I thought a high protein and fat diet like atkins would work for muscle gains, so how come it doesn't?
I'm confused about fats and carbs. I'm not sure if i should keep my fat and protein high and have a small amount of complex carbs before a workout. If my diet is high fat is that bad if its low carb as well?
These are called diets for a reason people! They are not meant to be followed for the rest of your life - they are fads!!!! Being healthy is a lifelong process that may include making permanent diet changes.
Diets like South Beach and Atkins don't work because they restrict your consumption of nutrients that are vital to normal body function. Carbs are fantastic if you know what kind to eat. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits all very good for you - under no circumstance should they be nixed from a diet. The effect of a high fat diet is common sense. High protein diet, the same as anything else - if you eat too much, you will gain weight. People need to understand that gaining weight and losing weight is ultimately about calories in and calories out. I try to follow a 30, 30, 40 split. 30% of calories from protein and fat and 40% from carbohydrates. This is a pretty standard rule of thumb.