Carb Back-Loading Pearls and Criticism

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

CBLCarb Back-Loading Pearls and Criticism

Pearls

Listened to the most recent podcast with Kiefer on the Optimal Health Show with a fantastic summary of Carb Back-Loading and a great discussion on the science behind it with info that wasn’t included in the book itself.

Some of the pearls and nuggets dropped:

  • When keeping insulin at low levels in the first half of the day, this activates the enzyme hormone sensitive lipase in fat cells which allows them to release more fat and deactivates the enzyme lipoprotein lipase which prevents fat cells from storing fat. 
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Cold Thermogenesis in Antarctica

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

Polar plunge 1

One of the traditions for folks traveling to Antarctica is the ‘Polar Plunge’ in which you take a swim in the frigid waters.  That’s me on the left taking part in this tradition… and it only counts if you get your head all the way in the water, which I did.

The water was as cold as you imagine it can be… and it took me a good 15 minutes until I could feel my toes again.

I like this picture because it also shows you what a normal person is wearing. … Read More

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My Carb Back-Loading n=1 Plans

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

CBLCarb Back-Loading Protocol

Carb Back-Loading is John Kiefer’s variation on a targeted ketogenic diet in which a large load of carbs are only eaten after heavy resistance training (optimally in the afternoon).  This theoretically takes advantage of the body’s hormonal and metabolic response to stimulate muscle cell growth while at the same time increasing the breakdown of fat cells.  You can read more about the basics of this approach from my review of the book.

OBJECTIVE:

Burn fat while increasing muscle mass and strength.

METHODS:

  • Adhere to Kiefer’s Carb Back-Loading as much as possible
  • At the same time, use paleo and primal principles (eating whole foods, avoiding wheat products, legumes, vegetable oils, processed foods etc).
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Review: Ketonix Acetone Breathalyzer – Initial Impressions

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

Ketonix

Review: Ketonix Acetone Breathalyzer – Initial Impressions

Just added a new tool to my arsenal.  This new toy was the reason I started looking into the whole ketosis and false positive on alcohol breathalyzer things in the first place.

I first came across this as I was wandering around the reddit/keto page where some folks were discussing this contraption.

The general idea behind why the ketonix would be helpful is this:

  • When entering ketosis, we are encouraging the body to utilize fat as fuel rather than carbohydrate (glycogen and glucose)
  • Fat is broken down into three main ketone bodies which the body then uses for energy
    • Beta-hydroxybutyrate: This is what is detected with blood ketone strips
    • Acetoacetate – This is what is detected with the urine ketone strips
    • Acetone – A break down product of acetoacetate which the body gets rid of via exhalation.  
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Imbibing in the Southernmost Bar in the World – The Vernadsky Research Base

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

Vernadsky

Enjoyed a shot of vodka with the BJJ Cavewife once we reached the southernmost bar on the planet!

This bar is located in the Vernadsky Research Base, a station that Ukraine purchased form the British for the sum of 1 pound located on the Antarctic peninsula.

While I mentioned previously that I rarely drink alcohol, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do so in this special place.  Apparently the vodka is made on-site… from what I don’t know…. and there are two ways to procure it.… Read More

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WARNING: Ketosis Can Trigger False Positives On Breathalyzers

Posted on by BJJ Caveman

DSC04251Apparently the ketones generated while being in ketosis and the acetone being exhaled via the mouth can trigger a false positive on breathalyzer tests!

Came across a few websites discussings this (here, here, here, here, and here).

I wish someone had made this clear to me before I started experimenting with ketosis, especially since I’m often in Los Angeles where they have surprise driving under the infuence stops.

Despite the fact that I very rarely drink alcohol now (because it can screw up fat burning), if I were ever randomly stopped and the officer were so inclined to have me take a breathalyzer test… having a false positive that I didn’t expect would create a whole host of problems.… Read More

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