Intermittent Fasting: Bodybuilding

 

Serge Nubret
Serge Nubret

Those who regularly read my blog know I’ve become a big fan of intermittent fasting as a way to lose fat and stay lean.  One of the questions/concerns some have is whether or not this form of diet can work for building muscle (bodybuilding).

You need look no further than the late, great Surge Nubret (aka “the black panther”) for your answer.  I believe he has one of the most muscular, aesthetically pleasing physiques of all time.

He usually skipped breakfast and just ate two meals a day.  He ate a lot of lean meat and beans/lentils, emphasizing the quality of his diet over the number of meals per day.

High quality food and a slight calorie deficit kept him within “striking distance” of his competition shape all the time–this despite eating large meals.

I’ll repeat something I’ve said before: I’m not sure intermittent fasting is ideal for a skinny guy trying to put on his first 10-15 lb. of muscle.  But I think most of us will find it is a great way to maintain a low body fat level and continue making slow, steady progress in strength and size.

 

 

Eat Stop Eat Optimized Review (Brad Pilon)

A couple of days ago I re-read the Optimized e-book you can opt to buy when you order Eat Stop Eat (5th Edition).

I’m always amazed by the side-by-side pictures of Brad Pilon that appear in this book:

Brad Pilon

The first picture (left) was taken when he was fully following the “bodybuilding lifestyle”–eating very high amounts of protein, taking several supplements, planning every meal, etc.  The second photo (right) was taken in 2012.  He got in this shape by eating about half that amount of protein*, training 2-4 times a week, and fasting 1-2 times a week.

I am particularly interested in learning to stay strong and lean while living a more “normal” lifestyle.  I don’t mind watching what I eat, but I don’t want to obsess over every meal (or workout, for that matter).  This is one reason I’m so impressed with Pilon’s work.

This eBook also gives you a lot of practical tips he uses to stay in good shape year-round (how to accurately measure body fat, etc).

I’d highly recommend you invest in Eat Stop Eat Optimized if you decide to buy this product.  You may want to read my Eat Stop Eat Review for more information.

 

*Check out How Much Protein for more info on Pilon’s excellent book covering nutrition.