This is the definitive calisthenics diet guide to a KILLER body.

So if you want to:


  • Gain more muscle.
  • Get below 10% body fat.
  • Discover how you can maintain your results.


Then you’ll love the actionable diet tips in this effective guide.

Let’s dive right in.


Contents

Chapter 1

The secret fatloss formula

Chapter 2

How to use the FREE diet app

Chapter 3

How to stick to your diet forever

Chapter 4

How much muscle you can build naturally

Chapter 5

The 10 best protein sources & 1 powerful supplement

Chapter 6

The most important performance enhancing drink

Chapter 7 

Your daily diet & training plan

Chapter 8

4 effective tips for beginners in 2021

Bonus

Click to download the free ebook

Chapter 1:

The Secret Fat Loss Formula 

 

If you want to get the results through your diet, you need to master one rule:

Manage your energy balance.

When you do, you will finally get the results you've been looking for.

And you'll BURN your fat away.

The question is:

How do you start?

Use the evolution of food and a simple formula in this chapter to discover how you can lose fat and gain muscle. 



The Evolution Of Food


First, you need to understand your history.

Your current diet has not been normal for a long time.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization 39% of adults were overweight in 2016 and that number has gone up.

This is a huge problem, especially in developing countries:

There are even ideas of adding taxes to processed foods:

Why?

So people eat less of it.

In other words:

Your body evolved in a COMPLETELY different world.

(Almost another universe.)

One in which this was normal:


β€’ Hunting and gathering.

β€’ Fasting and feasting.

β€’ Hours of running and walking for small amounts of food.


And now every meal is just one door away.

Safely placed inside a cooling unit (your fridge).

To make things more clear:

Most processed foods have been around less than 10.000 years.

Some foods even less than a few years.



Are processed foods in your diet bad?

No, but they are easier to over consume. 

Because that's what they were designed for.

The result?

More food enters your mouth than you burn.

According to the Journal of Cell Metabolism, people who consume a lot of processed foods eat up to 500 calories more than people who don't. 

In other words that's an increase of about 25%:


 

And it affects your energy balance.

Rather than maintaining your weight:

Or burning fat and losing weight:

This is one of the main reasons why you keep gaining weight:


So what can you do with this information?

And how can you actively change your energy balance?

Let's discover in the next section. 



The Fat Loss Formula


Sounds pretty scientific, right?

Formula.

(And it is.)

Here is the simple science behind weight loss:

calories consumed - calories burned = your energy balance.


After 30+ years of nutrition studies, researchers around the world discovered that the key to weight loss is energy balance. 

The questions is:

Can you stick to it?

First, you need to make it measurable.

The simple calculation

For example, let's say you eat 500 calories of chips. 

And you burn 300 calories during a workout.

That would mean you've consumed 200+ more calories than you've burned and over time you will GAIN weight.

Now the question is, who is going to calculate this for you?

We'll dive into this in the next chapter. 




How To Lose or Gain Weight


Losing or gaining weight is not rocket science.

In fact, it's actually EXTREMELY simple.

As I like to say:

They all work according to energy balance.

So avoid fancy reasons like:


β€’ Slow metabolism

β€’ Big bones

β€’ Hormones


You get the idea, right?

Instead, stick to what science shows:


β€’ Vegans: eat plants to manage your energy balance

β€’ Ketogenic: avoid carbs to manage your energy balance

β€’ Fasting: eat less often to (you know).

β€’ Whole 30: eat unprocessed foods to (the same).

β€’ A new diet: eat .... to (yes, again).


Download the free app

Start tracking yourself for a day.

See what your energy balance is.

Become aware of it.


Here is a word of caution:

people who participate in studies on weight loss underreport up to 70% of their intake.

And often, it's not on purpose.

It's just because they forget or don't measure correctly.


To make things more clear:

If your numbers show you should lose weight, but are not losing weight, you are simply underreporting.

There are no other secret mechanisms.

