Intermittent Fasting and Muscle Retention

LondonIron · Post by **LondonIron** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 2:30 am

Is 16/8 viable for a cutting phase without losing significant strength?

MuscleYankee24 · Post by **MuscleYankee24** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 3:05 am

I do it every year. The key is getting all your protein in those 8 hours.

TitanStates91 · Post by **TitanStates91** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 3:40 am

I find I lift better in a fasted state, oddly enough.

GarageLifter303 · Post by **GarageLifter303** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 4:50 am

Muscle protein synthesis is optimized with 4-5 meals. 16/8 limits that.

BigRepNation88 · Post by **BigRepNation88** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 5:45 am

It's just a tool for calorie management. No magic here.

LondonIron · Post by **LondonIron** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 6:25 am

Do you take BCAAs while fasting?

MuscleYankee24 · Post by **MuscleYankee24** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 6:50 am

BCAAs have calories and spike insulin. Breaks the fast.

GarageLifter303 · Post by **GarageLifter303** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 7:35 am

Black coffee is the only way.

TitanStates91 · Post by **TitanStates91** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 8:10 am

And lots of water.

LondonIron · Post by **LondonIron** » Mon Jan 26, 2026 8:45 am

I might try it for two weeks and see how the gym performance goes.