Fat For Fuel

Fat For Fuel explores the “Mitochondrial Metabolic Therapy” program, which offers a revolutionary approach to diets by promoting a high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carb diet, all while highlighting the importance of fasting and the role of nutrition in fighting diseases.

Mitochondria are “the powerhouse of the cell,” as you might remember from biology class. The human body hosts millions of billions (!) of cells. Therefore, mitochondria account for 10% of our body weight! When they break down, we get ill. That’s why it’s essential that we take good care of them. How? By adopting the right diet and lifestyle.

The author swears by an adequate-protein, low-carb, high-fat diet that focuses on two pillars: eating fewer calories and getting the exact right amount of protein. So eat less in general, but make sure you get the right amount of protein.

Intermittent fasting can help you reduce calories. It implies restricting your eating window to a certain time frame every day, then fasting for the rest of it, and keeping on repeating this cycle.

But what should you eat in your non-fasting hours? The author suggests opting for a plant-based diet with a high fat intake from seeds, avocados, nuts, and other good sources. He also suggests introducing occasional animal proteins in your diet and focusing more on what feels good for your body. There is no right way or a one-size-fits-all diet for each and every one of us.

According to the book, too much protein can activate our mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), which stands in the way of our body cleaning its own debris and toxins from cells. In other words, we don’t want to activate the mTOR, yet too much protein or carbs can do so. So, what’s the right amount? According to the book, it’s about 0.5 grams of protein for every kilogram of lean body mass. Your lean body mass is about 80% of the total. So, multiply your weight by 0.8 and that by 0.5, and you have your daily grams of protein! For example, if you’re 55 kilos, you’ll multiply 0.8 with that and get a value of 44. That’s your lean body mass! Now, your protein intake should be 0.5 for each lean body mass kg. So that would be 22 grams of protein for a 55 kg person with a body fat level of 14%. I know it sounds a bit complex. But once you start thinking about it, it gets easier and makes a lot of sense. Another crucial aspect is to focus on nutrients, rather than calories. Make sure to introduce a lot of fat in your diet. But have it come from good sources, like plants, seeds, and occasional animal…