(The mistress in the basement)
The relationship between fasting and strength seems to be an issue that has been coming up a lot in the comments on this blog.
So here’s something to think about:
I’ve been following Eat Stop Eat for over three years.
I am significantly stronger than a lot of on-line fitness personalities who do not fast.
And, there are on-line fitness personalities who don’t fast who are also significantly stronger than me.
So really, comparing me to other people (or vice-versa) is pretty pointless….
(Just like how comparing yourself to anyone on-line is pointless)
But here’s something very important to consider: I’m significantly stronger now than I was three years ago.
In other words, I’ve become stronger while fasting once or twice a week for the last three years.
Did fasting make me stronger? I highly doubt it. In fact, I’m pretty sure I owe any strength gains I’ve received in that last little while to a well planned workout protocol.
But I know one thing: fasting didn’t suck all of the strength out of my body…
Bottom line: if your strength is suffering don’t look to your diet, look to your workout.
BP
PS – If you are looking for a more ‘research heavy’ explanation of fasting and strength you can find it in chapters 9 and 11 of Eat Stop Eat
