nutrition guidelines

[amokbelx]

I was wondering what are your general guidelines for nutrition (for fat loss).

I am currently following the traditional bodybuilding nutrition, 5 to 6 meals a day. Focus on starchy carbs in the morning and fibrous carbs after noon.

Thanks,

Alan

[Kathryn Woodall]

Hi Alan,

Currently there are no set general guidelines here for fat loss via nutrition.

Fat loss is really more about a combination of exercise and nutrition, so talking about one without knowing the specifics of the other will get you less than optimal information anyway.

I've been working on an RMAX-powered nutrition book that Coach Sonnon is going to contribute to as well. It is the editing and refining phase so hopefully it will be available soon. :)

[Aengus]

I've been working on an RMAX-powered nutrition book that Coach Sonnon is going to contribute to as well. It is the editing and refining phase so hopefully it will be available soon. :)

Man I can't wait for that!
I had great luck watching calories but also really paying attention to what I eat. None to minumum processed foods and lean meats and raw veggies with at least two meals. Lost 25 pounds that way.

[Coach Gottschalk]

Commitment.

There are a variety of ways that people adjust their diets to achieve fat loss. Different strokes for different folks. But the key is to stick with it (and that goes for your training as well).

Also, understanding your metabolic rate, activity level and your personal weaknesses when it comes to the fridge, are more important than a strict guide to the kinds of foods you should or should not be eating.

I personally believe that "Cals in/Cals out" is the biggest rule when it comes to body composition. Beyond that, healthy food promotes a healthy body. And a healthy body will give you more energy to work harder towards your goals.

[Motedgrange]

I have found the opposite to be true. I gave up counting, measuring, fasting, etc and started eating clean, none processed. That and I learned to tell real hunger from cravings. For me at least I can eat pretty much whatever I want (clean) and have no issue. I do for Coach Sonnons 3-4-5 idea of meal spacing but as long as I stay in the 4-5 window I am good. And if you can do it 90% of the time you do need to worry about the occassional slip ups, which is nice for weekends, outings, what have you.
It really is a personal thing. I would recommend trying several different approaches until you figure yourself out.

[Coach Gottschalk]

They're not necessarily opposite view points. The majority of people who switch to a "clean" diet do so with a big hit to their caloric intake as well. Its a lot easier to eat excessively when you're eating junk food than it is when you're eating asparagus and chicken breasts.

You simply cannot beat thermodynamics.

That said, I always recommend that people try to eat as clean as possible simply for the health/wellness aspects associated with a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, healthy fats, etc.