Dr. Phil Maffetone: Are You a Fat Burner? How To Assess

This episode is brought to you by Cool Fat Burner, the world's first brown-fat calorie-burning cooling vest that can boost metabolism by 300%, burning over 250 calories an hour at higher intensities, as well as help build muscle, aid in recovery, promote overall wellness and allow for a good night's sleep. EP fans 10% off the purchase of a CFB with the code "EndurancePlanet" here.       On this show, with Dr. Phil Maffetone: Part 1: Best of 2015 Our top shows from 2015 (by the download #s): 1. With Tim Noakes on Hydration2. With McDougall/Walters on Natural Born Heroes3. On Healthy Training and MAF Training for Master's; close behind was our last 'Grab Bag' Show post-IMAZ. Part 2: Are you a fat burner? We analyze these 10 variables that could tell you more about your fat-burning: Metabolic lab testing. Get a test in lab that measures crossover point. Arguably the most accurate way to figure out if you’re a fat burner during exercise, if you have the means and desire. MAF pace. If it’s easy for you to hold MAF without HR spiking to your threshold or above. Measure ketones post exercise. Options would be at-home measuring devices for blood, breath, or urine. Blood test. For these purposes what more can we learn from fasting glucose, HbA1c, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, etc. Blood glucose monitoring. Generally avoiding big spikes or prolonged elevated blood glucose post meal, and big crashes or hypoglycemia. Field "Bonk Test."Build up to a 2hr aerobic run, or 2-3hr aerobic bike done in a fasted or semi-fasted (fat as fuel) state with no bonk and no post-workout “hangry” effect. To verify: test ketones, self-monitor energy and hunger for rest of day should be normal, and monitor fatigue/recovery. Body fat testing! If you’re over an ideal BF range there’s a good chance you’re fat burning isn’t working optimally. Also where do you hold BF? This dives deep into what’s really going on with health and could be one clue into deeper issues (i.e. you eat for fat-adaptation, low carb, etc, yet you’re still fatter than you should be). Steady energy. Monitor hunger and energy levels - you should not be getting hangry or feel major food-related energy fluctuations. Fat burners have steady energy most the time. This is independent of exercise. Calories. You must be eating quality calories, good fats, fewer carbs and avoid a low-cal diet. Once you are great a fat burning you will find that your calorie needs may be less at times. Intermittent fasting (IF). If you are in good health and hormones in a good place, try intermittent fasting: 12-14 hours between dinner and breakfast the next day; 4-6 hours between daily meals.