Posts tagged anabolic response | XY Files – Veedma's evidence-based men's health articles

Can you build muscle in a calorie deficit? The science of body recomposition

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 29, 2025 · 10 min read

Conventional gym wisdom says you have to choose between bulking up or cutting down. New research on body recomposition suggests you might be able to do both, provided you respect the limits of male physiology. “The idea that you cannot build muscle while losing fat is an outdated binary. The male body is capable of ...

What causes newbie gains? The science behind rapid strength growth

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 23, 2025 · 10 min read

If you are just starting your lifting journey, you are entering a unique biological window where muscle and strength skyrocket. Here is why your body responds so aggressively to iron and how to ride the wave as long as possible. “Think of newbie gains as a ‘software update’ for your muscles. Before you even build ...

How long does it take for creatine to work? A timeline men can actually use

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 20, 2025 · 11 min read

Creatine is not a steroid. It is a performance and muscle-support supplement with a predictable “ramp up” period. Here is what the research says about how long it takes for creatine to work, what you should feel first, and how to dose it like an adult. “Most guys quit creatine too early because they’re looking ...

Low calorie protein shakes: How to keep muscle while cutting fat

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 17, 2025 · 11 min read

Cutting calories usually means losing size, but the right protein strategy can flip the script. Here is the science behind using low calorie protein shakes to burn fat while protecting hard-earned lean mass. “When you are in a calorie deficit, your body looks for energy anywhere it can find it, including your muscle tissue. A ...

The definitive guide to high protein fast food for men who lift

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert

Dec 16, 2025 · 11 min read

Building muscle requires consistency, but modern life often demands convenience. Here is how to navigate the drive-thru to find high protein, low fat options that support hypertrophy without wrecking your metabolic health. “Your muscles don’t care if the protein comes from a Tupperware container or a drive-thru window, provided the amino acid profile is complete. ...