Ask the Eggology Eggspert: Can You Gain Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time?

Eggology's blog is dedicated to recipes and information about our fresh, pure, liquid egg whites as well as information about health, nutrition, body building and more. From time to time we also feature Ask the Eggspert where we answer your questions! Below isn't a question that anyone submitted to us, but it is a question that many personal trainers hear time and time again so we thought we'd discuss it. If you have question for Ask the Eggspert, whether it be about egg whites or weight training, email us and we will be sure to feature it!

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I recently opened a discussion on Eggology's Facebook page and in Twitter where I pose this question to bodybuilders- Is it possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time? I hear mixed answers when I ask this question. Some experts say yes- and some say no.

Some bodybuilders put themselves through cycles where they spend several months concentrating their efforts on gaining muscle by intense strength training and increasing their daily caloric intake- this is known as the "bulking up phase". Their goal is to increase muscle mass, weight and size. This is often done during the winter or the colder months so the extra weight can easily be concealed. A typical diet during this phase is still healthy and low in fat, but higher in calories, carbs and protein.

The next cycle is putting the body through a period known as "the cutting down phase" where they will change their diet and reduce the amount of carbohydrates and calories- but maintain the same level of protein. They will still do their workouts- but to maintain their strength; not to gain. In addition to strength training they will add in more cardio during their workouts to lose more fat.

What do you think? Please leave your ideas in the comments section and better yet, add to the discussion in Facebook and Twitter!
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