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WORKOUT PROGRAM

Cardio acceleration is critical to Shortcut to Shred. It will fire up your fat-burning furnace like nothing else. Cardio acceleration is a technique that combines high-intensity cardio and resistance training into one fast-paced workout. Instead of resting between your lifts, you will do cardio between every single set. Simply put, you’ll lift one set of a prescribed exercise, such as bench press, and then immediately follow it with one minute of cardio.
Cardio effectively replaces your rest periods. Now, I don’t mean you have to rack the barbell, run across the gym, and jump on a treadmill or stationary bike. Your cardio acceleration exercises can be as simple as running in place next to the bench. You can also jump rope, perform dumbbell cleans, step-ups, or any combination of full-body exercises. Whatever you do, the point is to move for an entire minute.
Between each set, you’ll do one minute of a cardio acceleration exercise. If you’re new to fitness and find that one minute is too long, you can reduce the time to 30 seconds, or go at a slower pace. The goal is to gradually increase the time you spend doing high-intensity cardio. You want to keep each cardio acceleration minute as intense and demanding as possible. CARDIO ACCELERATION OPTIONS
KB Swing
Goblet Squat
Squat Jump
Box Jump
DB Step-up
BB Step-up
Sprints
Running in Place
Medicine Ball Slam
Dumbbell Lunge
Lunge Jumps
Side-to-Side Box Shuffle
Sledgehammer Swing
Battling Ropes
Rocket Jump
Lateral Bound
Lateral Box Jump
Side Standing Long Jump
Mountain Climber
Jump Rope

Knee Tuck Jump
Diagonal Bound
Tire Flip
Skipping (in place)
Elliptical
DB Clean
Smith Machine Clean
Step-up with Knee Raise

Straight-Arm Pulldown
Smith Machine
Behind-the-Back Shrug
Incline Dumbbell Curl
High Cable Curl
Rope Cable Curl
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS (MULTI-JOINT)
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Barbell Bent Over Row
4
9-11
Dumbbell Bent-Over Row
3
9-11
Seated Cable Row
3
9-11
Barbell Shrug 4
9-11
Barbell Curl 3
9-11
Barbell or EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
3
9-11
Reverse-Grip Barbell Curl
3
9-11
Barbell Wrist Curl
3
9-11

SHORTCUT TO SHRED
WORKOUT PROGRAM

12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

EXERCISE Incline Dumbbell Flye
Dumbbell Flye
Cable Crossover
Triceps Pressdown
Overhead Dumbbell Extension
Cable Lying Triceps Extension
Crunch
Standing Oblique Cable Crunch

WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Bench Press 4
9-11
Incline Dumbbell Press
3
9-11
Decline Smith Machine Press
3
9-11
Dips
4
9-11
Close-Grip Bench Press
4
9-11
Cable Crunch 3
9-11
Smith Machine Hip Thrust
3
9-11

SETS
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Bench Press 4
6-8
Incline Dumbbell Press
3
6-8
Decline Smith Machine Press
3
6-8
Dips
4
6-8
Close-Grip Bench Press
4
6-8
Cable Crunch 3
7-8
Smith Machine Hip Thrust
3
7-8

REPS
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Barbell Shoulder Press
4
6-8
Alternating Dumbbell
Shoulder Press (Standing)
3
6-8
Smith Machine
One-Arm Upright Row
3
6-8
Squat 4
6-8
Deadlift 3
6-8
Walking Lunge
3
6-8
Standing Calf Raise
3
7-8
Seated Calf Raise
3
7-8

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
EXERCISE

Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Barbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Bent-Over Lateral Raise
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Seated Calf Raise
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise

WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (MULTI-JOINT)
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Barbell Shoulder Press
4
9-11
Alternating Dumbbell
Shoulder Press (Standing)
3
9-11
Smith Machine One-Arm
Upright Row
3
9-11
Squat 4
9-11
Deadlift 3
9-11
Walking Lunge
3
9-11
Standing Calf Raise
3
9-11
Seated Calf Raise
3
9-11

SETS
3
3
3
4
4
3
3

REPS
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
EXERCISE

Lat Pulldown
Reverse-Grip Pulldown

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
SETS
3
3

REPS
12-15
12-15

EXERCISE Barbell Bent Over Row
Dumbbell Bent-Over Row

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SETS
4
3

REPS
6-8
6-8

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PHASE 1: WEEK 2

WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)

