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.
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Former Member
The low blood sugar problem is something I've dealt with over many years of trial and tribulation. My discovery for the "cure" involves not only what type of food I eat, but also when I eat.
For example, carbos for breakfast are a no no. They may get you rolling with a morning burst of energy, but come eleven o'clock there's usually a crash and ultimately more hunger pangs. Stick with a more protein based breakfast for prolonged energy and suprisingly less hunger before the noon hour.
I found that lunch with more of a protein base is also better for maintaining higher blood sugar until a mid afternoon snack. Any carbs at the noon hour gave me afternoon sleepiness. And no matter how hard that coffee monkey pounded on my back, I discovered that caffeine is not the answer. (More food will do the trick. Small snacks between meals can help maintain an energy level throughout the day,...and actually keep that metabolism revving.)
So when to eat the carbs?...Usually around the dinner hour. Not only are they an essential part of the diet but they can assist in sending you off for a good nights sleep. Be mindful though that too many potatoes, pasta, or bread can leave you feeling drained the next day. I call it the carbo hangover.
So far it's been working very nicely. And despite my love of food, at 6'-3" I weigh in at slightly under 200 pounds with a very low body fat percentage.
The low blood sugar problem is something I've dealt with over many years of trial and tribulation. My discovery for the "cure" involves not only what type of food I eat, but also when I eat.
For example, carbos for breakfast are a no no. They may get you rolling with a morning burst of energy, but come eleven o'clock there's usually a crash and ultimately more hunger pangs. Stick with a more protein based breakfast for prolonged energy and suprisingly less hunger before the noon hour.
I found that lunch with more of a protein base is also better for maintaining higher blood sugar until a mid afternoon snack. Any carbs at the noon hour gave me afternoon sleepiness. And no matter how hard that coffee monkey pounded on my back, I discovered that caffeine is not the answer. (More food will do the trick. Small snacks between meals can help maintain an energy level throughout the day,...and actually keep that metabolism revving.)
So when to eat the carbs?...Usually around the dinner hour. Not only are they an essential part of the diet but they can assist in sending you off for a good nights sleep. Be mindful though that too many potatoes, pasta, or bread can leave you feeling drained the next day. I call it the carbo hangover.
So far it's been working very nicely. And despite my love of food, at 6'-3" I weigh in at slightly under 200 pounds with a very low body fat percentage.
