opinions of the 40/40/20 diet

shadowcomplex

I know most experts here favour the lower carb approach utilising fruits and veg as your main carb sources but I was wondering what yer opinion of the 40/40/20 diet is, its basically 40% carbs 40% protein and 20% fats and its usually split into 6 meals a day

Amtmann

In my opinion those ratios aren't too bad. I think the fat is a bit low and the protein a wee bit high. But that's just my opinion.

Very roughly, I eat 60/30/10 fats/protein/carbs and find it very achievable, tasty and sustainable.

EileenG

It's an excellent bulking diet for anyone trying to put on weight, particularly if they are lifting heavy at the same time.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the six meals a day thing, unless you are diabetic or are trying to bulk and need to eat lots of meals in order to get in enough food. For most people, it just means eating even when you are not hungry.

El_Dangeroso

Are you sure it's 40% protein? I know Barry Sears' Zone diet is 40:40:20 fat:carb : protein.

40% protein is a little too high, unless I suppose you were eating at a relatively large caloric deficit, and burning a lot of fat ergo the 'real' ratio of fat would be much higher.

What would a typical day's food like? Food quality is way more important than any macronutrient ratios.

EileenG

Yes, 40/40/20 is very popular with the bodybuilders, and usually involves a lot of chicken breast, tuna, egg white and whey supplements, as well as brown rice and sweet potatoes.