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Monday, 20251201
- Pete Shaw
- Nov 30, 2025
- 2 min read
BODY
Skill:
Barbell front squats
WOD:
5 rounds for time:
10 dumbbell thrusters
10 abmat sit-ups
For the front squats, use a medball on some thin plates to train depth and consistency. Start with a PVC and build up.
Keep the thrusters light enough to go unbroken on the opening set. Use a single dumbbell if necessary.
Squat to a ball if you're having trouble with depth. Squat to a high box if strength is an issue.
BELLY
Crispy Pork Belly Bites with Chili-Lime Aioli
Gourmet meal in video
Easy version below
Perfectly crisped pork belly cubes served with a zesty chili-lime aioli for a bold, rich, and tangy bite.
Ultra-Simplified Oven Pork Belly Bites
Ingredients
½ lb pork belly, cubed
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
½ Tbsp butter, melted
For Aioli:
2 Tbsp avocado mayo
½ tsp lime juice
¼ tsp chili powder
Macronutrient Estimate (for 2 servings)
Protein: ~21g
Fat: ~41g
Carbs: ~1g
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Foil-line sheet.
Toss pork with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, butter.
Spread on sheet; bake 30-35 min until crispy.
Mix mayo, lime juice, chili powder.
Serve pork with aioli dip.
Notes
Hands-off: One bake, no skillet. Prep: 3 min.
Simplified: Skipped cumin, zest, garnishes.
BRAIN
Can You Build Muscle on a Low-Carb Ketogenic Diet?
Dr. Ben Bikman debunks the idea that carbs or insulin spikes are necessary for muscle growth, explaining that insulin mainly prevents muscle breakdown rather than driving muscle building. Essential amino acids—especially leucine—activate mTOR and stimulate muscle protein synthesis even on a low-carb, ketogenic diet. He highlights the unique role of ketones, particularly BHB, in preserving muscle by reducing glucose demand, protecting amino acids, and improving mitochondrial function. Drawing on human and animal studies, Bikman shows that ketosis supports muscle maintenance, recovery, and performance—and that exogenous ketones may offer similar benefits without strict carb restriction.
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