Timing & Balancing Your Meals...

By Louk Damianov - DL Elements On-Site Fitness

What is the purpose of timing and balancing your meals?

In order to achieve your body composition goals, it is important that you eat food throughout the day and balance your nutrients.

Why is it important to eat frequently and balance carbohydrates, protein and fat?

• Eating every two to four hours will provide your body with the necessary nutrients and energy to contend with daily activities and stress. Additionally, it will prevent hunger - the primary cause of overeating.

• Energy must be available to the body at all times in the form of glucose and glycogen (i.e., stored carbohydrate in the muscle) or it will begin to utilize muscle tissue for energy. Available energy is vitally important when engaging in physical activity.

• Eating a properly balanced meal 30 to 90 minutes following your workout replaces glycogen stores and provides the energy necessary to repair and build lean muscle tissue.

• Providing you body with a source of high quality protein before and after workouts supplies the branched chain amino acids necessary to build and repair muscle tissues.

• Carbohydrates provide available energy to the brain and muscles and supply the energy necessary for muscle tissue repair.

• Eating excessive amounts of sugar and other carbohydrates (i.e., above-maintenance level) can reduce fat utilization during exercise.

How can I plan my meals when I’m not eating at home?

• If you dine at restaurants frequently, choose one that caters to food preparation requests and has a diverse menu of low fat and healthy foods.

• Be certain to have healthy snack foods available at all times in order to stave off hunger and prevent you from eating foods which aren`t included in your healthy diet.

• Become familiar with the fast food and convenience food stores in your area that offer foods that complies with your dietary needs.

• Fuel your body by eating prior to workout.

• Within 90 minutes following your workout, be certain to eat so that glycogen stores are replenished and the muscles are supplied with the protein necessary to build and/or repair muscle tissue.

Visit us at http://DLElements.com and give us a call at 678-630-7779 and thank you!