It can be done guys I've dropped 7kg's in 8 weeks. High protein/good fats during the week and then carb load after my Friday night weight session though to Sat night with good quality carbs like pasta, breads, rice. I can even eat yummy stuff like Pizza etc. I eat 6 times a day. It's basically a CKD for shedding/keeping off fat and maintaining muscle (and building in small amounts).
I also to 2x 2-3 hours Ice skating sessions for Ice Hockey which helps with the cardio I guess (I HATE Cardio)
Breakfast - 3-4 eggs scrambled, 3-4 lean peices of bacon
Snack - Protein shake with 30ml flax or a handful of walnuts
Lunch - Chicken or Fish or Meat with steamed vegies and a handful of nuts later
Snack - More Nuts or more meat
Dinner - Chicken or Fish or Meat with a nice salad w/ hard boiled eggs, cheese and lean bacon added (I don't like dressing)
Snack - Nuts, protein bar or anything that fit the model.
On my carb load I'm consuming up to 3000cal of good carbs alone, man it's heaven lol.
I've had my cholesterol checked and it's very good. My digestive system feel really good (less gas etc) and I feel tops, holding less fluid etc.
This is by far the most maintainable eating plan I've ever been on and I'm loosing weigh quite well. Mind you I don't drink anymore though and I avoid sugar full stop so yeah, there are some things that have to give.
Eating plans don't work for everyone though, I've tried a lot and had little success but this works for me.
With regards to fat gain with Protein Bird, check what kind of protein you were using. Was it a mass gainer type high in carbs or a lean type? It's a simple formula - calories in, calories out. If you're smashing the shakes but not using the emery, you're going to gain fat, just not as easily as carbs and fats.