In his latest video, fitness YouTuber Aseel Soueid takes viewers through an average day in his life, and explains that for the last 3 years, he has been using intermittent fasting while building and maintaining muscle, only eating 2 meals each day within a specific window of time. “Back in the day it used to be very hard for me to get lean and drop to under 10 percent body fat, simply because of one problem… Appetite control,” he says.
Aseel wakes up every morning at 7 a.m., but won’t eat until 12 to 1 p.m. To get through the morning, he recommends drinking plenty of water, along with your caffeinated beverage of choice, which will provide energy as well as helping to suppress your appetite.
Once it’s time to eat his first meal, Aseel goes big: egg whites with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes, and oatmeal with strawberries, blueberries, yogurt and a scoop of whey protein, coming to 815 calories and 77 grams of protein.
“These are going to be 2 big meals because you’re restricting your calories, you’re getting your whole caloric intake in 2 meals,” he says. “And I fasted through the entire morning; it’s OK to have a bigger meal to really make sure you really stay full throughout the day when you’re breaking your fast.”
“It’s got to be very high in protein, moderate carbs, and low fat,” he continues. “This ensures the entire calories are as low as possible, but it’s also as filling as possible.” He also advises eating mostly whole foods with high volume for this first meal, and then waiting 1 or 2 hours to work out, so your energy levels are at their highest. “I don’t recommend you train before your first meal of the day,” he adds. “You’re going to ramp up your appetite post-workout, even if you’re training when you wake up, and you’re probably not going to get your best lift.”
Aseel aims to consume around 2,400 calories per day, and gives himself the freedom to choose when and how he allocates them. “When you’re super hungry after a workout and you’re sitting down for that second meal, have yourself an appetizer of 400 calories let’s say, then 30 minutes later you’ll suppress your appetite a little bit so you don’t over-eat when you get your huge meal. Then I go ahead and order myself anything from 900 to 1,100 calories.”
Super-restrictive dieting is one of the reasons that so many people struggle to maintain their nutrition alongside their training when trying to cut weight, and so even though he’s only having 2 meals a day, Aseel allows himself to eat out with friends. His second meal in the video consists of kebabs, steak, rice, and vegetables, with a glass of red wine.
“I have been using this strategy and eating principle for the last 3 years to get shredded, and it has never failed me,” he says. Even if I’m trying to maintain my physique or lean bulk, this has worked tremendously to make it a lifestyle, and not only make progress, but super enjoyable to stay consistent.”
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