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WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)

PHASE 1: WEEK 1

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Seated Cable Row
3
6-8
Barbell Shrug 4
6-8
Barbell Curl 3
6-8
Barbell or EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
3
6-8
Reverse-Grip Barbell Curl
3
6-8
Barbell Wrist Curl
3
6-8

WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)
EXERCISE

Bench Press
Incline Dumbbell Press
Decline Smith Machine Press
Dips
Close-Grip Bench Press
Cable Crunch
Smith Machine Hip Thrust

WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Incline Dumbbell Flye
3
16-20
Dumbbell Flye
3
16-20
Cable Crossover 3
16-20
Triceps Pressdown
3
16-20
Overhead Dumbbell Extension
3
16-20
Cable Lying Triceps Extension
3
16-20
Crunch 3
16-20
Standing Oblique Cable Crunch
3
16-20

SETS
4
3
3
4
4
3
3

REPS
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
5-6
5-6

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
3
16-20
Barbell Front Raise
3
16-20
Dumbbell Bent-Over Lateral Raise
3
16-20
Leg Extension 4
16-20
Leg Curl 4
16-20
Seated Calf Raise
3
16-20
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise
3
16-20

SETS
4

2-5

3
4
3
3
3
3

4-5
2-5
2-5
4-5
5-6
5-6

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Lat Pulldown 3
16-20
Reverse-Grip Pulldown
3
16-20
Straight-Arm Pulldown 3
16-20
Smith Machine
Behind-the-Back Shrug
4
16-20
Incline Dumbbell Curl
3
16-20
High Cable Curl 3
16-20
Rope Cable Curl
3
16-20
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl
3
16-20

SETS
4
3
3
4
3
3
3
3

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SETS
3

REPS
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
4-5
4-5
4-5

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS (MULTI-JOINT)

Cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset: Take the last set of each exercise to muscle failure. Then, rack the weight and perform cardio acceleration by running in place for 15-20 seconds. Pick up the weight and continue doing reps until you reach muscle failure again. Immediately decrease the weight

REPS
21-30

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Barbell Bent Over Row
4*
9-11
Incline Dumbbell Row
3*
9-11
Seated Cable Row
3*
9-11
Barbell Shrug 4*
9-11
Barbell Curl 3*
9-11
Seated Barbell Curl
3*
9-11
Reverse-Grip Barbell or EZ-Bar Curl
3*
9-11
Behind-The-Back Wrist Curl
3*
9-11
*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset
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*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

If you’re feeling really good and want to make the Shortcut to
Shred sessions even more intense, start performing a “cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset” on the last set of each major exercise. The technique is as brutal as it sounds, believe me.

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EXERCISE SETS REPS
Barbell Shoulder Press
4*
9-11
Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Seated)
3*
9-11
Dumbbell Upright Row
3*
9-11
Squat 4*
9-11
Deadlift 3*
9-11
Leg Press 3*
9-11
Standing Calf Raise
3*
9-11
Seated Calf Raise
3*
9-11

PHASE 2: WEEK 4

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WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (MULTI-JOINT)

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Lat Pulldown 3
21-30
Reverse-Grip Pulldown
3
21-30
Straight-Arm Pulldown 3
21-30
Smith Machine
Behind-the-Back Shrug
4
21-30
Incline Dumbbell Curl
3
21-30
High Cable Curl 3
21-30
Rope Cable Curl
3
21-30
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl
3
21-30

WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
EXERCISE

Incline Dumbbell Flye

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
EXERCISE

Barbell Bent Over Row
Dumbbell Bent-Over Row
Seated Cable Row
Barbell Shrug
Barbell Curl
Barbell or EZ-Bar Preacher Curl
Reverse-Grip Barbell Curl
Barbell Wrist Curl

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Bench Press 4*
9-11
Incline Bench Press
3*
9-11
Decline Dumbbell Press
3*
9-11
Dips
4*
9-11
Close-Grip Bench Press
4*
9-11
Smith Machine Crunch
3*
9-11
Hanging Leg Raise
3*
9-11

