The Mind Muscle Connection

A Tool To Measure How Stressful Your Fat Loss Phase Is | Ep 765

Jeff Hoehn

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0:00 | 34:14

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!

Fat loss requires a calorie deficit, but there is a point where low energy availability can start creating more stress on the body. In this episode, I break down how to estimate the stress of a fat loss phase using the energy availability equation and what it can tell you about whether you may be under fueling.

I also explain the limitations of this equation, why body fat levels and individual differences matter, and the signs to look for when a deficit may be too aggressive. I cover how low energy availability impacts recovery, hormones, training performance, and why spending time outside of a deficit is important for long term progress.

If you've wondered whether your fat loss phase is too stressful or when to take a break, this episode will help you know what to look for. 

Let's talk about:

  • Body Recomp Workshop
  • What Is Energy Availability?
  • How to Calculate Energy Availability
  • Energy Availability Examples
  • Understanding Fat Free Mass
  • How Low Energy Availability Impacts the Body
  • When Problems Start to Show Up
  • Why Women May Be More Sensitive to Low Energy Availability
  • Early Adaptations to Low Energy Availability
  • Long Term Effects of Staying Too Low
  • Why You Need Time Outside of a Deficit
  • Limitations of the Energy Availability Equation
  • Tracking Exercise and Calorie Estimate Errors
  • Why Body Fat Levels Matter
  • Other Factors That Impact Your Response
  • Markers to Look at During Fat Loss
  • Using Blood Work to Assess Low Energy Availability
  • When Low Energy Availability Becomes a Problem
  • How to Increase Energy Availability
  • Diet Breaks, Refeeds, and Building Phases
  • How Carbohydrates Can Help During Fat Loss
  • Final Takeaways on Energy Availability


Body Recomp Workshop Replay: HERE

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