Fasting is one of the most misunderstood tools in nutrition.

People “out there” talk about it like it’s a moral test.
As if the goal is to endure hunger long enough to earn metabolic salvation.

Physiologically, fasting is not a diet per say, it is a metabolic stressor.

A useful one, for sure, but only when placed correctly.

When you remove food, you amplify signaling:

• catecholamines rise
• fat oxidation increases
• AMPK activity shifts
• insulin dynamics change

That’s the upside.

The downside is that the same signal amplification also magnifies everything else.

Low protein? Louder.
Poor sleep? Louder.
High training stress? Louder.
Psychological rigidity? Deafening.

This is why fasting works beautifully for some people and absolutely detonates others.

It’s not about toughness.
It’s about context of how much stress is already on your system to start.

When fasting is layered after protein adequacy, after recovery capacity is understood, after the system is stable, it becomes a scalpel.

When it’s used first as the “be all and end all” it’s a sledgehammer bringing with it a ton of extra stress.

The Flex Diet treats fasting like every other intervention:
something you use, remove, reintroduce, and adjust based on feedback.

No identity.
No dogma.
No “white knuckle Olympics” needed.

Just physiology behaving exactly as expected once you understand it and learn how to correctly apply it for better body composition, more muscle and improved performance.

Full details below:

​https://miket.me/fdc​

Much love and met flex,
Dr Mike

PS: Here's what Tim Vagen said:

“After 40 years in the fitness industry, I’ve come across and taken many certifications.

Most of these certifications offered were just another revenue stream for an individual or organization without much behind them.

When I came across the Flex Diet Certification, my original thoughts were just the same.

But to be fair, I thought I would investigate as a Dr. Mike had a great reputation. When I looked into the course, I immediately saw how it could help me personally, help my clients, and help my students to become more knowledgeable regarding nutrition and its effect on physiology.

Having the right key for the right lock is very important and the Flex Diet course was put together with an ease of use with great science behind it.

I wish I had this information when I was competing.

I highly recommend this course to anyone who eats and all my athletes.” –Elite Coach Tim Vagen MS, CSCS, FMS, CSPS

Wow, high praise indeed.

​https://miket.me/fdc​

____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag
​​Mike T Nelson is a Ph.D. and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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