Topic: Meal Timing
I am often asked if it matters when meals and calories are eaten, and if meal timing is actually important. The answer appears fairly simple, but actually it is not. There are many factors that affect whether a meal and its calories are stored as fat, or is used to fuel energy needs, or is used to heal muscle tissue.
Here are a few:
- Meal composition. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats can all be used for energy, but only protein can be used to heal muscle tissue which will then elevate metabolism. Plus, protein and fat do not cause the release of insulin, a hormone that encourages body fat storage. Try to eat carbohydrates early in the day and after a workout to minimize body fat storage.
- Active or rest days. It makes sense that on days that you exercise, you will need more calories to fuel your activities and heal your exercised muscles. Try to adjust your calorie intake to match your activity levels. It also makes sense to eat less before bed when you are less active, and to exercise on an empty stomach to encourage the use of body fat for fuel.
- Overall calorie intake. The type of calorie and food eaten does indeed matter, but the bottom line is to take in fewer calories than you use to lose weight and to eat more than you use to gain weight. The type of calorie ingested will vary based on your individual needs and preferences.
You can also chat with other fitness enthusiasts at one of our forums: Diet and Nutritional Supplement Information
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
I am often asked if it matters when meals and calories are eaten, and if meal timing is actually important. The answer appears fairly simple, but actually it is not. There are many factors that affect whether a meal and its calories are stored as fat, or is used to fuel energy needs, or is used to heal muscle tissue.
Here are a few:
- Meal composition. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats can all be used for energy, but only protein can be used to heal muscle tissue which will then elevate metabolism. Plus, protein and fat do not cause the release of insulin, a hormone that encourages body fat storage. Try to eat carbohydrates early in the day and after a workout to minimize body fat storage.
- Active or rest days. It makes sense that on days that you exercise, you will need more calories to fuel your activities and heal your exercised muscles. Try to adjust your calorie intake to match your activity levels. It also makes sense to eat less before bed when you are less active, and to exercise on an empty stomach to encourage the use of body fat for fuel.
- Overall calorie intake. The type of calorie and food eaten does indeed matter, but the bottom line is to take in fewer calories than you use to lose weight and to eat more than you use to gain weight. The type of calorie ingested will vary based on your individual needs and preferences.
You can also chat with other fitness enthusiasts at one of our forums: Diet and Nutritional Supplement Information
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
