The AIP diet in bulking and cutting
If you're familiar with the world of sports or fitness, you've likely heard of the terms "bulking" and "cutting." But what do these terms mean, and how can you effectively apply them when following a specific diet to reduce your inflammatory levels? In this blog, we'll explain the terms bulking and cutting and how you can apply them in combination with the Autoimmune Protocol Paleo (AIP) diet.
What is bulking?
Let's start with bulking. Bulking is a term used to build muscle mass and strength. The goal of bulking is to create a calorie surplus, meaning you consume more calories than you burn. The extra calories your body retains are used to build muscles.
What is cutting?
On the other hand, cutting is also known as "losing weight" or "losing fat." Cutting is a process where you attempt to reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass. This involves eating less, putting you below your calorie needs. By maintaining a consistent protein intake, you can lose weight while trying to keep your muscle mass as intact as possible. Be careful that you're not subject to food cravings though. Read about them more in this article.
The AIP diet in combination with bulking and cutting
The Autoimmune Protocol Paleo (AIP) diet focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and, in turn, improving health. By avoiding processed and harmful foods and concentrating on high-quality foods, your body can generate the energy needed to build muscles. These positive factors also influence the formation of particulate matter in baking and roasting. Read here how. This is possible because protein intake is crucial in both bulking and cutting. Proteins, along with water, play a significant role in muscle recovery and growth, and you can find these building blocks in natural, high-quality foods.
AIP lifestyle in combination with bulking and cutting
Apart from nutrition, the AIP lifestyle is also crucial if you want to bulk or cut. Rest and relaxation reduce the production of cortisol, which can help reduce inflammation. Better sleep will ensure that your muscles are more rested, allowing them to grow better. The complete AIP circle, consisting of rest, regularity, and rhythm, must be followed for optimal results. Read more about the importance of sleep and proper nutrition here. Despite the limitations of the AIP diet, you should focus on foods allowed within the AIP diet that are rich in essential nutrients, such as grass-fed meat or wild-caught fish, unprocessed vegetables and fruits, and coconut oil for cooking. Learn more about grass-fed meat and wild-caught fish here.
Different body types
Before you start bulking or cutting, identify your body type among the three categories: ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph. Then, search on Google to calculate your calorie requirements. When bulking, eat +500 calories above your needs, and when cutting, eat -500 calories below your needs. It's also essential to adjust your training schedule when cutting by incorporating more cardio exercises into your routine. Cardio aids in burning those extra calories and supports the fat loss process. The key to bulking or cutting is to do it gradually to optimize results. With the right diet, you'll feel physically and mentally fit for the best outcome.
Bulking and cutting with AIP
Both bulking and cutting are effective strategies to transform your body and achieve your fitness goals. While bulking creates a calorie surplus, cutting creates a calorie deficit, and both require sufficient protein intake to preserve muscle mass. The AIP diet can be adapted to support both approaches. Remember that it's crucial to listen to your body and that results take time. But with the right approach and the AIP diet as a foundation, you can achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you want to learn more about delicious AIP recipes, consider purchasing our recipe book.
