Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the differences in the Anabolic Solution for bodybuilders vs powerlifters? As wrestlers we have some concerns from both areas, would one serve our needs better than the other?
Answer: Having been both a competitive wrestler and powerlifter, I would suggest that you buy the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifting as it will suit your purposes better, especially in dropping bodyweight while at the same time maximizing strength, muscle mass and performance. [read more]

Question: What kind of workout routines should I be using to increase growth hormone output?
Answer: As far as the training routine to use to increase GH and to create a favorable anabolic and fat burning environment, most of that is in the Anabolic Solution books where I spell out the diet and supplements to use to accomplish this. [read more]

Question: GEN MX-7 Methoxyflavone: What is your opinion on this product?
Answer: This isoflavone (Methoxyflavone is 5-methyl 7-methoxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen and has weak estrogenic activity. [read more]

Question: You say that you should eat no more than 30 grams of carbs for the first 12 days and then following week days. however I see in some of your sample diets example the 4000 and 4500 strict versions you have a carb value of 50 carbs a day is this a mistake?
Answer: As far as the 30 gram carb limit, it's not written in stone. As you increase your caloric intake, especially at the high end, you can increase the carb intake without causing any problems as far as adapting to the diet. Again, the diet plans at the end of my book are only examples and each person has to find the best carb levels that suits their metabolism. [read more]

Question: I am reading your book the anabolic solution for powerlifters which I find very good. Can you suggest a good weight gaining diet?
Answer: There are a lot of sample diets on the MetabolicDiet.com site. Have a look at http://www.metabolicdiet.com/mdiet_index.htm to see a variety of diets at different calorie levels. [read more]

Question: Im a 42 yr old powerlifter- for my own recreation, I need help choosing which of you books will help me lose 50 lbs of unwanted fat, while maintaining muscle and energy levels.
Answer: The best book for you is the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifting. You'll need to read the whole book first and then make the changes you need to make for your circumstances, especially for dropping that 50 lbs in body fat. [read more]

Question: While sticking to the Anabolic Solution, do you feel it's OK to use LoCarb Sports Bars during the week, 1 or 2 max.?
Answer: The Low Carb bars are fine to use. [read more]

Question: What would a subject do if they had 80 or more pounds to lose? Would they stay on the Radical Diet for the whole 80 pounds?
Answer: The Radical Diet is only meant for a short term rapid weight loss session. Although several people have continued on the diet and done well, I usually recommend that they switch over to the Metabolic Diet, either as in the Metabolic Diet book, or if they're inclined toward increasing muscle mass and getting really buffed, the Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders (or Powerlifters). [read more]

Question: I was wondering if the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters can be used by other athletes too?
Answer: For most athletes, the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters is a better book. [read more]

Question: I have really appreciated the in-depth information provided on the website. The one thing I am very disappointed with is the information provided regarding supplements.
Answer: The Anabolic Solution books and ebooks contain much more information on supplements and how to fit them into the training cycles. I'm also working on doing a detailed information piece on each of the supplements in my lineup. [read more]

Question: I am following the Anabolic Solution. When do I take the Creatine Advantage in relation to my weight workouts and also my off-days (or cardio-only days) and also in relation to meals?
Answer: You can use Creatine Advantage at a number of times and circumstances. If you're loading up by using two doses a day, you can take one dose before and one dose after your weight and cardio workout days, and twice a day on an empty stomach on other days. [read more]

Question: I was wondering which book I should get the anabolic solution for bodybuilders or the metabolic diet. My main hobby is bodybuilding for the last couple years but I haven't given my diet very much thought until recently.
Answer: Your best bet is the Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders. The Anabolic Solution series of books (there are two now with more planned) build on the dietary foundation of the Metabolic diet and provides specific nutrition, training and supplement programs for specific sports, such as bodybuilding. [read more]

Question: I see that you talk about two different types of diets. One for weight loss and one for body building. What would you recommend for someone who wants to do both?
Answer: Your best bet is to get the Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders and use mostly the cutting phase for the weight and fat loss. [read more]

