Thomas DeLauer’s
Pre-Workout for Fat Loss
Protocol overview
Last updated: May 13, 2025
5 Nutrients
Green Tea Extract
500mg
Green tea extract contains catechins and caffeine, which may support fat oxidation and energy expenditure when taken before exercise. Research suggests it can enhance metabolic rate and promote fat loss when combined with physical activity and a calorie-controlled diet. [1]
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nutrient totals stack up
Log in or sign upSodium
1000mg
Electrolytes, like sodium, support pre-workout performance by maintaining hydration and muscle contraction. They may help prevent cramps and support endurance, especially during intense or prolonged exercise when sweat causes significant electrolyte loss. [2]
Taurine
3000mg
Taurine may support pre-workout weight loss efforts by enhancing fat metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and improving exercise performance. Research suggests it can help increase endurance and support lipid utilization during moderate- to high-intensity physical activity. [3]
Yohimbine
14mg
Yohimbine and its analog rauwolscine are alkaloids that may support fat metabolism during exercise by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, potentially promoting the release of stored fat, particularly when combined with fasted training and a calorie-controlled diet. [4]
Creatine
5g
Creatine may support weight loss indirectly by increasing lean muscle mass and improving exercise performance. More muscle can enhance resting metabolic rate, which may help with fat reduction when combined with resistance training and a balanced diet. [5]

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Warnings
Do not use this protocol if you are pregnant, nursing, or are sensitive to stimulants. Consult your healthcare provider before starting if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.
Lifestyle Improvements
Train Fasted—Intelligently.
For enhanced fat mobilization, fasted workouts in the morning can be effective, especially when paired with yohimbine. But fasted training isn’t magical. It’s a tool, use it when sleep, stress, and nutrition are dialed in. If fasted workouts leave you drained or tank your lifts, it’s time to reassess, not grind harder.
Fuel Recovery with Protein.
Protein is non-negotiable. Whether you’re fasting or in a deficit, your body still needs the building blocks to preserve muscle. Aim for high-quality protein at every meal—whey isolate, eggs, lean meats, and collagen all play a role in rebuilding and recovery.
Walk More Than You Think You Need.
Low-intensity movement is a metabolic multiplier. It doesn’t spike cortisol and doesn’t require recovery. Get 8,000–12,000 steps per day, minimum. Walking after meals helps manage blood glucose, digestion, and fat oxidation, plus it clears the mind.
Sleep is Fat Loss Fuel.
Poor sleep increases cravings, wrecks insulin sensitivity, and tanks your training intensity. Aim for 7–9 hours in a dark, cool room. A consistent bedtime and wind-down routine are more effective than any fat burner on the market.
Watch the Stimulant Stack.
Fat loss can become a stimulant trap. More caffeine isn’t better—it’s a band-aid. Lean into clean energy sources (like green tea extract and methylene blue) when needed, but focus on foundational energy systems: sleep, hydration, movement, and stress control.
Stay in a Slight Deficit—Not a Crash.
Sustainable fat loss comes from consistency, not starvation. A moderate calorie deficit paired with resistance training and proper recovery supports fat loss and metabolic health. Dropping too low only triggers burnout, muscle loss, and rebound.
Control Stress—Daily.
Elevated cortisol equals stalled fat loss and poor decision-making. Incorporate stress buffers like breathwork, nature walks, journaling, or cold exposure. High achievers burn out when they neglect the recovery side of the equation.
Optimize movement. Prioritize protein. Sleep like it matters. And remember—fat loss isn’t just about burning more; it’s about managing your system so it’s ready to let go.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products and informational content displayed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
While this Protocol has been created by health experts, it is educational in nature and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Huang, L.-H., Liu, C.-Y., Wang, L.-Y., Huang, C.-J., & Hsu, C.-H. (2018). Effects of green tea extract on overweight and obese women with high levels of low density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C): A randomised, double-blind, and cross-over placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), 294. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2360-x
- Choi, D.-H., Cho, J.-Y., Koo, J.-H., & Kim, T.-K. (2021). Effects of electrolyte supplements on body water homeostasis and exercise performance during exhaustive exercise. Applied Sciences, 11(19), 9093. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199093
- Kurtz, J. A., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Doyle, J. A., & Otis, J. S. (2021). Taurine in sports and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00438-0
- McCarty, M. F. (2002). Pre-exercise administration of yohimbine may enhance the efficacy of exercise training as a fat loss strategy by boosting lipolysis. Medical Hypotheses, 58(6), 491–495. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.2001.1459
- Forbes, S. C., Candow, D. G., Krentz, J. R., Roberts, M. D., & Young, K. C. (2019). Changes in fat mass following creatine supplementation and resistance training in adults ≥50 years of age: A meta-analysis. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 4(3), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk4030062