In a message dated 7/11/03 8:37:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> You can't
> get enough energy before running into the protein ceiling.
>

This was certainly my experience.  For instance, after work, I would plan to
go to the gym.  But since I hadn't eaten since lunch, I would need a pre-gym
snack.  I would have a few bites of lean turkey.  Result -- exhaustion at the
gym ie NO energy.  Then I thought, well, maybe I should add a teensy amount of
carb such as in half a small plum for example along with the lean turkey.
Result -- exhaustion at the gym ie NO energy.  Then I began NEEDING very strong
black coffee to get through a workout -- not a particularly healthy idea.  I
have no problem with using small amounts of caffeine in the form of tea or
normal strenght coffee to enhance a workout -- but I think that there is a problem
with one's diet if caffeine is a necessity for getting through a workout.  I
mistakenly thought that on a high lean protein, lower fat, low carb diet, my
excess body fat would serve as sufficient energy and I would feel great.  This
did not happen.  I need to really eat more fat and this enables me to feel very
energetic.  The problem is trying to strike a balance so that I eat adequate
fat for energy and well being, yet not so much that I am taking in so much
dietary energy that I do not dip into the 10 pounds of extra lard coating my
thighs.