It's physics. 

Chapter 2:

How To Use The Diet App For Calisthenics


This chapter contains a step-by-step breakdown that you can use to accurately manage your energy balance from scratch...

...or discover why you are not losing or gaining weight.

So if you want actionable tips that you can use in the right way, this chapter is what you are looking for.




Your Weight Goal


This app is a powerful tool to become aware of what you eat.

First, you need to fill in your details by clicking on more:

Then you click on goals:

To get a nice overview of various measurements that you need to set your energy intake:

Next, set your starting weight, weekly goal and activity level:

And you are ready to see your nutrition dashboard:

There are options to check your protein, fat and carbohydrates:

And you can check when you eat the largest part of your calories:

That's how fast you can start building that killer body of yours.

Now, all you need to do is track your food and drinks:

Don't want to document every single day?

Just do it for 1 day.

You will discover why you aren't achieving your goals.

And why some foods are beneficial while others are not.

This will RADICALLY change the way you look at food.

Don't take my word for it, give it a go!



Your Workout Input


How about workouts?

How do you determine how much you burn?

First click on exercise:

Then fill in circuit training:

And fill in the time you have spent doing it:

Which will allow you to cap things off at the end of the day.



Your Energy Balance Results


Numbers don't lie.

That is, if you fill them in correctly.

With green numbers if you stay below your requirements:

Or red numbers if you go above your daily needs:

At the end of the day you can complete your diary:

This is EXTREMELY clear.

Not: "Maybe I ate too much today". 

Not: "Perhaps I'm not losing weight because I ate too little".

Not: "I think I can eat another bag of sweets without gaining weight."


It's literally:

GREEN or RED.

This will make a HUGE difference.

And you might end up enjoying the challenge...

...IF you turn it into a game.  

Now it's one you can win. 

Key Takeaway

Energy balance is the key and every diet that works, does so because it allows the person on that diet to stick to a negative energy balance.


If you know your energy balance, you know whether you are losing or gaining weight.  

That's it.

Chapter 3:

How To Stick To Your Diet Forever

 

You've probably heard the old adage: "I just don't have enough willpower, I need more discipline."

But is that really true?

What I know is that willpower is OVERRATED.

Fortunately, sticking to your diet isn't as hard as you might think.

All you need to do is follow the simple tips in this chapter.




Your Diet Environment


Your house.

Your friends.

Your work.

Your kitchen.


All these factors make up your diet environment.

And you are at the center of it.



The tricky part?

#1 Your environment promotes weight gain.

#2 It's an optimal environment to get fat.

#3 Your willpower is overrated.


In other words:

keep separating 'myth' from 'truth'.

That's comforting isn't it?

It's in your control. 

Or at least the control of you and your environment. 

Key Takeaway

Willpower is overrated. Your diet environment is MORE important. Energy balance is the key.

So how can you change your environment?

Let's discover the 3 tips that will help you stick to your diet forever.



Avoiding = Winning


How do say NO to your favourite piece of chocolate?

(Especially if someone puts it in front of your nose.)

Most of us would lose.

According to the European Journal of Personality, people who are more disciplined, actually experience less temptation.

In other words: they don't use willpower, they avoid temptation.

That's why they can stick to their diet. 

For example, here is why most people eat pie:


It's NOT about discipline, 99% of your 'less useful food choices' are simply because those foods are nearby. 

As it turns out, there is a simple rule:

"If you can see it you will eat it."

So if you want to win, AVOID and keep it out of sight. 

Key Takeaway

Resisting temptation is a LOSING game. 

For example, if you have a box of cookies within arm's reach you will probably eat more cookies than if they are somewhere on the top shelf.


Right now, investigate your kitchen and ask yourself: 

"Are these foods contributing to my goals?"

(Remove everything that does not.)



Supportive Friends 


Having supportive friends is like putting you diet on steroids.

That's because they can motivate and correct you.

