Ways to Increase Your Anabolic State
The anabolic and catabolic states are essential processes your body has to go through to maintain your energy levels. To put it simply, they are the way your body creates, uses, and stores energy.
The catabolic state is when your body breaks down tissue for energy.
The anabolic state is when it builds and repairs muscle.
You need to maintain a delicate balance of health, nutrition, and exercise to extend your anabolic state. If you do get out of balance, the catabolic state will start to break down all the muscle tissue that you worked so hard to gain. Here are a couple natural ways for you to extend your anabolic state and keep those sculpted muscles long after summer has passed.
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Eat within 15 minutes of training
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You’ve just used a large amount of energy and your body needs to make up for it somehow. Timing is key here as you will desperately need something that can replenish your protein and liver glycogen stores. Try having a cup of Greek yogurt if you can’t handle a heavy meal after working out.
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Focus on Compound Exercises
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Squats, deadlifts, pushups, rowing machines, etc. These are all excellent exercises that utilize more than one muscle group. This will trigger an anabolic state that will keep you burning calories for hours after your workout.
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Protein
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Protein is so important for building up your muscles, and it makes you feel fuller for longer! Look into adding more protein into your diet. Protein supplements and powders often have too much sugar or additives; read the nutritional label carefully to see if it really is good for you. When in doubt, eating clean, whole foods is almost always the best way to go.
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Speaking of Clean Eating....
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Eat more green vegetables! Eating greens gives your body a rich supply of nutrients and minerals, which in turn extends the anabolic state.
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Reduce Alcohol Consumption
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Alcohol can greatly hamper your body's ability to process protein. If you are drinking more than once every other weekend, then it can be a huge setback in your anabolic process. Limit your alcohol indulgence to combat the long-term effects it can have on your body.