Question: According the your book The Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters, your advice is to take in at least 25 kcla/pound so it means 4500 kcla a day. 30-40% of kcals from protein so it's 330-450 g of protein a day !!! Am I wrong somewhere or should I leave protein at let's say 1g/pound and consume rest of the calories from fat?
Answer: I'd try and hit about 2 grams of protein per pound of weight if you want to maximize muscle mass as you gain weight. Some of the more massive bodybuilders, including Mr Olympia contenders, will go as high as 4 grams per pound of bodyweight when they're bulking up. [read more]

Question: Is there an age that would be considered to be too young to start the Anabolic diet. If so, why? Is the diet either dangerous or ineffective in a prepubescent? Are there any concerns for older men?
Answer: The Metabolic/Anabolic Diet can be used by anyone at any age. Keep in mind that it's my position that you eventually end up with a diet that has the ideal macronutrient mix for you, as well as the lowest level of carbs for optimum functioning. [read more]

Question: I am wondering if you could suggest a good weight gaining diet.
Answer: The best weight gaining diet I've ever seen is the seefood diet. If you see food, you eat it. Unfortunately it's not that simple since unregulated eating usually leads to significant increases in body fat as well as muscle. This is one of the reasons I developed my Metabolic Diet. The Mass Phase of the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters pretty well spells it out for you as far as what to do to put on muscle mass. [read more]

Question: I have both the Metabolic Diet and Anabolic Solution books, and am still a bit confused: Just how much protien should I be eating?
Answer: Some of the information you're looking for is in the Metabolic Diet and Anabolic Solution books you have. On the other hand I don't go into details on exactly how much protein since by following the Metabolic Diet and the nutritional supplement plan as outlined in both books, you won't have to worry about protein intake as it will be more than adequate. [read more]

Question: As a competitive powerlift at the local, state, and national level, which diet plan would be better for me to start with?
Answer: The Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters is definitely the way to go as it covers how to maintain muscle mass while dropping body fat - ie having as much functional muscle mass as possible for whatever weight class you're lifting in. [read more]

Question: Although I do train with weights and do some form of aerobic activity, I would still like to know the best way to train while on the diet. Which book would be best Metabolic Diet or Anabolic Solution???
Answer: The Anabolic Solution series of books are rather activity specific. Right now they include bodybuilding and powerlifting, with other sports such as Olympic lifting, fighting (martial arts, boxing, wrestling, etc.) and endurance events scheduled over the next year or so. The Metabolic Diet, on the other hand is meant for the person who wants to lose weight and stay trim and toned. [read more]

Question: I am 32 years old and probably won't ever compete in a bodybuilding competition. But I want to gain as much lean muscle mass as possible. I am very serious about meeting this goal and am looking for direction. I am looking at The Metabolic Diet book and The Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders book. Which book do you think will better help me?
Answer: I'd recommend the Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders as it's specifically geared for bodybuilders. [read more]

Question: I am writing to say that I have been a long time believer in the Anabolic diet and it's effectiveness. Now that the new Metabolic Diet is out, I am wondering if it is still safe to use the Anabolic, or if I should update to the Metabolic?
Answer: It all depends on your goals. The Anabolic Diet was basically for bodybuilders. As such, if you're into bodybuilding, the upgrade path would be to the Anabolic Solution for Bodybuilders book or ebook. [read more]

Question: I am a professional rugby player who trains hard like a powerlifter in the gym, I would like to put on about 12 lbs, I would like to know which of your books you would recommend to help me do this?
Answer: I would go for the Anabolic Solution for Powerlifters. [read more]

Question: I am in the mass phase, and am wondering what is an acceptable amount of bodyfat to gain compared to the total weight gain. So far I have only added about 1 pound of fat and 4.5 pounds lean mass over 3 weeks, so I am happy with that so far, almost 2 pounds/week added.
Answer: I'm glad you're doing so well on the Metabolic Diet. I think your weight/fat gain ratio goals are very reasonable. [read more]

Question: I’ve a lot of fat to lose so I can compete lean and mean. How long may I stay on the cutting phase before I start seeing diminishing returns?
Answer: As far as the dieting part, you can stay in the Cutting Phase almost indefinitely. However, as far as the training you should vary it more and perhaps oscillate between the Strength and Cutting Phases, varying your calories as described in the Anabolic Solution. [read more]