For example, people who are told that their friends eat more fruit, will eat up to 25% more of it:

Here is another example, according to the Journal for Social Science and Medicine, people who live closer to a fastfood outlet have a higher BMI than people who don't.

In other words: 

you do what's convenient and what other people do. 


Your friends, family and community influence what you eat. 

And there is a lot of research to back this up...

According to the Food And Quality Preference Journey, people eat based on what their friends think of their food choices even if those choices are worse.

It usually sounds like:

"I'll have what he is having."

Have you heard that before?



Build The Right Habits


The only sustainable way to lose weight by CHANGING your behavior.

Food = eating.

And eating = a behavior. 

In other words:

A list of top 10 foods will not change your behavior. ONLY your habits will. 

So how can you use your environment to make these changes easier?

Here are 3 simple tools to change your environment:

Keep a fruit/veggie bowl within sight


Always make sure you have some fruits or veggies to snack on, while limiting the processed foods (e.g chips, snacks and candy) in your house.

Keep a bowl within reach and within sight. 

You will automatically eat more of it. 

Start with protein


Build each meal with a protein rich source.

Regardless of your dietary choices. 

This increases your level of fullness and will make it easier to lower your energy intake.

You'll learn more about protein in the next chapters.

Get a fixed bed routine of 8 hours


Lack of sleep DESTROYS your diet and results.

You will eat more.

And build less muscle. 

Instead of fighting a losing war, here are some practical instructions to boost your sleep for better results:


β€’ Light exposure: make sure the room you sleep in is completely dark;

β€’ Regularity: go to bed and wake up at the same time;

β€’ Noise: wear earplugs if there is too much noise;

β€’ Reminder: set a sleep timer for when you need to go to bed.


There are a lot more changes.

But these are some of the simple ones.  

Everyone can do it. 

Including you.

 



Play The Long-Term Game


Just GO on a diet and then continue with your life!

It seems simple, doesn't it?

In fact, this is probably how you imagine it:

But what about the after...AFTER?

Here is where you need to start wondering, how you are going to sustain your diet. 

That way, you can avoid the same mistake 100.000+ people before you have made. 

Here is a simple lesson:

Create a diet you think you can stick to for the coming 10 years. 


If it feels like something you can maintain for less than...

...a day...

...a week...

....a month, STOP immediately. 


Here is why:

A quick fix will give you quick results.

But those results don't last long.

Even worse...

...ever heard of the reboud effect?

For example, look at what happens after you return from your crash diet:


A lifestyle will give you less impressive initial results. 

But those result can actually be maintained by you.

For example, look at how weight is maintained after after:


Here is another good reason:

Every failed diet attempt leads to a linear increase in weight.

In other words:

Going on a diet is not a risk-free activity.

Here is a simple chart of how failing leads to increases in weight:


Quick results are nice.

But real results are lasting. 

Here is what you need to learn:

First, learn to take small steps.

Then, continue.

Because any big goal is the result of patiently taking small steps.

How does that work?

Here is a simple calculation:

β€’ If you improve 1% each day for the coming 365 days, you will be 3700% better at the end of the year. 

β€’ If you decline 1% each day for the coming 365 days, you will be 99,97% worse at the end of the year.

Improving 3700% in one day might seem impossible.

But 1% each day is something anyone can do.

Here is a powerful lesson:

"You will overestimate what you can do in 1 day, but underestimate what you can do in 1 year."


What is the smallest possible step you can take today to improve your nutrition now?

With that, it's time for chapter 4...


Chapter 4:

How Much Muscle You Can Build Naturally?

 

The amount of muscle you expect to build naturally is probably UNREALISTIC. 

In my experience, knowing what you can expect is EXTREMELY important.

(And in some cases, perhaps disappointing.)

That's because you are influenced by Photoshop and people who are using substances that will harm you health long-term. And if you choose that route, you'll pay a price. 

That's the honest truth. 

