YES. It’s a popular misconception that you can’t build muscle while fasting, but studies show that muscle growth happens at the same rate for both fasters and non-fasters.

Why? Simply put, most people aren’t actually starving themselves during a fast.

Even when muscle is being used for fuel mid-fast, your body preferentially selects damaged or old muscle tissue that your body would function better without. Improved insulin sensitivity makes it easier for your body to store calories as muscle, too.