Question: How did you come to writing the Metabolic Diet?
Answer: When I was a competitive powerlifter (1970-1989) I tried all kinds of different training and eating regimens. Some of these regimens were similar to your hunting, pigging out cycle. In fact I found I made the greatest progress in my muscle mass and strength when I trained very heavy for 4 hours or so only once every seven days. I also found that along with this training I also did best on a 5 day leaning out phase (low carbs) and a two day pig out phase (high carbs) as this allowed my to maximiz [read more]

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Question: I'm 200 lbs., 12% body fat. If I started off with the cutting phase, could I bump my protein to 400-500 grams a day, with the rest calories coming from fat, in an effort to enhanse fat loss?
Answer: I recommend that people keep their up their protein intake as they drop their calories, and in some cases even increase it. The drop in calories comes from dropping dietary fat intake. In the final draft of the Anabolic Solution I mention this in several places. [read more]

Question: Is your anabolic diet better for me as I know the Metabolic diet was written with general public at heart, or is the first assesment phase of both diets basically the same thing?
Answer: Both the Anabolic and Metabolic Diet books are similar with the Anabolic Diet being a much smaller book with very little theory, although slanted toward the serious bodybuilder. [read more]

Question: In your book you recommend having a blood test before going on the diet and then another one further down the line to make sure everthing is fine. What do you recommend I do in terms of frequency of blood tests( ie )do you have to have a blood test done every 6 months to be on the safe side.
Answer: If the initial lab results are OK then every six months would do nicely. If everything is OK in the first few times you could and should have the lab work repeated every year. [read more]

Question: Due to chronic illness & chronic pain from permanent injury, it is essential that I greatly reduce my bodyfat levels. I must develop and maintain a much leaner body. Unfortunately, I continue to fail over and over again (losing weight, and just gaining it back again). An expert in the field of bodybuilding and nutrition recommended I get the book "The Anabolic Diet" by Dr. Mauro DiPasquale. I located your web site, but did not see that book. Then, I noticed another book called: "the Metabolic
Answer: As far as your questions and concerns, the Anabolic Diet and the Metabolic Diet are similar in some ways. Basically the Anabolic Diet, the first book I wrote on macronutrient cycling and published in 1995, is for bodybuilders, and the Metabolic Diet, published in 2000 and the successor of the Anabolic Diet, is for anyone interested in exercise and wanting to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat, but not specifically aimed at bodybuilders. [read more]

Question: Myself and my husband are interested in the Metabolic Diet. My neighbor is on the diet and has lost 13 pounds already in two weeks. I would like to know where I could receive information on this diet.
Answer: There's a lot of information on the Metabolic Diet right on the Metabolic Diet site (www.MetabolicDiet.com). [read more]

Question: I’ve just finished reading the Anabolic Solution. One question though, since I’ve a lot of fat to lose. How long may I stay on the cutting phase before I start seeing diminishing returns?
Answer: You can stay on the cutting phase almost indefinitely. That’s because if the cutting phase is done gradually and methodically so as to minimize the loss of lean body mass, there’s no end to the amount of fat you’ll lose if you stick at it. If it's done properly you can pretty well go down to whatever body fat level you aim for. [read more]

Question: I am going in for surgery for a double hernia behind my belly button. I've been told no "real' exercise for at least 8 weeks, no cardio and no weight training. Please help me with how to keep my weight in check during this time.
Answer: Not doing anything for at least 8 weeks could play havoc with both your fitness and your weight/body fat. You're probably going to have to cut back about 25 percent on your calories, taking it across the board as far as your macronutrient composition. Basically just lessen your portions by 25% and you should be OK. [read more]

Question: I would like to know what the best way is for me to gain weight.
Answer: The best way to gain weight is to simply eat more. And it doesn’t matter what you eat if all you want to do is gain weight. On the other hand if you want to gain mostly muscle and keep fat to a minimum then you need to get the Anabolic Solution. You can order the ebook from www.MetabolicDiet.com. It’ll explain just what you should eat and how much to both gain muscle mass and lose body fat. [read more]

Question: What's the difference between your Anabolic Diet and your Metabolic Diet?
Answer: The Anabolic Diet was the predecessor for the Metabolic Diet and was originally written for competitive bodybuilders so they could get down to very low levels of body fat while at the same time maintaining as much of their muscle mass as possible. I wrote The Metabolic Diet for anyone who exercises and wants to look good and perform better. As such it can be used by everyone from competitive bodybuilders to those who just want to lose some weight and or body fat and just look good, because you [read more]