Avanced Training = Advanced Nutrition???

[Elena7]

Hi Cathe! Just a question reagarding supplements/nutrition. I'm new to your videos (LOVE THEM!!) and am VERY confused about protein bars/shakes. They are just loaded with calories/fat. Isn't eating them defeating the purpose of loosing weight??? A snickers bar has about the same calories/fat!! BUT they do give me the energy I need to make it though a tough workout. I am sooo confused on how/what I should eat before/after one of your PS/MIS/X-press workouts!!! I am better off eating an apple or a banana before I work out? If I don't eat the right things am I actually doing more harm then good? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Nutrition is my weak link.
Elena

 

[ornito]

Hi Elena

As far as I am concerned most of these Energy bars and shakes are just overhyped junk and your instincts are correct--you are reading the labels absolutely correctly. You probably don't need them to get through a workout if you have good nutrition overall. It is probably more of a psychological boost.

Eat your veggies and complex carbs all the rest of the time and sip a little gatorade if you need a pickmeup DURING a workout.

 

[Debra]

RE: Advanced Training = Advanced Nutrition???

Here are some nutrition books that I've learned about on the forums. 1) Nancy Clark's book on Sports Nutrition - I've checked out a lot of sports nutrition books & this is my personal favorite; 2) Anything by Jane Brody or Deborah Waterhouse - these are not specifically sports nutrition but contain solid nutrition advice. Brody's book is a little dated.

I also visit the public library to skim through all sorts of fitness magazines: Walking, RunnersWorld, Cycling & Health magazines are my favorites. Shape's nutrition advice is pretty solid too. I check out the heavy metal magazines too at the bookstore (but am turned off by the supplement ads).

You are sure right about the calories in most energy bars & protein drinks. Most exercisers don't need the calories or the protein. You must be a label reader!

The current Runners World has a great article on what you should eat, & when, based upon when you work out. While it's geared to a run, the advice is easily adapted to most workouts. Essentially, the closer you are to the workout, the fewer calories you want to consume. And, the closer you are to workout time, the higher the carb content which is easier to digest than protein & fat, along w/ fueling the workout.

Debra