As you know, following a metabolically efficient lifestyle is centered on controlling blood sugar by combining the proper nutrients (protein + fiber + fat) throughout the day. It is centered on creating a healthy relationship with food, and teaching better instinctual eating cues. ME is not an exercise prescription tool, device, concept or the like. Recently, I heard ME testing being compared to the Maffetone Method but try to compare a cube of sugar to a spoonful of olive oil. Pretty difficult to find the similarities.
I developed the Metabolic Efficiency test over a decade ago, using my exercise physiology know-how. It was methodical in the structure, down to the pre-test protocol. But more importantly, the implementation of the test is what separates it from all other physiological testing. ME testing provides an individual with a snapshot of their current daily nutrition plan. It is a nutritional assessment. Can we find your heart rate, power, or pace in which you should exercise to burn more fat? Sure. It is possible but it is not the point of the test. The goal is to tell you if your nutrition is supporting your health and performance goals. After having a Metabolic Efficiency test, you have a nutrition plan created for you that is focused on improving health and performance parameters. Simple as that.
Comparing ME testing with the MAF method is not a fair comparison. ME testing uses technology, physiological principles, and experienced professionals to interpret the data. The MAF method uses extrapolations and equations based on physiological principles. There is not measurement of physiological data. I am not saying the MAF method is not pertinent for what it is trying to offer. What I am saying is that, quite simply, ME testing and the MAF method cannot be compared to one another.
It's like trying to compare a lactate threshold blood test with a Metabolic Efficiency test. The former tests fitness and provides training zones while ME testing tests nutritional status and provides the opportunity for a qualified professional to provide a nutritional plan based on the data found in the test.
Want more proof that ME testing should not be compared to the MAF method? Here are four of eNRG Sport Dietitians data sets for ME testing and calculation of their MAF heart rate.
What does this mean? I think it is quite clear actually. You can be quite off in using a predictive equation to determine your aerobic heart rate for training. Using a physiological measurement allows you to "peek" inside your body with more accuracy based on your current fitness level.
Metabolic Efficiency is a concept that I developed that centers on the manipulation of nutrition to impact blood sugar. I created the physiological test to validate the nutrition strategies.
However, keep in mind that the point of this blog was to provide you the reasons why you cannot compare a sugar cube to a spoonful of olive oil. Please don't think that just because two concepts may discuss the same principles (such as improving fat burning) that they are the same. It is quite the opposite in most instances.
Until next week...
Bob
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