So you just kicked your own ass doing today’s workout and you can barely walk or lift your arms. The first thing you need to do is get some high quality carbs and protein. A great source for this is Prograde’s “Workout” product. It contains the proper mix of carbs to protein (2:1) and uses only organic ingredients.
Another supplement from Prograde that is great for getting your energy levels up and enhancing mood, but is all natural is their BCAA or Branched Chain Amino Acids. Normally you get these from meat but you have to eat a lot of meat to get the amount you need when you are training hard. I’ve found they REALLY help me maintain my endurance and seem to help bring me out of a cranky state of mind.
Acccording to ProGrade BCAAs:
Prevent devastating lean muscle tissue breakdown* Improve nitrogen retention so that your body stays in an anabolic state for lean muscle development.* Promote the growth of metabolically active tissue* Reduce muscle soreness and fatigue* Improve the effectiveness of your training sessions* Increase athletic endurance and power*
Fish Oil is another essential supplement, it helps with your brain function as well as with joint aches and pains. After a touggh workout I always take a little extra. For more info on Fish Oil and what to lookout for when buying it read this report
Regardless of the time of day make sure you are getting some green vegetables, and a good protein source like organic beef or chicken.
There are all kinds of diet plans out there, remember you are changing your lifestyle and with it your eating habits. You are NOT dieting, you are fueling your body with healthy sources of energy and you are doing this for the rest of your life. Eat in a way that suits you: 6 meals per day, one big meal per day with some nuts or protein drink during the day, 3 times per day.
If you are on the road lot, be sensible in your choice of restaurants and your choice of meals. Swinging through Burger King? Get their grilled chicken and ditch the bread. Don’t go to Panera, their food tastes great but it loaded with empty calories from the bread. I love the Italian Combo but it has 1150 calories for the whole sandwich. That’s 80% or more of what you need per day in one meal!
Try to eat at a sit-down instead of fast-food. Applebees, O’Charlies’ etc. but stay away from the bread they like to fill you up on, get a meal with steamed veggies and not potatos. Or get a grilled chicken or tuna salad.
Avoid sauces & salad dressings too, Try to get a vinegarette or get your dressing on the side and dip instead of pouring it on.
If you use a lot of artificial sweeteners get rid of them, use a little raw sugar and gradually wean yourself off.
Absolutely get rid of ALL “sodas” diet or not and that includes Energy Drinks like Red Bull.