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
3
21-30
Barbell Front Raise
3
21-30
Dumbbell Bent-Over Lateral Raise
3
21-30
Leg Extension 4
21-30
Leg Curl 4
21-30
Seated Calf Raise
3
21-30
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise
3
21-30

REPS
2-5

3

WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES

WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
EXERCISE

Barbell Shoulder Press
Alternating Dumbbell
Shoulder Press (Standing)
Smith Machine
One-Arm Upright Row
Squat
Deadlift
Walking Lunge
Standing Calf Raise
Seated Calf Raise

by 20-30 percent and lift until you reach muscle failure again.
You are now done with the set and ready to move to the next exercise. Dumbbell Flye
3
21-30
Cable Crossover 3
21-30
Triceps Pressdown
3
21-30
Overhead Dumbbell Extension
3
21-30
Cable Lying Triceps Extension
3
21-30
Crunch 3
21-30
Standing Oblique Cable Crunch
3
21-30

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WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)
EXERCISE

Cable Crossover from Low Pulley
Cable Crossover
Dumbbell Flye
Overhead Cable Triceps Extension
Lying Triceps Extension
Rope Triceps Pressdown
Crossover Crunch
Cable Woodchopper

SETS
4*
3*
3*
3*
3*
3*
3*
3*

WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)

REPS
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

WORKOUT 1: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (MULTI-JOINT)

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Cable Crossover from Low Pulley
4*
16-20
Cable Crossover 3*
16-20
Dumbbell Flye
3*
16-20
Overhead Cable Triceps Extension
3*
16-20
Lying Triceps Extension
3*
16-20
Rope Triceps Pressdown
3*
16-20
Crossover Crunch 3*
16-20
Cable Woodchopper
3*
16-20

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Bench Press 4*
6-8
Incline Bench Press
3*
6-8
Decline Dumbbell Press
3*
6-8
Dips
4*
6-8
Close-Grip Bench Press
4*
6-8
Smith Machine Crunch
3*
7-8
Hanging Leg Raise^
3*
7-8

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

PHASE 2: WEEK 6

WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

EXERCISE Bench Press
Incline Bench Press
Decline Dumbbell Press
Dips
Close-Grip Bench Press
Smith Machine Crunch
Hanging Leg Raise^

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

EXERCISE Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Cable Front Raise
Lying Cable Rear Delt Flye
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Seated Calf Raise
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise

^Use ankle weights or hold dumbbell between feet if needed

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES
SETS
4*
3*
3*
4*
4*
3*
3*

REPS
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
4*
16-20
Cable Front Raise
3*
16-20
Lying Cable Rear Delt Flye
3*
16-20
Leg Extension 4*
16-20
Leg Curl 4*
16-20
Seated Calf Raise
3*
16-20
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise
3*
16-20

WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (MULTI-JOINT)
EXERCISE

SETS REPS
Barbell Shoulder Press
4*
6-8
Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Seated)
3*
6-8
Dumbbell Upright Row
3*
6-8
Squat 4*
6-8
Deadlift 3*
6-8
Leg Press 3*
6-8
Standing Calf Raise
3*
7-8
Seated Calf Raise
3*
7-8

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

SETS
4*
3*
3*
4*
3*
3*
3*
3*

REPS
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15
12-15

EXERCISE Barbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Seated)
Dumbbell Upright Row
Squat
Deadlift
Leg Press
Standing Calf Raise
Seated Calf Raise

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Barbell Bent Over Row
4*
6-8
Incline Dumbbell Row
3*
6-8
Seated Cable Row
3*
6-8
Barbell Shrug 4*
6-8
Barbell Curl 3*
6-8
Seated Barbell Curl
3*
6-8
Reverse-Grip Barbell or EZ-Bar Curl
3*
6-8
Behind-The-Back Wrist Curl
3*
6-8

EXERCISE Barbell Bent Over Row
Incline Dumbbell Row
Seated Cable Row
Barbell Shrug
Barbell Curl
Seated Barbell Curl
Reverse-Grip Barbell or EZ-Bar Curl
Behind-The-Back Wrist Curl

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

REPS
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
4-5
4-5

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SETS
4*
3*
3*
4*
3*
3*
3*
3*

