Everyone has questions around nutrition. I want to give you some basic standards to follow in order to be successful with your diet. Please note that everyone has different nutrition wants and needs depending on their goals, so this will be more generalized information.
- Focus on unprocessed, whole foods
This is a pretty simple formula, not easy, but simple. Your meals and snacks should consist of lean meats, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables. If you’re vegan or vegetarian then you will need to find your protein source from Tofu or other protein rich sources.
- Timing of eating
Timing your meals, whether it’s snacks or full meals, is important. For now, let’s focus on snacks. You want to eat simple sugar carbs 45-60 minutes before training. A few examples of this are an apple, banana, or a few slices of watermelon. This should give you the energy reserves you will need for class.
To add to this, you will want the same immediately after training. No more than 60 minutes after you’re done. If you wait longer than 60 minutes your body will not be able to absorb the nutrients as efficiently.
- Don’t crash diet
What do I mean by this? Well, some people think they can outsmart the system. They will eat healthy for 3, 4 or 5 days. Then comes the weekend, and it’s a free for all. A “cheat meal” is not a “cheat weekend.” I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself, but what I am saying is the more disciplined you are with your eating the faster you will see your results. You can’t exercise away a bad diet. The more focused you are on achieving your goals, the easier it is to say no to junk food.
As always, train hard, be a beast!