Ryan,
You kinda answered your own question when you talked about farm work. You weren't running, but you were leaner. Ah, the power of anaerobics! You were essentially doing interval type activities with what was most likely a fairly high density of activity (lots of calories).
Too much aerobic activity tends to dip into protein stores (think muscle) for energy and enzymatic needs because of the high demand for immediate energy beyond what carbs can provide. That one of the reasons marathoners don't carry a lot of muscle (it's also damned inefficient). You also have to look at the post exercise period after rather intense aerobic activity. If you're underfed (think carbs) in the post workout period, you're body would rather give up muscle than body fat (it's protective).
If you're really enjoying the running, shift a bunch of carbs into your a.m. post workout drink. It will impede the catabolic activities associated with the aerobic activity.
Do the same after your second workout and then minimize carbs the rest of the day (mostly veggies).
Dried fruits tend to be calorie dense and your liver only holds about 100 grams of carbs. Once the liver is full, fructose will be converted to triglyceride. Fruit is okay, just watch the amount.
Remember to eat enough to support your activities.
Bill Hartman, HARTMAN Certified
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