scheduling meals around my work and training...

[Nonerz]

I typically go to bed very late (12-2 AM), wake up around 6 AM and work in an office from 8-6. Then I'm off to the gym (M-T-TH-F) to train until around 8-9 PM.

I had a few questions about scheduling my 1500-1700 calories for the day. I'd really like to get a simple schedule for my meals according to when I work and train. Since I have such a sedentary job, I don't want to load up on the food during the midmorning or afternoon snack times.

Since pre and post workout meals are the most important...I have been struggling with what to eat pre-workout. It would have to be 2 hours before I train...can't stand that full feeling when I workout! This time constraint means I would have to have something ready at work.

My post workout meal has been 1/2 myoplex shake (next time I'll go with the lower calorie one) with strawberries or bananas in it...with a chicken and veggie dinner later on. Unfortunately, I typically eat late...10-11ish. Would it be better to skip the solid meal and go for a hearty protein shake?

 

[Stryc-9]

Never skip a solid meal of "real" food in favor of a shake. The matrix of nutrients in real food cannot be equalled by meal replacements. Think of your protein shakes as what they are: namely, a supplement to your diet.

What I've started bringing to work is a container with oat bran and a few grilled chicken breasts (as long as you have a way to keep 'em cold obviously). Just add water to the oatbran and you've got your complex carbs that will get you through your workout - even if it's two hours later.

I'm also concerned that you might not be getting adequate sleep for optimal growth. But that might not be something you can help....depending on your work schedule, etc.,

Good luck bro.

 

[Senior Woonaki]

are you trying to bulk or cut...
how much do you weigh???

is there anyway that you could go to the gym right after work instead of waiting the 2 hours...

stryc is correct on the sleep issue....

 

[Nonerz]

sleep? what's that? yeah, I have a sleeping problem...I don't do enought of it. I'm working on it...

I'm looking to get lean...I think I have a moderate amount of muscle (for a chick ) and could gain muscle relatively easy. I'm 5'5"/145-150 (depending on the week) sitting around 25% BF...

stryc, I use the shakes to make sure I am getting enough protein at breakfast time and after my workouts. I always eat a solid meal for a (typically) very late dinner...so cutting out pasta, white rice, potatoes at night (especially) is a thought.

so what am I looking for in a pre/post workout meal anyway?

senior woonaki--I could workout closer to my meal time...but I really feel weighed down after a meal and don't care for that feeling when I'm training. I also take a Turbo Kickboxing class (1 hour, high intensity) 2-3 times a week, so a full stomach is only going to make me sick!

 

[bignate73]

Good luck bro.

shes a girl....

and a naughty one at that....

 

[Senior Woonaki]

you could try and have half a myoplex shake an hour or so before training.... That should give you energy for the workout... i have quite a hectic work schedule myself.. i will typically alternate meals with shake... Before sleep, i would roll with flax oil and milk isolate protein.. Make sure that last meal is 2 hours after your post workout shake, if not cut out the flax, you dont want the efa's in your system while your fruit is spiking your insulin...

hope that helps...

 

[Nonerz]

I don't exactly lack energy...looking to cut calories.

 

[Nonerz]

Stryc-9...

What I've started bringing to work is a container with oat bran and a few grilled chicken breasts (as long as you have a way to keep 'em cold obviously). Just add water to the oatbran and you've got your complex carbs that will get you through your workout - even if it's two hours later.

I forgot the "just add water" part! I bought some oat bran and mixed it with some grilled chicken breast...without the water! I added salsa to it so I could swallow it! So do you add water to the oat bran, mix it up and then throw in the chicken...or do you eat them separately?