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

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REPS
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
4-5
4-5

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS (MULTI-JOINT)

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

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SETS
4*
3*
3*
4*
3*
3*
3*
3*

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Lat Pulldown 4*
16-20
Behind-the-Neck Pulldown
3*
16-20
Rope Straight-Arm Pulldown
3*
16-20
Dumbbell Shrug 4*
16-20
EZ-Bar Cable Curl
3*
16-20
Incline Dumbbell Curl
3*
16-20
Dumbbell Hammer Curl
3*
16-20
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl
3*
16-20

WORKOUT 3: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS (MULTI-JOINT)

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

WORKOUT 2: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES (MULTI-JOINT)

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS
EXERCISE

Lat Pulldown
Behind-the-Neck Pulldown
Rope Straight-Arm Pulldown
Dumbbell Shrug
EZ-Bar Cable Curl
Incline Dumbbell Curl
Dumbbell Hammer Curl
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl

REPS
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
2-5
4-5
4-5

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

^Use ankle weights or hold dumbbell between feet if needed

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES

SETS
4*
3*
3*
4*
4*
3*
3*

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WORKOUT 4: CHEST, TRICEPS, ABS (SINGLE JOINT)

BREAKFAST

Shortcut to Shred is built on three distinct nutrition phases.
Each phase calls for different amounts of carbohydrates and calories. Your protein and fat intake remains the same throughout Shortcut to Shred, but your carb intake gradually drops, which also drops your overall calories.

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Cable Crossover from Low Pulley
4*
21-30
Cable Crossover 3*
21-30
Dumbbell Flye
3*
21-30
Overhead Cable Triceps Extension
3*
21-30
Lying Triceps Extension
3*
21-30
Rope Triceps Pressdown
3*
21-30
Crossover Crunch 3*
21-30
Cable Woodchopper
3*
21-30

SHORTCUT TO SHRED
NUTRITION PLAN

8 oz. reduced-fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1/2 oz. walnuts (7 halves) crushed

Phase 1-3: 1.5 g per pound of bodyweight

CARBS
Phase 1, Week 1: 1.5 g per pound of bodyweight
Phase 2, Weeks 2-3: 1 g per pound of bodyweight
Phase 3, Weeks 3-6: 0.5 g per pound of bodyweight
In Phases 1 and 2, your caloric intake is different on workout days and rest days, because on rest days you will not ingest a pre- or post-workout meal.
In Phase 3, you will have more calories on your rest days than on workout days. Why? When you drop your carb intake down to 0.5 grams per pound of bodyweight, your leptin levels may drop if you don’t have enough calories. Leptin is a critical hormone for maintaining your metabolic rate. If leptin levels drop too low, your metabolic rate drops, too.

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

WORKOUT 6: BACK, TRAPS, BICEPS

By giving your body a high-carb day, you can keep your leptin levels even, which helps you continue burning fat and get through the diet. A high-carb rest day will do wonders for your mind. EXERCISE SETS REPS
Lat Pulldown 4*
21-30
Behind-the-Neck Pulldown
3*
21-30
Rope Straight-Arm Pulldown
3*
21-30
Dumbbell Shrug 4*
21-30
EZ-Bar Cable Curl
3*
21-30
Incline Dumbbell Curl
3*
21-30
Dumbbell Hammer Curl
3*
21-30
Dumbbell Reverse Wrist Curl
3*
21-30

PHASE I
Protein: 1.5 grams per pound
Fats: 0.5 grams per pound
Carbs: 1.5 grams per pound

LUNCH

NIGHTTIME SNACK

5 oz. can tuna
2 slices whole-wheat bread
1 tbsp light mayonnaise
1/2 large grapefruit

8 oz low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup sliced pineapple
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

MID-DAY SNACK

NUTRITIONAL INFO

3 sticks light mozzarella string cheese
1 medium apple
1 oz mixed nuts

Calories: 3,000
Protein: 285 g
Carbs: 270 g
Fat: 90 g

PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS
30-60 minutes before workout
200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

PHASE II – WEEKS 2-3
Protein: 1.5 grams per pound of body weight
Fats: 0.5 grams per pound
Carbs: 1 gram per pound

WORKOUT MEAL

Like in Phase 1, on the one day of the week that you don’t train, these numbers will be slightly lower since you skip the preand post-workout meals. Feel free to have your pre-workout shake as an extra snack on that rest day if you get hungry.

