WHAT PERCENT OF CARBS/FAT/PROTEIN SHOULD YOU HAVE AS AN ATHLETE?

According to Brendan Brazier, there are two answers to what percentage of carbs/fat/protein an athlete should have based on the training goal(s) of the athlete. 

Long Endurance/Distance Athlete:

60% Carbs
20% Fat
20% Protein 


High Intensity Interval Training:

70% Carbs
15% Fat
15% Protein 

Brendan Brazier, as well as Jillian Michaels and Jackie Warner (my fav's you know :D ), all agree that it is best to eat carbs for a pre-workout not protein, because the muscles need the sugar for fuel.  Pre-workout recommendation: 1 cup of oatmeal with 1 cup of mixed berries.    Eating protein rather than carbs pre-workout will force the body to expend energy turning it into sugar (didn't know that was possible but it is what Brendan Brazier said in the "No Meat Athlete" podcast). 

In any case, all those diets that are "low carb" or "no carb" are not how the body is meant to naturally function.  Carbohydrates are one of only three primary categories of nutrition (i.e. carbs/fat/protein) that a body needs to function properly with all inclusive nutrition.  Jillian Michaels also recommends that carbs are eaten all before dinner. 

Til next time, take a walk.  A walk is a fantastic way to get the body moving, to gain vitamen D, and to feel good about oneself.