With that in mind, here are simple tactics that you can use to determine your muscular potential.

 




Your Genetics


According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people with larger bones have more muscle.

Higher levels of testosterone.

And gain muscle faster when they train.


The two best indicators of your overall bone structure are: 

β€’  the circumferences of you wrist;

β€’  and ankles.


In other words: people with wider wrists and ankles tend to be more muscular. 


So how can you calculate your muscular potential?

And how much muscle can you possibly build with calisthenics?


The Natural Muscular Potential Calculator

There are more formulas out there than ants on this planet. 

But the one created by Casey and Butt is based on drug-free bodybuilders and considered to be the most accurate. 

You now know your genetic potential.

So, what's next?



How Fast Can You Gain Muscle?


Of course the next question would be:

"How fast?"

Here is a useful guideline based on expert and strength researcher Alan Aragon:

Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Beginner: 


You are training less than 1 year and are eating effectively. Rate of muscle gain in men: 1-1.5% of total body weight per month

Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Intermediate: 


You are training about 2 years and are eating effectively. Rate of muscle gain in men: 0.5-1% total body weight per month


Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Advanced:


You are training more than 2 years and are eating effectively. Rate of muscle gain in men: 0.5-0.75% total body weight per month.


For example, let's say you weigh 70 kilograms. 

You can gain between 0.7-1.05 kilograms per month as a male.

In other words:

gaining muscle will be the easiest as a beginner.  

As you've probably seen with experienced people:

For every additional step of muscle growth, you will have to put in more effort. 

Unfortunately, that's because you have a limit to what is naturally possible. 

And I should point out:

The numbers above, assume that you are doing everything perfectly:


β€’ Training.

β€’ Resting. 

β€’ And eating. 


So, effective meal plans are SUPER important. 

Especially, if you want to gain muscle fast. 

Keep reading. 


Chapter 5: 

The 10 Best Proteins & 1 Powerful Supplement


In this chapter I’m going to share a list of 10 nutrient packed proteins to boost the results of your training. 

Including:

How much protein you will get per 100 grams. 

What additional micronutrients you will get. 

And what supplement about 50% of people need, ESPECIALLY when they start working out. 




The 10 Best Protein Sources


According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, protein is the MOST important macronutrient to build your body.

ALWAYS build your meals with a source of protein.

That way, your muscles are stimulated for:

recovery and construction.

And you will be able to better manage your appetite. 

Here is list of the 10 best protein sources:

Beef Liver


100 gram contains = 29.1 grams of protein.

634% of the RDA for Vitamin A

1176% of the RDA for B12

And rich in minerals such as: zinc, copper & selenium. 

 Chicken liver


100 grams contains = 25.8 grams of protein

288% of the RDA for Vitamin A

352% of the RDA for B12

And rich in minerals such as: phosphorus, selenium and iron.

Sockeye salmon


100 grams = 21.9 grams of protein

130% of the RDA for Vitamin B12

43% of the RDA for selenium

And is probably on of the few sustainable sources of fish because they get caught at the end of their life cycle. 


Cottage cheese

100 grams = 28.0 grams of protein

24% of the RDA for Vitamin B12

14% of the RDA for calcium

And rich in nutrients such as: selenium, folate and phosphorus.

Eggs 


100 grams = 12.6 grams of protein

12% of the RDA for Vitamin A

19% of the RDA for B12

And rich in: selenium, phosphorus and folate.

Lentils 


100 grams = 9.0 grams of protein

32% of the fibre RDA

45% of the folate RDA

And rich in: iron and manganese.

Oats


100 gram = 16.9 grams of protein

66% of the fibre RDA

383% of the RDA for manganese

Rich in minerals such as: magnesium and zinc.

Oxtail


100 grams = 8.0 grams of protein

Small amounts of trace minerals, but the major reason to consume oxtail is because it contains nutrients such as:

glutamine, glucosamine and collagen which aids in the reduction of inflammation and joint pain.