Sip throughout workout
1/2 scoop whey
1/2 scoop casein
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine

WAKE-UP SUPPLEMENTS

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

8 oz top sirloin steak
1 large sweet potato
2 cups mixed green salad
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

LATE-MORNING SUPPLEMENTS

Phase 1-3: 0.5 g per pound of bodyweight

EXERCISE SETS REPS
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
4*
21-30
Cable Front Raise
3*
21-30
Lying Cable Rear Delt Flye
3*
21-30
Leg Extension 4*
21-30
Leg Curl 4*
21-30
Seated Calf Raise
3*
21-30
Donkey or Leg Press Calf Raise
3*
21-30

DINNER

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

FAT

WORKOUT 5: SHOULDERS, LEGS, CALVES

Within 30 minutes after workout
1 scoop whey
1 scoop casein
14 small Wonka Pixy Stix or 1 Giant Pixy Stix
5 g BCAAs
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine
2 g carnitine

LATE-MORNING SNACK

PROTEIN

*On the last set do a cardio accelerated rest-pause dropset

POST-WORKOUT MEAL

30-60 min after wake-up supplements
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1 cup cooked oatmeal
1 tbsp honey
1/2 large grapefruit

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine
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The sample meals are similar to Phase 1, but this does not mean you need to eat these exact foods and only these foods for all 3 weeks of the first 2 phases of this program. The foods
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bring the carbs down without affecting protein and fat much.

PHASE III – WEEKS 4-6

PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS

Refer to the alternative foods list for foods that you can use to replace these sample choices so the diet doesn’t become boring and bereft of nutrient diversity.

WAKE-UP SUPPLEMENTS
200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

30-60 minutes before workout
200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

Protein: 1.5 grams per pound
Fats: 0.5 grams per pound
Carbs: 0.5 grams per pound

Sip throughout workout
1/2 scoop whey
1/2 scoop casein
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine

BREAKFAST

Within 30 minutes after workout
1 scoop whey
1 scoop casein
14 small Wonka Pixy Stix or 1 Giant Pixy Stix
5 g BCAAs
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine
2 g carnitine

8 oz. reduced-fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp honey
1/2 oz walnuts (7 halves), crushed

HIGH-CARB, REST DAY MACROS

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

Shoot for low-fat carb sources. High-glycemic or fast-digesting carbs are fine during the first half of the day, as is fruit, but to prevent any of those carbs from being stored as body fat, focus on slow-digesting or low-glycemic carbs later in the day.

NIGHTTIME SNACK

LUNCH
5 oz. can tuna
2 cups mixed green salad
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1/2 large grapefruit

WAKE-UP SUPPLEMENTS
200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

TOTALS
Calories: 2,600
Protein: 280 g
Carbs: 180 g
Fat: 80 g

MID-DAY SNACK

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WORKOUT MEAL

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30-60 minutes before workout
200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

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PRE-WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS

Within 30 minutes after workout
1 scoop whey
1 scoop casein
14 small Wonka Pixy Stix or 1 Giant Pixy Stix
5 g BCAAs
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine
2 g carnitine
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30-60 min after wake-up supplements
1 scoop whey protein (sip while prepping breakfast)
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites

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5 oz. can tuna
2 cups mixed green salad
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar

POST-WORKOUT MEAL

BREAKFAST

3 sticks light mozzarella string cheese
1 oz mixed nuts

LUNCH

Sip throughout workout
1/2 scoop whey
1/2 scoop casein
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine

WORKOUT DAYS

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

3 sticks light mozzarella string cheese
1 oz mixed nuts

A high-carb pig-out day does not mean you’ll eat pizza and drink beer all day. Sure, a couple beers or a glass of wine won’t derail your progress, but your high-carb day isn’t a full
24-hour chest session.

