Gain muscle while losing body fat

[Dom]

Is it possible to lose body fat and gain muscle at the same time?

On other forums I have heard this is possible. But surely losing body fat requires a drop in calories while increasing muscle mass requires an increase in calories - something that is impossible to do at the same time.

So what is the right way to do this? Also if the two aren't possible at the same time, which should I focus on first, losing fat or building muscle?

Thanks,

Dom

[Lee]

Hi Dom,

You really need to vary your goals as it is impossible to ADD muscle mass while LOSING body fat. The reason? Adding muscle mass requires the body to be in an anabolic state (taking in more calories than it expends) whole losing body fat reqires the body to be in a catabolic state (take in less calories than the body uses - means tapping into body fat for fuel).

So, I suggest you tailor your training to your actual goal in a given period. e.g. Aim to lose body fat for 6 weeks, then flip your training and diet to try to add muscle mass without adding the lost fat back on. It will be a little bit of tweaking as you go but use this tip to help.

DIET TIP: Aim to eat the major of your daily carbohydrate intake around your workout - pre and post workout. This will fuel your workout and re-fuel your muscles after exercise without allowing excess carbs to turn into body fat.