Oysters


100 grams = 9.4 grams of protein

267% of the RDA for Vitamin B12

111% of the RDA for zinc

110% of the RDA for selenium

And additional nutrients such as: copper, manganese, vitamin C and iron.

Protein Powder


100 grams of whey protein = 71.4 grams of protein

100 grams of hemp protein = 45 grams of protein

Depending on what kind of protein source you choose the amount of protein and how the protein is used in the body can be very different.


  

50% Of People Need This Supplement


A supplement isn't just a random pill that you throw into your body. 

In fact, a supplement can have a HUGE effect on your performance. 

Including your calisthenics workout. 

With that in mind, your main goal should ALWAYS be to get your nutrition from real foods. 

However, in some cases this is a tricky game.

For example, according to the Journal of Nutrients, about 50 percent of people are deficient in magnesium.


Because of a variety of reasons such as:

  • increased stress
  • and soil quality.


Even though magnesium can be important for:

  • performance
  • recovery and sleep
  • mental health


Outside of your regular nutrition magnesium should be a priority. 

How much should you take?

Supplement Explainer

400mg daily of 'chelated magnesium' (glycinate)


Option 1: 200mg after waking up and 200mg prior to sleeping

Option 2: 400mg prior to sleeping


Dosages might differ depending on your deficiency.

DO NOT take oxide or citrate.

These are the most commonly used cheap versions that are less effective. 

The Nutrition System 

The ultimate diet plan by the Bar Brothers For Calisthenics Beginners


Whether it's your priority or not, if you want results you want to make sure your nutrition the BEST it can be. 

(The best moment to start was yesterday.)

Remember:

The goals you have will only become reality if you change your diet environment and find support. 

And once you've done that, you'll be unstoppable.

This is covered in the Nutrition System by the official Bar Brothers.


 

Chapter 6:

The Most Important Performance Enhancing Drink

 

SUPER athletes NEVER underestimate the basics. 

They don't just focus on supplements, they focus on what is really important… and spend most of their time prioritising those things.

(Or as one wise man once told me: "You've never mastered the basics.")

And in this chapter you will discover the most important performance enhancing drink. 

Check it out!



The Power Of Water


Here is a shocking fact:

Just a 2% loss of your body weight in water can ALREADY affect your performance.

Take a look at the 3 major risk factors below:

To make it more clear:

you need to prioritise your hydration if you train hard and are exposed to a hot/humid environment.

For example, if you weigh 70 kilograms.

2% is less than 2 liters.

And you can lose between 0.5-2.0 liters per hour.

Just look at how insignificant 2% is:

In other words:

You can become hypohydrated quickly.

Which is a fancy way of saying:

"Drinking too little water."


Even more interesting, according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, water is the most important substance to increase your performance.

Here is why:

β€’  75% of your body is water.

β€’  Every vital organ relies on water. 

β€’  Your muscles need water to function properly.

β€’  Joints and tissues use water as a lubricant.


That's why you DON'T want to forget it!



How To Drink More Water?


Most people put zero effort into buying a good bottle for water.

And it's a big mistake. 

Why?

Remember the importance of availability?

If it's not there you will not use it. 

You will forget it. 

With that, here is a simple habit to make sure you drink 0.5 to 2 liters of water during your training:

Key Takeaway

Get yourself a 1.5-2 liter metal bottle (avoid plastic completely).

Fill it with water and make sure it's empty at the end of your training. 


Don't like the taste?

Instead of buying fancy water, just add some cucumber, lemon or sliced orange to your water.


It will taste just as good. 

That way you SAVE money and stay hydrated. 

Chapter 7:

The Daily Diet And Training Schedule

 

In this chapter, I’m going to show you EXACTLY how to make your daily schedule.

So if you want to know:


When to eat?

When to train?

And how to schedule your day like a pro?


Then this chapter is a MUST-READ.



  

Your Schedule


This is a general daily blueprint. 

