…to accompany the 3 Ps:
1. Never skip breakfast! According to WebMD, eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, and people who skip it are more likely to eat more total calories throughout the day. Make sure to have a complex carbohydrate like oatmeal or high-fiber cereal, a protein source like egg whites with one egg and a healthy fat like all-natural peanut butter or avocado.
2. Don’t eat fat (i.e., peanut butter, avocado, oils) immediately after a workout. It will slow down the absorption of protein. After a weight-training routine, you want to refuel your muscles within 30 minutes post-workout. Stick with fruits (simple sugars) to bind with amino acids in proteins to reach muscle quicker, helping with recovery and muscle growth — faster! A great choice: protein shake made with unsweetened almond milk, high-quality protein powder (flavor upon preference) and one-half cup of your favorite fruit. Yum!
3. “Don’t eat late at night” is BS. However, what you’re eating before it’s time to snooze DOES matter. Loading up on carbohydrates is generally a bad idea because your body does not have time to burn the glucose before lying down. Try something with protein and a little healthy fat. If you’re craving a sweet, try mixing nonfat Greek yogurt with Stevia, unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon and almonds.
