Contrary to old wisdom, eating paper doesn't actually do a damn thing
Scenario 1: Guy works his ass off in the gym four times a week then eats like a prissy teenage schoolgirl with a dieting problem. Which is to say, not very much at all.
Scenario 2: Guy works his ass off in the gym four times per week then eats canned chili, microwaveable burritos, Hamburger Helper and chicken nuggets.
Scenario 3: Guy works his ass of in the gym four times per week then eats high-quality meats, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains. Oh, and Dogfish Head beer.
What's the common theme between these three scenarios? (Besides the fact they've all lazily been named "Guy"?)
Here's a hint: our "Guy" takes care of business in the weight room; he's a regular freakin' gym-rat. But if you were to take identical training programs and give them to all three, I guaran-fuckin'-tee that Guy 3 will gain more muscle, look more ripped, and feel better than the other two poor schlubs. No doubt about it. I’m even willing to bet my lucky pair of boxers.
It's really amazing to me how much emphasis is placed on training while eating is neglected. (And yes, I'm counting Scenario 2 as neglect. Poor food choices are better than none at all, but it's not much of an improvement. And I say this from experience.)
But it doesn't have to be that way.
In the next couple of weeks I'm going to show you:
What I Eat (Almost) Every Day
5 Tips for Bulking on a Budget
3 Unknown Supplements I Take Every Day
Better Eating for a Better Body: 4 Rules
My 7 Favorite Beers (You know I had to throw a beer-related post in there.)
For now, check out Precision Nutrition, the ultimate nutrition guide and cookbook I still use.
Also, if you have any questions or suggestions for what you'd like me to cover, post them below. Thanks!
Posted Nov 02, 2009 by .
This entry is filed under nutrition and eating.
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Comments for This Entry
I fucking *hate* eggs. Give us a breakfast suggestion that doesn't involve stillborn avian byproducts.
Im always debating WHEN to eat WHAT foods. Thats always cool to know. How to manipulate your blood sugar so your superhuman and so your not a pussy in the gym from malnutrition and eating like your incarcerated.
I hate the big carb debate. Precision nutrition digs into it with "no carbs from sugar, starches, and grains" before the gym. (fatloss). Whats your take
I hope you other 3 supplements include some sort of fibre. You had to include the beer on the list Nate, love it. Next time you in london try some real english ale...
CANNED CHILI IS BAD? WHAT?!?! even the low sodium fat free kind? damn. Could you add How to eat vegetables without wanting to gag?
Dude, I'm totally in for the "5 Tips for Bulking on a Budget" Tips! Keep it comin'!
All the best from Switzerland!
Can you actually write any shorter articles without any useful data in them? Would this count to actually satisfy your quota?
Thanks for this. I feel as if you didn't pay enough attention to diet and nutrition in your book. You told us what to eat, but you never gave any indication as to the amount we should be eating.Should we be on a calorie surplus during the Fall and Winter workouts, and a deficit during the Spring and Summer workouts? I'v always been told that, regardless of the program you're using, calories in vs calories out is always going to be the main factor in the results you see. Could you tell us what you're calorie intake was like during you're initial transformation from skinny to huge?
looking forward to these articles
Ha! Mai haiku predicted teh future!!1
In all seriousness, my anticipation for these upcoming nutrition-related blogs couldn't be higher. I really appreciate all the time you're spending on awesome, new content.
-Eric
Damn, dude... My name's Guy, and I routinely eat canned chili. You have spoiled my fun. Boourns.
I've seen your chicken chili vid, and I was wondering how many chili recipes you have that you actually use. Do you have any others (that aren't related to PN)?
Also, I just re-read the book. Solid.
Diet, diet, diet....that's where it's make or break. I saw myself in all three scenarios. I get to all those places from time to time. The challenges of life get in the way--or I let them get in the way. I have to plan my eating just like I plan my workout. If I'm thinking a week or two ahead on my workouts, I've got to be doing the same for my food. If I come in from work and haven't thought about what's for dinner then guaranteed I will make poor choices.
Looking forward to see these articles. Diet is without a doubt what holds most of us back.
Looking forward to these articles. Also could you add an article for hardgainer. I eat around 5000 calories every day and yet have difficulty gaining lean muscle.
I am definitley interested in seeing what you eat all the time. I sure hope you have some tasty alternatives to chicken, because I think I am starting grow a beak with how much I'm eating. Ahhh!
Wow!
Sounds great!
I'm definitely looking forward to these articles.
For me, cos I'm selfish, I'd love something on things to eat at school... I hate eating, especially on hot days, the crappy food I have packed away in my lunch box. And I guess this applies to the older folks and what to take to work!
Things that are easy to make, cheap, lasts and is tasty. That would be awesome.
Thanks!
Chris.
Good shit Nate, this is the kind of article I have been waiting dearly for, I can't wait for the follow-ups.
Looking forward to the many more blogs you add to your site!
I'm scenario 4: Guy works his ass of in the gym four-five times per week then eats meats, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains. Oh, and Sam Adams or Sierra Nevada.
And despite all that, he (I) has made barely noticible improvements in body composition in the last year. WTF?
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