yes. Now lets ask the question "how much" or "optimally and efficiently" then the answer both scientifically and anecdotal is a resounding no! So if the question pertains to absolutes then the answer is yes and that is where everything goes wrong for people who are asking these questions. So if we are really intent on building maximum muscle in the most efficient manner possible we should choose that method that does that...ie using carbs. That is the problem when people ask these types of questions...they are not being specific enough and or dont really understand what it is they are asking.

P

[LondonMuscle]

Ya you can build muscle without carbs but as many ppl mentioned above, carbs do produce an insulin response and insulin, especially post workout, increases protein synthesis rates.

That being said, there was a study done looking at protein synthesis rates pwo with either 30g or 90g of carbs consumed and the insulin response was the same, so you dont need to an absolutely crazy intake to capitalize on this. Secondly, your carb intake should correlate with your current bodyfat percentages. If you are sitting at 20%+ bf, then id keep the carbs to a minimum until you get yourself down to a reasonable range. The leaner you get, the more carbs you can/should have.