I was just looking for people's experiences with different diets (high protein, high carb, Zone, etc.). I've spent at least a couple years researching and fooling around but feel I still haven't nailed in down. I eat very "cleanly" with around 15-20% fat, 50-60% carbs (low sugar), and 30-40% protein but find energy stores unstable. Daily calories range from 2000-2400.
I find that my energy is lacking, both in and out of practice, but too many carbs make me feel either fat and bloated or unstable energy-wise. With too much protein I don't have any energy at all and I become hypoglycemic in practice. I also have to worry about body fat due to certain medical problems.
Your experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.
PS: If it makes a difference to anybody advice-wise, I'm 23 years old.
Parents
Former Member
Justin,
I've struggled always with diet. A year ago several people on this discussion forum suggested the principles of the Zone diet. I adopted the basics. A basic balance of protein/fat/carbs in equal proportion and spreading out consumption. For example, I have a midafternoon snack (usually fruit), I eat part of my evening meal prior to workout and the rest afer workout. By spreading my consumption out instead of 3 meals per day I no longer have hunger periods (even after workouts).
I've done some research and continue to do so continually. For example, I'm in the middle of reading the textbook Swimming Even Faster which is fascinating discussing the science of the human body and it's relation to swimming. One thing is if you are in a period of daily workouts and rather intense training, the depletion of energy is rather normal. One of the major energy sources, glycogen from your muscles, gets depleted and if you are doing intense daily (or multiple daily) workouts, it can make your energy levels deplete. Once you get in a rest period, the energy can replenish itself. I.e., the reason why swimmers do taper periods prior to a race. This is only what I understand based on my reading as a non-scientific person.
Anyway, I have found that most people experiment with types of foods (especially before workouts) and stumble upon what works for them. I hope something I said might be helpful. The spreading of consumption for me has been the most significant thing that has helped me with maintaining energy and losing the pounds.
Dan
Justin,
I've struggled always with diet. A year ago several people on this discussion forum suggested the principles of the Zone diet. I adopted the basics. A basic balance of protein/fat/carbs in equal proportion and spreading out consumption. For example, I have a midafternoon snack (usually fruit), I eat part of my evening meal prior to workout and the rest afer workout. By spreading my consumption out instead of 3 meals per day I no longer have hunger periods (even after workouts).
I've done some research and continue to do so continually. For example, I'm in the middle of reading the textbook Swimming Even Faster which is fascinating discussing the science of the human body and it's relation to swimming. One thing is if you are in a period of daily workouts and rather intense training, the depletion of energy is rather normal. One of the major energy sources, glycogen from your muscles, gets depleted and if you are doing intense daily (or multiple daily) workouts, it can make your energy levels deplete. Once you get in a rest period, the energy can replenish itself. I.e., the reason why swimmers do taper periods prior to a race. This is only what I understand based on my reading as a non-scientific person.
Anyway, I have found that most people experiment with types of foods (especially before workouts) and stumble upon what works for them. I hope something I said might be helpful. The spreading of consumption for me has been the most significant thing that has helped me with maintaining energy and losing the pounds.
Dan