(Just so you have an idea.)

Check out the following schedule with an evening workout:

8:00- 12:00


First Meal:

Step 1 - Wake up (+ cold shower)

Step 2 - Drink 0.5-1 liters of water

Step 3 - Build a meal with 1 first of protein (see 10 protein sources).

Step 4 - Add 2 hands with fruits and/or veggies.

Step 5 - Drink coffee or tea to suppress your appetite. 

Optionally start eating at 12 if you want to lose weight.

12:00 - 17:00


First/Second Meal:

Step 1 - Drink water if you feel thirst. 

Step 2 - Build a meal with 1 first of protein (see 10 protein sources).

Step 3 - Add 2 hands with fruits and/or veggies.

Step 4 - Drink coffee or tea to suppress your appetite.

17:00 - 18:15


Pre Workout:

Step 1 - Drink water when you feel thirst.

Step 2 - Workout with on of the routines.


Post Workout:

Step 3 - Build a meal with 1 first of protein (see 10 protein sources).

Step 4 - Add 2 hands with veggies.

Step 5 - Add 1 fist of potatoes/rich 

Step 6 - Drink tea and avoid coffee completely after 13:00.

20:00 -


Final Meal:

Step 1 - Drink water when you feel thirst.

Step 2 - Eat 1 more hand of fruit/veggies.

Step 3 - Supplement with magnesium (see dosages).

Step 4 - Go to bed when your bed timer goes off.

Step 5 - Repeat the next day.


Bottom line?

Use this plan and customise it. 

The best plan is the one YOU can STICK to. 


Chapter 8:

4 Effective Diet Tips For Calisthenics Beginners In 2021

 

Effective tips are always one way to SUPERCHARGE your results.

Here are 4 more tips to:


Build more muscle

Burn more fat

And transform yourself in less than 1 year.


Question is:

what are these tips?

Well, that’s exactly what I plan to cover in this chapter.



  

Supercharge Your Results


First, learn about the 3 fundamental rules for muscle growth.

And dive deeper into the 30 most nutrient dense foods.

For example, this overview quickly shows you the score for animal-based protein sources:

If that gets you excited, find out how you can optimize your protein intake for 100% muscle construction.

Then check the 9 magical tips to stay lean during the holidays.

Because most people gain weight during the holiday period:

That's it.

All the additional tips.

Pretty helpful to know, right?



  

The Calisthenics Diet For A Killer Body

 

Building the body of your dreams. 

Losing fat.

Gaining muscle.

You need to know what works for you. 

And everything can, IF you stick to the fundamentals:

Working out.

Energy balance.

Diet environment.

And habits.

 

Unfortunately your environment is working against you. 

The world is changing faster than your body can keep up with.

Cookies, chocolate bars or hamburgers are all around you.

But they will NOT get you the body of your dreams.

 

In other words:

It's not going to be a walk in the park.

But if you use these tips, you will transform:

What you eat. How much you eat. And why you eat. 

FOREVER. 

 

*Fist Bump*

 

Now I’d like to hear from you:

What calisthenics diet tips are you going to use today?

Or maybe you have a question.

Either way, leave a quick comment below right now.


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  1. Hi Rich,

    This program is very interesting to me so I would like to give it a try. There are just few things I am not sure about. My job requires me sometimes to do nightshifts. Basically it means for me to wake up the first day before the night shift around 8am. Then I spend the whole day and night awake and I get do bed around 7:30 of the next day. So I am roughly almost 24 hours awake and then I sleep till noon probably. If I understand the program correctly than if I set up eating window lets say from 12:30pm till 8:30pm it should not be a problem for me to eat lets say half an hour after waking up (becouse there will be a fast gap from 20:30 pm till 12:30 pm of the next day). Is this understanding correct? Thank you for your time.

