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MEAL TIMING

Optimize nutrient timing around your workouts. When you eat matters for performance and recovery.

Daily Nutrient Timeline

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Pre-Workout

2-3 Hours Before Training

Fuel your workout with a balanced meal. Carbs for energy, protein for muscle protection, moderate fats.

Carbs: 40-60g (oats, rice, sweet potato)
Protein: 25-35g (chicken, eggs, whey)
Fats: 10-15g (moderate)
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Intra-Workout

During Training (90+ min)

For long sessions only. Fast-absorbing carbs to maintain blood glucose and delay fatigue.

Carbs: 30-60g/hour (dextrose)
Hydration: 500-750ml water/hour
Optional: Electrolytes, BCAA

Post-Workout

Within 2 Hours After

Protein for muscle repair, carbs to replenish glycogen. Critical if training fasted or twice daily.

Protein: 30-40g (whey, chicken)
Carbs: 60-100g (fast-digesting)
Ratio: 2:1 or 3:1 carbs to protein
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Before Bed

30-60 Minutes Before Sleep

Slow-digesting protein to provide amino acids overnight. Prevents muscle breakdown during sleep.

Protein: 30-40g (casein, cottage cheese)
Fats: 10-15g (slow digestion)
Avoid: High carbs (disrupts sleep)

Intermittent Fasting Protocols

Time-restricted eating for fat loss and metabolic health.

16:8 Protocol

16h Fast / 8h Eat

Most popular. Skip breakfast, eat 12pm-8pm. Easy to maintain. Great for fat loss while preserving muscle.

18:6 Protocol

18h Fast / 6h Eat

More aggressive. Eat 2pm-8pm. Better fat loss, harder to hit macros. Ideal for experienced fasters.

20:4 (Warrior Diet)

20h Fast / 4h Eat

Extreme. One large meal or two smaller meals. Maximum autophagy. Very difficult to hit protein targets.

OMAD

23h Fast / 1h Eat

Most extreme. One massive meal. Great for aggressive cuts. Nearly impossible to build muscle.

Important: Meal timing is less important than total daily intake. Hit your macros first. Then optimize timing for 1-5% extra gains.

TIMING IS SECONDARY

Total calories and macros matter most. Get the basics right first.

Calculate Your Macros