My Journey from 250 to 170 and Back: The Carb Revelation That Changed Everything
Malek Banoun
My Journey from 250 to 170 and Back: The Carb Revelation That Changed Everything
Okay, imagine this: A while back, I was a pretty big guy, tipping the scales at 250 pounds. Then, through a journey of dedication, I shed all that extra weight, shrinking down to a lean 170. Fast forward to today, and I'm sitting comfortably between 195 and 200 pounds. It's been a ride, and along the way, I've uncovered some pretty powerful secrets about how our bodies work, especially when it comes to weight.
The biggest revelation? Carbs are king when it comes to gaining weight. Seriously, whether I was looking to pack on muscle or shed pounds, carbs were the dial I turned. Think about it: rice, pasta, even certain breads (though you gotta be careful with the quality there), tortillas, dairy, and those protein shakes – they're all fueling your body. While protein and fats definitely play their part, and my intake of those generally stayed pretty consistent, it was the carbs that truly helped me move the needle.
Let me tell you, when I was on that mission to get down to 170, my protein intake hovered around 170 or 180 grams. The rule of thumb I learned? Aim for your desired body weight in protein. But when I was in full bulk mode, building myself back up, that protein only jumped to about 225 grams. That might not sound like a huge leap, but that 30-40 gram difference was impactful.
Now, here's where the carb story gets wild. When I was bulking, I was consuming a staggering 500 to 700 grams of carbs a day! If you've ever tracked your macros, you know that's a lot of food. My mornings often started with a mountain of oatmeal. Lunch would sometimes be two big pints of milk, and I actually steered clear of sandwiches because they just didn't pack enough carb punch for my goals.
Dinner was a whole other adventure. I'd whip up massive plates of pasta, often with some meat and meatballs thrown in for good measure. And it wasn't just one plate. I'd finish a huge serving, let it digest for half an hour, and then come back for a second plate! It felt like a full-time job.
Here's the truth about both bulking and cutting: it's uncomfortable. You're asking your body to do something it's not used to. You're trying to change. And just like any big change in life, you've got to change your ways to get there. The first two or three weeks? They're going to be tough. You'll feel it. It will be hard.
But stick with it. Because after that initial hump, things start to smooth out. Not perfectly smooth, but smoother. And then, you'll start to see progress. That's where the enjoyment kicks in. That's where the motivation truly blossoms.
So, whether you're struggling to gain weight or to lose it, take a good, hard look at your carb intake. You might be having a little too much, or a little too little. Protein and fats are crucial, of course, but it's the carbs that truly fluctuate the weight. Remember that. Carbs are the key to shifting the scales.
Thanks for reading and remember consistency is key
Have more questions?
Want access to a progress tracking, macro tracking, habit building training app?