    Best regards,

    Josef Soukup

      1. I have a question similar to that I do work night 4pm to 4am. Could I have my window be from 2 am to 4pm? Or something like 4pm to 12am? I train when wake which is between noon and 1pm. Thanks

        1. Hey Mike,

          Definitely, just keep in mind that nightshift work has a big effect on overall ‘circadian rhythms’. Which in turn has a big effect on hunger, satiety, fatloss and muscle.

          As the blog indicates, IF is a tool that allows you to spontaneously reduce your energy intake because you are decreasing your eating opportunities, which in turn results in fatloss and eventually when combined with proper resistance training to a ‘certain physique’.

          Ultimately it’s about doing what works for you.

          *Fist bump*

  2. Hi, I had a hernia problem because of overweight and that ended with surgery. Guys please educate yourself so you can prevent surgery or worsening of health. I’m definitely going to try this nutrition program, thanks for such detailed article and for sharing these useful information’s!

  3. Hi , that’s a great post right here . Im willing to try this method but I just have one question : if I wanted to lean out a bit and put on a few pounds at the same time during a few months , would I need to eat more calories than I burn ? Or the opposite ? Because I guess that I could still put on muscle on a calorie deficit as my testosterone gets higher right ? Hormones are more important than macros and calories , correct me if Im right ?
    Thank you so much !

    1. Hey Simon,

      Great question!

      To gain weight you need to be in a surplus, to gain muscle, not perse, BUT it’s easier to gain muscle when you are in a surplus.

      The major factor here is protein intake. It’s a combination of factors, both are important ;). The easiest way to gain muscle is when you are consuming enough protein and are in a slight caloric surplus, but if you want to gain lean muscle, being in a slight deficit or cycling your caloric balance might be more useful.

      You can write a book about it basically, so it’s very difficult to completely answer your question in 1 comment. But general rule of thumb, to gain muscle be in a surplus and consume enough protein while of course increasing the training intensity over time.

      I’ve written a post about this:

      http://www.barbrothersgroningen.com/muscle-growth-calisthenics/

      Enjoy the read and keep up the good work.

      Beast mode ON!

  4. Hej Rich,
    that was an interesting read. However I need to comment on it – since my day is quite busy at work I usually wake up at 6:30-7. According to your 8h window I would have to stop eating at 14:30-15:00 which doesn’t make any sense to me. What do you think about that?
    Also if I do calisthenic I usually need a lot of energy and not having my oatmeal breakfast would result in light head and lack of Potassium which usually leads to pretty bad nausea…
    Cheers,
    Rob

    1. Hey Rob,

      Great question.

      As noted, you can use IF as a tool to get into a deficit in addition to benefitting from certain hormonal responses, but ultimately it is a tool.

      You can shift the 8 hour window forward or backward to meet your requirements or you can stick to an eating window that starts at 12:00.

      If you feel you lack certain nutrients or don’t adapt, perhaps IF isn’t the right tool for you. Overall caloric restriction is the goal.

      Read more here: http://www.barbrothersgroningen.com/calisthenics-meal-plan/

      Beast mode ON!

  5. Hey guys! I’m just gonna ask what’s the best diet to eat if you wanna be ripped and lean but is cheap. I’m having a hard time losing weight i’ve upped my routine especially when it comes cardio to burn more fat but i think my diet of everyday rice is not really helping. Can I get an advise about this issue thaaaaaaaaanks πŸ™‚

  6. Sup gents,

    First off, I wanted to mention that I appreciate the very helpful advice and the referenced studies in the reading sections.

    But I am a bit confused, does this schedule call for 2 workout sessions?
    If so, what should the first and second one consist of? Is there a benefit for types of workout sessions during those times if I were to follow this same exact method?

    Thanks for your time.

  7. Hey Rich,

    First of all, you’re a rockstar.
    Secondly, just wanted to ask a quick question on the schedule of the fasting diet w/ the bar brothers work out. I work daily from roughly 7:30-4 and life being as crazy as it is I never have time to work out in the afternoons.