8 oz top sirloin steak
1 large sweet potato
1 cup chopped broccoli
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

LATE-MORNING SUPPLEMENTS

MID-DAY SNACK

Protein: 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight
Carbs: At least 2 grams of carbs per pound of bodyweight
Fat: 0.5 grams per pound of bodyweight

DINNER

LATE-MORNING SUPPLEMENTS

Turkey, Swiss, and avocado rolls

On your rest days throughout Phase 3, you get to enjoy a high-carb, pig-out day. Since you go so low in carbs six days of the week, you will need this one high-carb day to prevent your metabolism from sputtering and slowing down to spare energy reserves (body fat). The high-carb day will help kick start your metabolism again, keeping you in a fat-burning mode for the final phase

POST-WORKOUT MEAL

LATE-MORNING SNACK

LATE-MORNING SNACK

Dropping calories and carbs again will cause your body to continue burning fat. Unlike in Phases 1 and 2, where you eat fewer calories and carbs on your rest day, the opposite holds true in Phase 3. You will eat more carbs and calories on your rest days.

WORKOUT MEAL

30-60 min after wake-up supplements
1 scoop whey protein (sip while prepping breakfast)
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1 cup cooked oatmeal
1 tbsp honey
1/2 large grapefruit
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

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1/4 cup light mozzarella
1/4 cup marinara sauce

DINNER
8 oz top sirloin steak
1 cup chopped broccoli
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

SUPPLEMENT PLAN

Directions:
1. Spread sauce on crust and top with cheese.
2. Place in oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

NIGHTTIME SNACK
8 oz low-fat cottage cheese
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

LATE-MORNING SUPPLEMENTS

Calories: 2,200
Protein: 280 g
Carbs: 80 g
Fat: 80 g

Whey is the king of muscle-building proteins. It’s a fast-digesting milk protein that can help you build muscle and increase strength. Whey protein enhances recovery, boosts performance, and supports fat loss by helping you feel fuller, longer.
One of the major benefits of whey protein is its fast rate of digestion. It gets to your muscles faster than any other protein you can ingest. Whey is also loaded with essential branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, considered one of the most critical muscle-making amino acids.

LUNCH
6-inch Subway Turkey and ham (double meat) on wheat
1 oz. bag Baked Lays
1 large diet soda

HIGH-CARB REST DAYS
WAKE-UP SUPPLEMENTS

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

DINNER
8 oz chicken breast
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup chopped broccoli
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

BCAAS

The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They are critical for muscle growth. While whey protein is rich in BCAAs, taking additional BCAAs around your workouts can further enhance recovery and provide a quick source of muscular energy. As a result, BCAAs can improve your workouts and boost performance.

NIGHTTIME SNACK

In fact, one study I performed with the Weider Research
Group—presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the
International Society of Sports Nutrition—further supports
BCAAs’ ability to help build muscle. We discovered that subjects taking them around workouts gained nearly twice as much muscle mass on an 8-week training program than subjects taking only whey or Gatorade around workouts.

1 cup reduced-fat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1/2 oz. walnuts (7 halves), crushed
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

LATE-MORNING SNACK
1 scoop whey protein (sip while prepping pizza)
Stoppani EZ Pizza

TOTALS

Ingredients:
1/4 Boboli whole-wheat pizza crust
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Calories: 3,100
Protein: 260 g
Carbs: 360 g
Fat: 70 g

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Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) is L-carnitine with an acetyl group attached. This attachment increases carnitine’s uptake by the body, making it more effective. ALCAR is able to enter the brain, where it may aid in brain function, boost alertness, and support positive mood.
In other areas of the body, such as muscle cells, carnitine aids fat loss transporting fatty acids into the power centers of cells, called mitochondria. These power centers work to generate energy by burning up nutrients such as fat for fuel.

L-CARNITINE L-TARTRATE

L-carnitine L-tartrate supports fat loss and increases energy.
This pure form of carnitine requires insulin for absorption.
Unlike ALCAR, which is great throughout the day, straight carnitine is best taken after a tough workout to enhance recovery and promote fatty acid metabolism. Whey and carbohydrates consumed post-workout are the perfect vehicles for this form of carnitine.

CREATINE

Creatine is one of the most-researched sports nutrition supplements on the market. It provides muscular energy for high-intensity exercise, helps you build muscle, and boosts strength gains. Research suggests that creatine can boost muscle gains by as much as 10 pounds and strength by 10 percent in just a few weeks.
For best delivery, put creatine in your pre- and post-workout protein shakes. That’s when you get a bigger insulin response, and insulin helps drive creatine into your muscles.

