Just a fast delurk... I think the 'rule' that you can't gain muscle and lose fat at the same time is largely applicable to highly trained atheletes and especially body builders. That group for the most part are already eating sufficient protein and are beyond the relatively easy gains that a beginner would see from training. Body builders especially who are interested in large gains of muscle mass expect a lot of fat gain and simply go into a cutting phase before a contest. And yes, I am talking about 'natural' body builders. With chemistry, all sorts of odd things are possible, but they usually follow the same regimen, but using chemical assistance in the gain and cutting phase. For the nonprofessional trainer who starts eating a low carb / higher protein diet I think it is probably typical that they would gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. Many gain muscle without exercise simply eating adequate protein from their new diet. A training regimen which emphasizes muscle gains would certainly enhance this effect of muscle gain and fat loss, especially if they have a substantial amount of body fat. Some training, like intense aerobic activity, is actually quite catabolic and may even result in the loss of muscle. Wade -----Original Message----- >It is very difficult to >add muscle and lose fat at the same time, though some people can. Well, I must be Wonder Woman, 'cuz that's exactly what I did when I was pumping some iron. My best friend back home is adding significant muscle mass while dropping pounds at a wonderful rate. In fact, she's built up enough muscle in some spots that her trainer's changed her routine lest she come out like a pro-football player. And yes, she's eating a low-carb diet. Dori Zook Denver, CO _________________________________________________________________