The basic rule of thumb is to take in protein throughout the day at two-hour intervals, and that time-released plan includes the pre-workout meal. I generally train in the late morning, and I have a meal-replacement powder — high in protein, amino acids and minerals with only a small amount of carbs — about 90 minutes prior to my session. If you plan to eat two hour before training, it’s fine to opt for a balanced meal of chicken breasts (protein), rice or potatoes (starchy carbs) and green vegetables (complex carbs).
Immediately after training, I slam down a simple-carb drink to raise insulin levels, force the carbs and amino acids back into the muscle and to restore glycogen levels. This recovery-drink supplement should be 75% simple sugars and 25% quick-to-digest proteins, an ideal post-workout carb-to- protein ratio to spur recovery.
Some bodybuilders equate sugar with energy and therefore jump to the conclusion that it’s best to load carbs prior to a workout as a kick-starter. That’s exactly the wrong thing to do, because your blood sugar levels will actually drop during the training session, and you’ll fatigue more quickly and lose endurance. To maximize energy and recovery, like I say, I schedule a carb drink immediately after the workout is over. One hour later, I eat another balanced meal of protein (beef, chicken or fish) and carbs (potatoes or rice and a fibrous green vegetable). Lack of careful planning is the main impediment to making progress. Only so many nutrients can be absorbed in one meal; to supply your body with its essential muscle-building elements, your goal should be to eat six or seven small meals.
My diet has evolved and improved since I retired from competitive bodybuilding. I’ve done considerable research on how to blend fast and slow-acting proteins into my meal plan to trigger growth. The chart details my typical day of meals — designed to maximize protein intake and trigger gains in lean body mass — while I’m at home in Birmingham, England.
It’s my nutritional rota, and it keeps the metabolism ticking along quite nicely. The biggest mistake most bodybuilders make is skipping meals and then foolishly trying to overcompensate by binging and overeating later in the day.
Plan ahead. Allow your body adequate postworkout carbs for recovery. Don’t go too low on carbs or your body will be forced to recruit protein for energy during workouts. Pack in enough protein to ensure steady gains and to feel healthier and stronger at work and in the gym.
DORIAN YATES' DAILY MEAL PLAN
7-8 AM (Breakfast)
Porridge made with one cup of oatmeal (complex carbs), 10 egg whites (protein), and one scoop of protein powder, blended and cooked
9-10 AM
Meal replacement drink
11 AM
Training
12 PM
Postworkout carb drink
1 PM (Lunch)
Two chicken breasts, potatoes or rice, and a green vegetable
3:30 PM
Protein shake or meal-replacement drink
5:30 PM (Dinner)
12 oz filet mignon, potatoes or rice, and a green vegetable
8-9 PM
A small serving of porridge, made with 1/2 cup of oatmeal, six egg whites, and 1/2 scoop of protein powder
