The (Not So) Fast Track

Feeling like me again. No Strep, no fever. Mild state of ketosis – I’m on day three of intermittent fasting. Experimenting a little with kicking my fuel source from carbohydrates to fat, despite the mountain of classic literature on the subject. Well, I haven’t come across anything particularly bashing the work of doctors like Peter Attia and Dom D’Agostino, but it seems to me that carbs as fuel is etched in stone. I’m in no way challenging that stance – I’m simply subjecting myself to an experiment.

Sitting here, listening to Hank Mobley’s “No Room for Squares” album (earbuds) while everyone sleeps, silicon molds between my toes (it’s all about re-establishing the long-lost splay), I am completely full and comfortable. In 14 hours, when it’s time to eat again, I may be a different person, especially considering I have Strength & Conditioning at 8 a.m. Training on a fast is not conventional, but it’s also not unheard of. When you complete a muscle endurance assessment and come in below average in an area, however, you’ve got to take measures to mitigate the catabolic (breaking down) effect that exercise has on the muscles. Considering I cannot take a protein shake after the workout (training ends at 9 a.m. and my first meal is eaten at noon), I will have to take HMB (hydroxy methylbutyrate) before the workout and two hours after. This essentially delays the breakdown just enough for me to have a protein shake and a king’s meal at noon.

Sound crazy to you? You’re not alone. But still, I’d rather find out on my own how I react to it. It’s been done before, so I’m not super worried. I’m actually very curious and excited. What’s the point of all this? Well, I’ve read about and listened to the health benefits of intermittent fasting and finally decided to give it a try. The impetus was when one of my most level-headed, prudent Muay Thai coaches announced he was going to try it out. He works out at night, so I’ve added the edgy “training on a fast” component myself. I’m so glad there is decent coffee and sushi available on campus to serve as the icing on my feast. You might just catch me on Rockville campus pouring some MCT oil into my coffee, eating a shrimp tempura roll with my hands. I will say, having a 10-hour block in which to take in all my food for the day has really made me conscious of what I’m putting into my body; it’s incredible. I haven’t had ice cream for a few days now, and I feel good. I actually don’t mind reading the sign on my fridge that says “abs are made in the kitchen” anymore. I no longer open it with my eyes closed 😉 What cool life hacks are you all engaged in or thinking about trying? Have you or do you fast regularly? Have you tried any unconventional training methods? I know many of you are in better shape than I am (I see you), and I’d love to hear what you do to maintain that bod.