15/08/2020
“Nutrient timing” refers to a planned and specified intake of energy (food) at certain points throughout the day to help optimize performance, recovery, and overall health and well-being. A lot of you ask us in store and messages what to eat and when? So here are the Macronutrients and the breakdowns as to use and function.
Carbs are typically the first option and primary source of fuel and you should consume carbs when you need the energy most such as around a workout (pre and post). More simple carbs are very fast acting and will give you short burst energy and will cause your insulin to spike which will in turn help shuttle glucose, water and amino acids into the muscle resulting in better performance and growth. Complex carbs like starches will take longer for the body to process and thus will be better for sustained energy and cause you to feel full longer and should be utilized throughout the day.
When it comes to Protein intake it is best spread out your daily protein as evenly as possible throughout your day of eating. This will help keep your body in an anabolic (recovery/repair/growth) setting. To optimize your results in the gym you can consume a serving of fast digesting protein pre and post workout (such as a whey isolate supplement) to prevent excessive breakdown during your training and begin the muscle protein synthesis process ASAP after. Caseins help you slow muscle breakdown at night.
Fats have more than double the amount of calories per gram compared to protein and carbs (9:1 vs 4:1) and are very slow digesting and when consumed with carbs or protein, will slow down their digestion as well making you feel full longer. So if you are going a long(er) amount of time between meals, then adding some healthy fats into your meal will help bridge the gap until your next meal. Fats should be avoided pre and post workout because that is when we want nutrients to be absorbed quickly.
The most important thing to remember is that your eating schedule should fit your lifestyle and NOT the other way around. Appropriate Nutrient timing can optimize and even speed up your results but it needs to work with your schedule, dietary needs, and goals.