Getting in top shape is not necessarily about a restrictive diet or endless workouts for your client. Yes, it's important to get them to eat right and train smart, but in reality, it's about consistency and attention to detail.
In addition, the body has very different metabolic needs at different times of day and under differing circumstances. Here's a breakdown of what is going on in the body throughout the day, what it needs at that time, and what food combinations will address those needs so fat-loss and muscle-building efforts are optimized.
Breakfast
The body is in a fasted state after up to 12 hours without food. This being the case:
- Carbohydrate energy reserves (glycogen) are low.
- Muscles are in a mild catabolic (muscle-wasting) state.
- Fat stores are also slowly being mobilized and burned.
- Halt muscle catabolism.
- Support ongoing fat metabolism.
- Replenish glycogen reserves.
This will be one of the most important meals of the day. Many of the calories will go toward replacing glycogen reserves and halting the catabolic activities in the body.
- Protein: Use a fast-acting protein that will be absorbed easily and quickly, providing available amino acids.
- Carbs: Try a mix of simple and complex carbs.
- Fat: It is important to get a good dose of essential fatty acids (EFAs-mono- and polyunsaturated fats) in this meal. You can use flax seed oil or canola oil to cook in or add to any of your other foods. Having some walnuts, soy nuts, or sunflower seeds can boost essential fatty acid intake.
Eggs, Scrambled
2-3
Whole-Grain Oatmeal
1 cup
Walnuts, Sliced
1-2
Strawberries and Berries
On the run? Try a protein smoothie made with:
Blend 2 scoops EAS® Lean 15™ Protein Powder w/ Skim Milk or Water, Frozen Berries, or a Banana, and some Ice Cubes
Morning Snack
At this point, the body will be rebounding a bit from its muscle-building breakfast.
- Blood sugar levels are probably trailing off.
- Hunger is increasing.
- Provide muscles with enough energy and sufficient protein to keep them out of catabolism.
- Support a moderate and even blood sugar level.
This is a small, balanced snack that focuses on providing enough fuel to keep muscles fed and blood sugar well-balanced.
- Protein: Try a mixed protein source that will provide some quick amino acids and additional ones over 2 to 3 hours. Milk is a good choice, as it contains both casein and whey. Or, try a balanced meal-replacement shake providing a mixture of proteins, preferably casein and whey.
- Carbs: Focus on getting a moderate amount of low glycemic index carbohydrates The meal-replacement powder and milk will provide the carbs you need.
-
Blend 2 scoops EAS® Lean 15™ Protein Powder w/ Skim Milk or Water, a frozen Banana, and some Ice Cubes
Lunch
The body should be pretty well in equilibrium by now; however:
- The mid-morning snack may have worn off.
- Sustained energy may be needed for afternoon activities.
- Provide muscles with enough energy and sufficient protein to keep them out of catabolism.
- Continue to support a moderate and even blood sugar level.
This is the second largest meal of the day.
- Protein: Try a mixed protein source with more emphasis on the fast-acting proteins such as chicken, fish, whey, or egg. Wilting muscles need to be fed a solid dose of amino acids. But you also want to have some protein to carry over until your next snack.
- Carbs: Focus on low-glycemic carbs, without a whole lot of sugar.
- Fat: This is another opportunity to get in a good dose of EFAs. If you eat fish at this meal, you will naturally get some EFAs. If not, add EFA-rich foods, just like at breakfast.
Chicken Breast, Skinless, grilled
1
Brown Rice
1/2 - 1 cup
Low-fat Cottage Cheese topped w/ Berries
1/2 cup
Afternoon Snack
At this time in the afternoon, there is a good chance the body is experiencing an energy slump. This will be the result of a combination of the following:
- Blood sugar levels have gotten a bit low in a rebound response to the calorie dose at lunch.
- Muscles are likely to be slightly catabolic.
- Ease blood sugar levels back up.
- Halt muscle catabolism.
This is a small, balanced snack that focuses on providing enough fuel to keep muscles fed and get blood sugar back on track.
- Protein: Use a fairly slow-acting protein. Casein is a good choice because of its slow rate of digestion. There are many nutrition bars that are casein-based (eg, milk protein concentrate) that would work well.
- Carbs: Focus on carbs that will mildly elevate your blood sugar. Look for a nutrition bar with low sugar content.
EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Bar
1
Dinner
This meal is important, since it is the last food the body will get for the next 12 hours or so. Here's what's happening, and will be happening overnight, in the body:
- Overnight your body will be mostly anabolic (muscle-building) up until about midnight to 2 am. Then it typically turns catabolic, burning glycogen, muscle, and fat.
- Turn muscles from catabolic to anabolic.
- Sustain the overnight anabolic state as long as possible.
- Help your body focus on using fat for energy versus muscle protein or glycogen during the later catabolic stage of sleep.
This is when it pays to keep the carbs low and pack in the protein. Also include a moderate dose of fat in this meal.
- Protein: You want to focus on slow-acting protein because in order to help fuel muscles all night, you want a protein that will release amino acids into your bloodstream throughout the night. Two good choices for the slow-acting protein are lean red meat and casein.
- Carbs: Focus on fiber-rich, low-sugar sources of carbohydrates.
- Fat: Add good sources of fat to this meal. Examples of these fats include canola oil, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Lean Sirloin Steak
1
Spinach Salad topped with Diced Tomatoes and Mushrooms and Balsamic Dressing (Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar)
1 serving
Baked Sweet Potato
1/2
-
Low-fat Cottage Cheese
1 tbsp
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