What if there was a way to do intermittent fasting that not only helps your weight loss but also builds muscle? Enter anabolic fasting, a game-changing approach that’s taking the health and fitness world by storm which I use for my weight loss programs in Toronto.
Unlike traditional intermittent fasting methods, anabolic fasting aims to boost your metabolism and help you burn fat while preserving muscle.
Why is preserving muscle important? As we age, we naturally lose muscle. Then add on months or years of unhealthy approaches for weight loss, that even accelerates muscle loss. Maintaining and ideally increasing muscle mass is the biggest predictor of healthy aging.
Also by increasing muscle mass it stimulates your metabolism so your body starts to burn more calories whereas when you lose muscle your body is burning less calories for every pound of muscle you lose.
What do you think is going to make maintaining your weight loss easier in the long run? That’s right, building muscle mass after a period of fat burn is going to make maintaining your weight loss so much easier. You are literally burning more calories while you sleep.
Curious to know more? Stick around as we delve into what makes anabolic fasting unique and who stands to benefit the most from it.
What is Anabolic Intermittent Fasting?
Anabolic intermittent fasting is not your run-of-the-mill fasting regimen. It’s a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds: the fat-burning benefits of fasting and the muscle-building advantages of anabolic eating. But how does it work?
The Science Behind It
The idea is to cycle between periods of fasting and eating, much like intermittent fasting. However, the twist here is the focus on anabolic foods during the eating window. These are foods that help you build muscle, like lean proteins and complex carbs. The goal is to increase metabolism and optimize your body’s ability to burn fat and help achieve healthy weight loss.
The Anabolic Edge
What sets anabolic fasting apart is its focus on preserving muscle mass. Traditional intermittent fasting methods can lead to muscle loss, but anabolic fasting aims to prevent that. By carefully selecting what you eat during your eating windows, you can maintain your muscle.
In a nutshell, anabolic fasting is designed to give you the fat loss benefits of fasting without the muscle loss. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but in this case, the cake is probably a protein shake.
Who Should Try Anabolic Intermittent Fasting?
Anabolic fasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s particularly beneficial for certain groups of people.
Athletes and Bodybuilders
If you’re an athlete or bodybuilder, anabolic fasting can be a game-changer. The approach helps maintain muscle mass while shedding fat, making it ideal for those looking to optimize their physique.
Busy Professionals
Don’t have time for complex meal plans? Anabolic fasting simplifies your eating schedule, making it easier to stick to a regimen even with a hectic lifestyle.
Those Looking to Improve Metabolism
If you’ve hit a plateau in your weight loss journey, anabolic fasting can give you the boost you need. By cycling between fasting and anabolic eating, you can kickstart your metabolism and break through the stall.
Individuals with Controlled Medical Conditions
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new diet, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Anabolic fasting can be beneficial but should be done under supervision by a health professional.
How Does Anabolic Fasting Work?
So you’re intrigued by anabolic intermittent fasting and you’re wondering how to get started. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and break it down step by step.
The Fasting Window
First up is the fasting window. This is the time frame where you abstain from all caloric intake. Common intermittent fasting windows range from 16 to 20 hours, depending on your comfort level and lifestyle.
During this time, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Water, herbal teas, and black coffee are your best friends. They not only keep you hydrated but also help suppress hunger pangs that might creep in.
The Eating Window
Next, we have the eating window. This is when you get to eat, but it’s not a free-for-all. The foods you choose here will determine how effective your anabolic fasting will be. Opt for foods that are high in protein and low in carbs. This will help you build muscle and burn fat more efficiently. Foods like lean meats, fish, and legumes are excellent choices.
What to Eat
During your eating window, you’ll want to focus on foods that help you achieve your anabolic goals. Think lean meats like chicken and turkey, fish like salmon and tuna, and plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. Variety of proteins is key.
These foods not only provide the protein needed for muscle growth but also come packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.
Lots of veggies as well. In order to support detox, fat burn and muscle maintenance/growth your body needs all its essential micronutrients and phytonutrients. You can do this by making sure you are eating a variety of colours of the veggies and fruit, think of it as eating from the rainbow.
It’s a win-win for your body and your fitness goals.
What to Avoid
Now, let’s talk about what to steer clear of. Sugary snacks, processed foods, and high-carb items are a no-go. These can spike your blood sugar levels and mess with your metabolism, derailing your anabolic intermittent fasting efforts.
Instead, opt for whole, unprocessed foods that are low in sugar and high in nutrients. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and your metabolism humming along making weight loss journey much easier to stick with.
Exercise Timing
Exercise plays a crucial role in the success of your anabolic intermittent fasting regimen. The timing of your workouts can make or break your results.
Aim to work out with resistance training just before your eating window opens. When you do resistance training you are breaking down your muscles which sounds terrible but that is a good stress on the body because the message to the body is that it needs to build even stronger muscles. It will start repairing and building muscle right after the workout, and it needs the building blocks to increase muscle mass which come from our food. So working out before you eat takes advantage of the natural anabolic state your body enters post-workout, allowing you to maximize muscle growth and fat loss.
By following these guidelines, you’re setting yourself up for success in your anabolic intermittent fasting journey achieving sustainable weight loss results.
My Forever Slim and Strong Program™ and Anabolic Fasting
So you’re all set to try anabolic intermittent fasting, but what if you could give it an extra boost? That’s where my weight loss program comes in. My Forever Slim and Strong Program™ incorporates intermittent fasting regimens like anabolic fasting. This is designed to target fast fat loss while preserving and growing muscle mass which is the definition of healthy and sustainable weight loss results. This Toronto based weight loss program also cycles between periods of time focused on intensive Fat Burn to reduce body fat significantly while preserving muscle followed by a phase of intensive Muscle Build to focus on building even more muscle
The Forever Slim and Strong™ Advantage
The Forever Slim and Strong™ approach focuses on low-glycemic foods and natural dietary supplements that aid in blood sugar stabilization and fat metabolism. When combined with anabolic intermittent fasting, Forever Slim and Strong™ can enhance your results, making your body more efficient at converting stored fat into energy.
A Comprehensive Approach
What sets Forever Slim and Strong™ apart is its holistic approach. The program includes dietary and behavioral modification guidance, ensuring that you’re not just losing weight but also maintaining muscle and adopting a healthier sustainable lifestyle. By integrating this anabolic intermittent fasting regimen, you’re taking a comprehensive approach to health and weight loss.
Make the Change Today
Anabolic fasting offers a unique blend of fat loss and muscle gain, making it a compelling choice for those looking to optimize their physique and achieve their weight loss goals. When you follow the additional principles in my program to the mix, you’re not just doubling down on your efforts; you’re setting the stage for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Ready to seize this opportunity? Click here to book an assessment call with Dr Sher to see learn more and kickstart your transformation.