Hello, it’s Jason Gutsell, The Fasting Coach.
Today, I’m diving into a fascinating evolutionary perspective that might just reshape how you view fasting and performance: The Theory of Simulated Hunting.
The Evolutionary Backdrop
Our ancestors didn’t have the luxury of supermarkets or food delivery apps. They lived in an environment where food was scarce and unpredictable. This scarcity meant that hunting often took place on an empty stomach. Imagine the scenario: a group of early humans, their stomachs growling, setting out in search of their next meal. They needed to be sharp, focused, and physically adept to ensure success.
This evolutionary backdrop gave rise to the theory of simulated hunting. It suggests that our bodies, through millennia of adaptation, might be primed for peak performance during periods of food deprivation.
The Physiology of the “Hunting Mode”
When fasting, several physiological changes occur:
Enhanced Focus and Alertness: Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine increase during fasting, potentially sharpening focus and alertness. This heightened state of awareness would have been crucial for our ancestors as they tracked and hunted prey.
Optimized Energy Utilization: In a fasted state, the body shifts from using glucose to burning stored fat for energy. This metabolic flexibility ensures a steady energy supply, even during prolonged hunting expeditions.
Increased Growth Hormone Production: Fasting can lead to spikes in human growth hormone, which aids in muscle repair and growth. This would have been beneficial for recovery after the physical exertion of hunting.
My Personal Experience with Fasted Training
I’ve always been intrigued by the potential benefits of fasted training. In my own journey, I’ve found that my peak performance often comes after 20 hours and even 36 hours of fasting. I’ve experimented with a mix of high-rep bodyweight exercises and low-rep strength training, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.
A testament to this was last year when I embarked on a 5-day fast. After 120 hours into the fast, I managed to beat my 1RM on the deadlift. I had been grappling with 195kg for weeks, but post-fast, I lifted an astounding 200kg while weighing only 71kg! To put that into perspective, that’s an elite level achievement – ranking in the top 4% globally according to strengthlevel.com in 2022.
In Conclusion
The theory of simulated hunting offers a captivating lens through which we can view fasting and performance. It’s a testament to the incredible adaptability of the human body and how our evolutionary past continues to influence us today. My personal experiences have only solidified my belief in the power of fasting and its potential to unlock peak physical performance.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of tapping into your inner “hunting mode” or have any questions about fasting and performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together.
