Hey there, Beautiful!
In case no one has told you today, you are amazing.
Many times in our fitness + health journeys, we can get so caught up in the vortex of “when is the right time to eat.” I know many of you, if not all, have heard, Eat 5-8 small meals a day to keep your metabolism going. Right? Sorry to break it to you fam, but that is another infamous fitness myth.
Our metabolisms are going to go whether we “start them up” or not. Also, eating so frequently spikes our insulin over and over, which is not our goal. Over time, this could cause type 2 diabetes. Fasting has been proven to help our bodies in so many ways, and in many foreign countries, fasting is the first treatment they turn to in case of illness or disease!
So here is the big question: When is the right time to eat? The answer is quite simple and may surprise you.
YES, you should plan your meals out, but eating 5-8 small meals a day is not necessary. As long as you are fulfilling your macros and eating enough, 3 meals a day is perfectly fine (or less, if you do hardcore intermittent fasting [post on that coming soon]).
NOW, that being said, there are two windows of time when eating will help you reach your goals faster:
- Before your workout. If you are a carb eater, eating 50-100g of carbs an hour before you hit the gym will pump your muscles full of glycogen, which will make you a little stronger with more stamina in your lifting routine.
- After your workout. Your body has the ability to absorb carbs and protein at a much faster rate than normal within a 20 to 30-minute window right after you work out. Now remember, proteins are the building blocks of muscle, and carbs help your muscles recover. I recommend having a snack ready after your workout, along with a protein shake (it is easier for your body to break down than say . . . a piece of chicken). It is not going to kill your results if you don’t follow this rule, but it will most definitely help you reach your goals faster.
Okay, so we have established that there is no perfect time to nosh on that yummy food you have there, but there are times that can be helpful in reaching our goals! Also, how much do you love that hamburger in the picture? Yeah, I loved it too! #ieatrealfoodtoo
The point is, don’t worry too much about timing; enjoy your life, enjoy your food, and love what you do! Life is meant to be enjoyed, so let’s cast some worries aside and enjoy it to its fullest.
XO with love, blessings, and a matcha latte mustache,
Leah