A twist on fasted exercise for maximizing fat loss and minimizing workout time
or
how to burn more fat while you sleep
Exercising on an empty stomach is a great way to force your body to burn its own stored energy. I like the stubborn fat protocol in which about ten minute of a high intensity interval segment is done in order to use up glycogen and thus release fatty acids from the fat cells. The high intensity intervals are then followed by a slower paced segment of anywhere from thirty to sixty minute in order to burn some of those fatty acids. I usually do these kinds of workouts first thing in the morning before eating anything. I may drink a mug of plain black coffee for a little caffeine boost. Of course I will drink plenty of water.
The main drawback to this kind of workout is that it takes a long time. Another drawback is that many people may not have the time or the inclination to workout first thing in the morning. There is a way around these drawbacks.
Fasting provokes the same hormonal response that exercising of the correct duration and intensity does. Namely, insulin levels drop and growth hormone levels rise. That is the required state for fat burning. My protocol for people who want to maximize fat burning while minimizing time spent exercising is the following:
1) Eat a nice big lunch.
2) After work, do a HIGH intensity interval workout. Ten to twenty minutes will suffice. I usually go until my pace during the intense efforts drops through a floor.
3) After the workout, take a shower, drink some water and go to bed. Do not eat anything. This is the early part of the fasting period. You will sleep through most of the fast and your hormonal state will be primed for maximum fat burning while you sleep.
4) In the morning eat breakfast or not. It depends on how long you want your fast to go. Definitely eat lunch. A twenty four hour fast is plenty long enough.
In essence, the evening HII workout makes you release stored fat for supper. Then you eat the released fat for supper all night long while you sleep. And, the night’s sleep becomes the long slower paced workout segment of the aforementioned stubborn fat protocol. How cool is that?