BETA-ALANINE

Research suggests that when trained lifters add beta-alanine and creatine to their supplement regimen, they gain more muscle and lose more body fat than those taking creatine alone. Beta-alanine can also increase muscle strength and endurance during workouts. ™
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Specific BCAAs offer additional benefits, such as:
Leucine: Turns on muscle protein synthesis; increases satiety
Isoleucine: Supports fat loss; provides energy
Valine: Decreases fatigue; supports fat loss; prolongs energy

ACETYL L-CARNITINE

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Casein is a slow-digesting milk protein that supports muscle growth and provides a steady stream of amino acids to your muscles. Because it releases slowly, casein is a great protein to take before bed. It can help reduce muscle breakdown while you sleep and feed your hungry muscles overnight.
When mixed with whey around your workouts, casein will enhance and prolong your body’s anabolic response.

3 stick slight mozzarella string cheese
6 cups air-popped popcorn or 1 bag low-fat microwave popcorn 1/2 medium cantaloupe

30-60 min after wake-up supplements
1 scoop whey protein (sip while prepping breakfast)
5 g BCAAs
1.5-5 g creatine
1.5-2 g beta-alanine
2 g carnitine
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites
3 four-inch pancakes
2 tbsp maple syrup
2-3 g fish oil
2-3 g CLA

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CASEIN PROTEIN

MID-DAY SNACK

BREAKFAST

Fish oil supplements are a great source of essential omega-3 fats, especially EPA and DHA. These supplements support muscle growth and fat loss; help block fat storage; promote overall health and wellness; support normal, healthy immune function; and support heart, brain, vision, and joint health. If you’re not already taking a fish oil supplement, reel one in today. WHEY PROTEIN

200 mg caffeine
500-1000 mg green tea extract
500-2000 mg yohimbe
2 g acetyl-L-carnitine

TOTALS

FISH OIL

The Shortcut to Shred supplement schedule is practiced and precise. Everything I do is researched, tested in the lab, and tried on my own physique. My body is a product of my brain.
If you want the best results from this program, you need to follow this regimen. Every capsule, every shake, and every dose is intended to help you achieve your best physique.

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CAFFEINE

This potent central nervous system stimulant increases alertness, mental focus, and your pain threshold during workouts. It also functions as a powerful fat burner. Since it’s a stimulant, caffeine naturally increases the number of calories your body burns. Caffeine also attaches to receptors on fat cells to blunt fat storage and increase fatty acid release.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Green tea enhances fat loss and offers a host of additional health and physique benefits, including joint support and muscle recovery. Green tea aids fat loss by boosting daily calorie burn. The ingredients in green tea responsible for this effect are called catechins. The most important catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
EGCG inhibits an enzyme that normally breaks down norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter and hormone that boosts metabolic rate and fat burning.

YOHIMBE

Yohimbe comes from the bark of a West African tree. It contains the active compounds yohimbine and rauwolscine, otherwise known as alpha-yohimbine. Yohimbe boosts fat loss by increasing the amount of fat that your cells release. It also helps block fat storage and increase blood flow.
Research suggests that, when taken before exercise, yohimbe may more than double the amount of fat released from fat cells. Also, like caffeine, this means that yohimbe can increase muscle endurance by allowing the body to burn more fat as a training fuel source.

CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA)

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring group of omega-6 fats that aids fat loss and supports lean mass. CLA burns body fat by boosting your metabolic rate and inhibiting the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL). LPL allows fat cells to pull fat from the bloodstream and store it as body fat. By inhibiting
LPL, CLA encourages the body to burn fat instead of store it.
By helping the body use fat for fuel, CLA also spares your muscle mass. When your body is fueling itself with fats, it doesn’t need to break down muscle tissue for additional fuel.
In this way, CLA can help you burn unwanted blubber and preserve your hard-earned muscle.

SUPPLEMENT TIMING
AND DOSAGE

ALTERNATIVE FOODS

You will notice that the sample meals given in each phase of
Shortcut to Shred are very similar. This does not mean that you should eat these exact foods, and only these foods, throughout the program. Refer to the alternative foods below so you can keep your diet diverse and well-stocked with myriad nutrients!

