Q: Bethany asked: I am doing the EODD and have a couple of questions. I enjoy running, but find that my energy has been really low and my runs are suffering. My normal runs are 3 miles. I run 2-3 times a week outside, plus do indoor treadmill or elliptical high intensity 35-50 minute workouts the other 2-3 times a week. I try and get 4-5 high intensity cardio days in a week. I know that you recommend walking and your shorter 9-15 minute protocol, but I really enjoy my workouts and I would rather run than walk. I am working on decreasing my run time for my 3 miles and 5K races. I am also finishing a 3 day body split training cycle and then plan on starting your 7MM in 4 weeks. Do you have any suggestions on what I could do to increase my energy? Should I time my cardio/weights at a certain time? I am currently on the lifestyle phase 1 plan. I find on the second burn day I am very hungry, even with the extra apples and protein. I typically burn 400-500 calories during cardio and around 200 calories during my weight sessions according to my heart rate monitor. I am currently 5’4” and 141 pounds with a body fat around 27% according to my accumeasure caliper.

I also want to let you know that I first heard about you through Scott Tousigant’s 21 day program. You were my favorite audio. I love your personality, what you had to say and how you said it. I have also signed up for your M-Power audio series and look forward to completing that.

Thank you!

Bethany

A: Hi Bethany!

Very kind of you to say. I’m really excited to hear about your progress with M-Power Audio, so keep me posted.

These are great questions, all of which are predicated on the fact that you are far more active than the average person. Kudos for that. While I personally do not enjoy running, I highly recommend people find what THEY enjoy, and since you enjoy it, let’s figure out the best way to make it work with EODD.

Just so you know, 7 Minute Muscle will be the IDEAL weight training protocol for you as it will be far less taxing on your nervous system. You will have more energy for your running for sure.

As for EODD: You simply need more calories, not more “carbs” per-se. A few more carbs will not hurt and may be easily burned off during your runs, but I would suggest two things specifically:

1. Organically processed Coconut Oil. Spectrum makes a good brand. Coconut oil is next to miraculous in my opinion. The structure of the fat makes it very easy on the body to process and use for fuel rather than storage. In fact, studies show that 1-2 tablespoons per day of coconut oil in place of starchy carbs burns far more bodyfat. Same calories, more fat-burning power. How is that for cool?

Coconut oil also gives you a tremendous amount of energy. So let’s start by adding two tablespoons of coconut oil per day to your Burn Days. Your Feed Days… you’re probably okay there, but you can include a tablespoon and see what happens. (Hint: If you eat this with your apple prior to your Feed Meal, you’ll eat far less and be equally satisfied. That means faster weight loss.)

Use it to cook your veggies with. Yum. ; )

2. Add Quinoa as a grain to your evening meals when you run. This is not actually a grain — it’s a berry disguising itself as a grain, and it’s good stuff. Mixed with veggies it will be a wonderful addition to your carb intake.

You can get both Quinoa and coconut oil at any Whole Foods store.

Let’s start there and see how you do.

[ jB ]