Jrod,
Thanks for the response.
Your current diet looks roughly 39-58-3 and 6 weeks ago 41-51-8.
My carbs are about the same (40%), but protein is lower (250g) and fats much higher (25-30%). I thought this would give me sufficient protein while controling insulin and fat gain (to some extent) on a clean bulk. Problem is - I don't look like you.
You really seem to favor protein into a range where most naturals don't go, and fats are amazingly low. I would really like to know what led you to this approach, or if you found it by trial and error to just be what works for you (and it obviously does!)
Aside from being influenced by certain articles and people (skip lacour, jeff willet, etc.) that advocate high protein, I have found over the years that there is a correlation between my protein intake and rate at which I improve. Of course, I am still learning what is best for my body, but I have noticed that I make better gains off season and hold on to more muscle pre contest when I keep my protein intake very high.
As for fats, in order to lower calories, i must reduce either carbs, protein, or fat. Since i want my protein intake to be high, i usually reduce protein least, and reduce most from fat and carbs. This is what, so far, I have found works for ME.
Is your energy level and sex drive (not to go to far here) generally good - I have heard that extremely low fat diets can lower test levels.
Also about high protein - good story about you and your mate eating 300g of protein powder in the gym parking lot!
remember, the above diet is pre contest; i eat more fats off season. I think EFA are necessary and good for growth, however, my main concern when getting ready for a show is conditioning (gaining muscle is done in the off season and once dieting starts, that is what i have to work with). Furthermore, I doubt i will go lower than above in terms of fat, so the ratios you calculated will change as i drop carbs (and a bit of protein towards the end).
Regarding energy levels, i do start to feel more tired and have a harder time getting through workouts as i get closer to the show (due to lack of calories), but this is inevitable. Like i said, my main concern is getting lean; and if that means i have to suffer a bit, so be it (its only for a few weeks a year, anyways).
Finally, regarding my sex drive, even when dieting my sex drive is good (if not annoying). Genetics, age, personality, who knows, but i do not have a problem with sex drive, despite the fact that I too have heard that low fat diets affect testosterone levels. Remember, I eat less calories and low fats FOR PRE CONTEST, NOT YEAR ROUND; so, if you are NOT getting ready for a show, I would suggest a more reasonable level of fats and calories.