MORNING
Whey protein: 1 scoop
Fish oil: 2-3 grams
Caffeine: 200 milligrams
Green tea extract: 500-1,000 mg
Acetyl L-carnitine: 1.5-2 g
Yohimbe: 500-2,000 mg
CLA: 2-3 g

The following meats can be used for any meal on Shortcut to
Shred. You can also replace any meat with roughly 2 servings of the dairy products listed below, or 2 scoops of whey or mixed protein powder.

Caffeine: 200-300 mg
Green tea extract: 500-1,000 mg
Acetyl L-carnitine: 1.5-2 g
Yohimbe: 500-2,000 mg

chicken breast chicken thighs chicken drumstick turkey breast turkey leg lean ground turkey lean ground beef tri-tip steak flank steak pork tenderloin bison venison ostrich lamb goat salmon sardines herring trout tilapia cod halibut sole or flounder arctic char shrimp crab scallop clams mussels oysters lobster squid octopus 30-45 MINUTES PRE-WORKOUT
Caffeine: 200-300 mg
Green tea extract: 500-1,000 mg
Acetyl L-carnitine: 1.5-2 g
Yohimbe: 500-2,000 mg
BCAAs: 5 g
Creatine: 1 serving
Beta-alanine: 1.5-3 g

IMMEDIATELY PRE-WORKOUT
Whey protein: 1/2 scoop
Casein protein: 1/2 scoop

IMMEDIATELY POST-WORKOUT
Whey protein: 1 scoop
Casein protein: 1 scoop
BCAAs: 5 g
Creatine: 1 serving
Beta-alanine: 1.5-3 g
L-carnitine: 2 g

WITH DINNER
Fish oil: 2-3 g
CLA: 2-3 g

WITH FINAL MEAL
Fish oil: 2-3 g
CLA: 2-3 g

BEFORE BED
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Casein protein: 1 scoop

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1-2 scoops egg protein
1-2 scoops whey protein or a mixed protein
1 serving of the dairy foods listed
6 oz of any of the meats listed

VEGETABLE REPLACEMENTS

These vegetables can replace the salad at dinner, and since they are low in carbs, you can add 0.5-1 cup to almost any meal on the plan:

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asparagus green beans broccoli cauliflower onion bell peppers
Brussels sprouts zucchini eggplant bok choy (Chinese cabbage) mushrooms spinach cucumber okra

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I highly recommend that you do not replace eggs due to the benefits that they provide for muscle growth and strength.
However, I understand that some people cannot stand eggs, others are allergic, and some of you just get sick of eating them. So, if you must, you can replace eggs with the following:

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4-6 oz of any of the meats above
2 oz beef jerky
3 slices or oz of low-fat cheese
1 scoop of whey or mixed protein
1 scoop casein or mixed protein

EGG REPLACEMENTS

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DAIRY REPLACEMENTS

You will eat dairy at several meals, including foods like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and low-fat string cheese. Feel to replace any of these with each other, or any of the following:

MEAT REPLACEMENTS

LATE MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON

lean deli turkey breast lean deli chicken breast lean deli ham lean deli roast beef

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FRUIT REPLACEMENTS

Replace any of the fruit with any of these: orange peach nectarine banana pear Asian pear strawberries blueberries raspberries blackberries cherries grapes kiwifruit OATMEAL REPLACEMENTS

Replace the morning oatmeal with any of these alternatives: whole-grain cold cereal granola whole-wheat waffle
Ezekiel bread whole-wheat bread whole-wheat English muffin whole-wheat pita bread whole-wheat bagel

WHOLE-WHEAT BREAD REPLACEMENTS
Replace whole-wheat bread with any of these:
Ezekiel bread rye bread sourdough bread whole-wheat English muffin whole-wheat pita bread whole-wheat bagel whole-wheat tortilla

SWEET POTATO REPLACEMENTS

When get to eat a sweet potato in the early stage of the diet, you can replace it with any of these:
1 cup brown rice
1 cup whole-wheat pasta (small amount of marinara sauce)
1 cup of beans
1 cup quinoa