OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) essentially resets the body back to burning “fat as fuel” for most of the aerobic spectrum so your body prefers to metabolize fat at high aerobic rates, rates much higher than the current science says is possible but consistent with the emerging science on fat adaptation. Once an athlete is adapted, OFM actually enhances strategic carbohydrate use so now carbohydrates work like they never worked before, using less.

Simply put, the human body is designed to perform optimally using “fat as your fuel” for aerobic performance. This is why humans carry large stores of fat and very limited stores of glycogen. Look in the mirror and you will see…. .why not optimize utilization of “fat as fuel”? Even the leanest athlete carries more than enough “on-board” fat calories to run a 100 miles, cycle a double century or complete an Ironman. Think of it this way; Fat is your aerobic energy source and glycogen/glucose is your “fight or flight” fuel. So, unless your event is the 100 meter dash or Olympic powerlifting, focusing on optimizing fat metabolism via OFM needs to be a fundamental part of your program.

Emerging science from the FASTER Study is confirming what VESPA athletes already know; that fat metabolism plays a much larger role than previously thought possible and actually helps make carbohydrate use more powerful and sustainable.

The benefits:

• OFM works with your body’s natural physiology
• Improved Physical Performance
• Faster recovery (really damage prevention)
• Improved body composition; i.e. ratio of lean body mass
• Improved health
• Improved Mental focus/Motor skills/Coordination & Emotional Stability
• Feasibility & Metabolic Flexibility: It’s a LOT easier than most people think!
• Greater Caloric Efficiency
• Carbohydrates have a much stronger, more sustainable effect using less
• No bonking
• Elimination of intestinal issue in most athletes

What about Carbohydrates? 

OFM does NOT eliminate concentrated sources of carbohydrates from the diet or fueling but, rather, uses them “strategically”. VESPA plays a critical role to keep the athlete “locked-in” a high level of fat-metabolism while still being able to utilize carbohydrates.

Clearly, carbohydrates are a super quick burning energy source providing the kind of energy necessary for quick intense bursts and surges in athletic performance. The physiology, peer-reviewed literature, podium and athlete feedback all support the use of carbohydrates. The problem is the “un-intended consequences” of over-consumption of concentrated sources of carbohydrates, which, over time, create a host of performance and health deteriorating issues.

OFM is not no/low carb ketogenic protocol. OFM is a program to get the maximum efficiency and performance from the athlete’s aerobic potential via lipolytic pathways (i.e. Lipids/Fat) to build greater physiological capacity to sustainably utilize glycolytic pathways (i.e.carbohydrates) at the upper end of aerobic spectrum and into the anaerobic spectrum. While there are times and periods where carbohydrates will be severely restricted our experience is that with most athletes, once they are fat-adapted, the dietary aspects of OFM actually become very simple and easy.

Based upon athlete feedback and performance the OFM “strategic” use of carbs allows this quick burning energy source to have a stronger, more sustainable impact on performance using significantly less.