    As far as following the 16/8 diet and the workout program, would this be a reasonable schedule:

    4:30/5ish: Wake Up
    5:30 – 6:30: Bar Brothers workout of the day
    11:00: Meal one
    2:00: Meal two
    6:00: Meal three
    7:30: Meal four/snack

    I know everyone and their mothers in the fitness industry have their own own opinions and such on diet, but one of the common things I’ve heard is that if you don’t eat some kind of protein (even a simple protein drink) within 30 minutes after your workout it does more harm and actually lessens the muscle gain. What are your opinions there? Am I going to be alright working out with that big of a gap between the first meal?

    Appreciate everything you do man.
    Thank you!

      1. Hi Rich.

        I’m just getting myself into calisthenics and dieting and going through the same issue – up at 05:00, working out before work and then fasting until 12:00. Am i totally drained by midday. Should I be eating within an hour after workout?

        1. Hey Martin,

          Keep in mind that the fasting is ‘a tool to get into a caloric deficit’ but it is by NO MEANS the only tool which you can use. Look at it as if you are building a house, in some cases a hammer would be useful in others a screwdriver. Ultimately it depends on how well a tool suits you and on what kind of house you want to build.

          If you feel totally drained, skip the fasting and stick to the other basics, eating adequate protein, fibre etc. Fast on days that allow you to, and see what happens.

          *Fist bump*

    1. Hi Rich

      Outstanding workπŸ‘Š

      My circumstances and busy schedule is similar to Taylor. Can you forward your reply email to me.

      Much appreciated and keep up the good work.

      Gav

      1. Hey Gavin,

        Great question and thank you for your comment!

        Total protein intake and quality are more important than timing. Just like total training volume is more important then when you train.

        First stick to your recommended total protein intake, read this post: http://www.barbrothersgroningen.com/bar-brothers-diet-protein/

        Once that’s in check you can focus on the details and apply more of an individualised approach. You can read more about it on the website. Consider IF a tool in your toolbox, you can use it if it fits with you.

        For a list of protein sources read this post: http://www.barbrothersgroningen.com/nutrition-calisthenics-meals/

        Any questions? Leave a comment!

        Keep up the good work!

        *Fist bump*

        Rich

  8. Hey – I currently have 2tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 1/2tsp of baking soda in a glass of water in the morning for increased insulin sensitivity and to act as a buffer for lactic acid. I also have some black coffee as a pre-workout boost, however the coffee and the vinegar have a small amount of calories. Wouldn’t this take me out of a fasted state for my training?

    1. Hey Tom,

      Anything containing calories, breaks your fast.

      But coffee does have many other benefits which still allow you to have many of the benefits of a fast in addition to being an appetite suppressant which is beneficial to getting into a caloric deficit.

      Keep up the good work.

      *Fist bump*

      1. Thanks for the reply.

        I usually do high intensity cycling as a warmup before I do calisthenics. Both are done having abstained from food for ~16 hours with the only calories coming from coffee and apple cider vinegar. I usually have my protein shake and meals after finishing training. Since the fast is already broken when I have the coffee, do you think it would be beneficial to drink a protein shake (or some carbs) beforehand?

        1. Hey Tom,

          Ultimately it depends on your goal. Do you want to lose weight. Fasting is an effective way to get into a caloric deficit.

          But the underlying principle for every diet is a caloric deficit regardless of the timing/macros.

          So if it makes you feel better and allows you to still hit your caloric target, it’s definitely an option to use.

          *Fist bump*

  9. Hey Rich,
    I’m thinking of starting calisthenics. But I have a query, can I eat breakfast? As in the morning I feel so hungry. Is it would be right if I do breakfast?

    1. Hey Yash,

      Of course you can, IF is just a tool which you can use if you prefer. If you like breakfast, have breakfast ;).

      Ultimately losing weight is determined by your caloric balance, nothing more nothing less.

      *Fist bump*

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Calisthenics for beginners.



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