Visit with my NUT

So today I went and met with my NUT, who specializes in Bariatrics and has been for about 15 years so she does know her stuff.

Let me start off by saying I was totally nervous going into this meeting because she is blunt honest when you are doing something wrong, and she is not a fan of using supplements as a primary source of protein.  This was my second meeting with her since surgery as she is not affiliated with my surgeon's practice.  My first meeting was last November and it was to try and getting eating real food as opposed to pureed foor and prtein shakes.  At that appointment my exercise was just that exercise and she pushed my calories to 1400 which took me months to hit on a regular basis.

So we discussed my exercise which she quickly corrected that "You no longer exercise. You train"  this was based on both my short term and long term fitness goals.  I informed her that I had my RMR tested and did not rely on a calculator and it is near 2100. I also told her that I have moved back to supplements but only in addition to meet my caloric and protein goals she set my protein at 160-175 and calories to be between 2100 and 2300 but better off closer to 2200.  We discussed my hydration and how it relates to my training and my Sweat ratio and recovery hydration, which she was pleased I knew about and that I weigh twice a day pre and post workout which then lets me calculate my fluid loss to sweat and figure out additional ounces needed to rehydrate. 

The part I knew was comming was what we spent most of the meeting discussing and that is the topic of Carbs the thing we all tend to avoid.  I keep my total carbs at less than 100 and then it is only complex long acting carbs.  I was totally suprised when she said nope you need to start eating 30grams of fast acting carbs post workout, These include english muffin, bagel, and fruits such as banana. 

It appears that I tend to run at not only a calorie deficit but after 2-3 days at the gym after the weekend break I am running at a glycogen deficit as well.  She asked how my runs and stuff were weds-thurs which I do struggle with and end up grunting through. 

Fortunately she believes that if I target my RMR caloric wise I will be fine for my events this year, and by swapping out a bit of protein and changing up some of the carbs I do eat that I should be on track.

She went as far to say that at a year out and with the lifestyle changes I have made that I am not a Bariatric patient but a regulr athletic person and need to live my life as one.  I felt totally awesome comming out of this meeting because she was excited to have someone who has made such changes as I have and reassured me that I am doing things right.  I have a long ways to go and know that my goals will take a lot of training especially my main goal of next year.

Next year I will have to see a sports nutritionist so things will probably change then.

Sounds like a great nut.

She's recommended 160 grams of protein, though?  I  know you need extra  protein if you work out a lot.  I'm just curious on how she came up with that number because it's a lot higher than I would have guessed anyone needs.  I'm not saying it's wrong, I'm just curious about it.

Reccomendations are that an average person requires .grams of protein per KG of weight.  A more athletic life style, rigourous worouts and athletic training, require a higher intake of protein between 1.4 and 2.4 grams per KG.  The additional protein is to aid in muscle recovery and repair during training and events.  The additional protein also helps protect some muscle mass while engaged in activity by preventing your body from utilizing internal protein stores, same concept as post op life but to a higher degree because of factors like RMR and Intensity of Exercise.

that is awesome that you have such a great NUT!

Sarah

Wow Paul, how fantastic you must feel! Yup, you are an athlete, and soon an IM! I'm so happy for you.

Keep on running!
Jan

You are indeed an athlete. I'm surprised, though, that as knowledgable as you are, you didn't see the carb advice coming. We KNOW from research that you need those fast acting carbs for recovery!

But yes, you are doing great things and I am so inspired by you! You already know how.

I finally figured out my perfect "pre-Body Pump" breakfast. I was going TOO carby and heavy and I ended up running out of steam partway through my workout! I was doing oatmeal with a bit of PB (which, I admit, was part justification). Now I do cottage cheese with berries and all is well.

Isn't it amazing to be able to FEEL your body using food as fuel? While I staunchly disagree with the notion that food is for fuel only (I will be a curvy woman to my death for that but I like me so it's ok), it is interesting when you know what food is supposed to do in your body, can identify when it is doing what it's supposed to do and know how to adjust when it doesn't.

Thanks for sharing!

It isn't so much that I didn't see it comming as much as I denied it or have become a carbaphobe.  YOu know how it is your really bite in and believe that because you had this surgery that you have to live by a set of rules, but often forget that these rules are based on a average or median population of people who have gone through this.  Mentally it becomes hard to Go from Fat Guy, to Bariatric Patient and then Athelete (That one I still have trouble with).

She had to keep hitting me over the head with the fact that I have changed my life beyond what most people do.

Well, looka here...I expect great things out of you, Paul. I am looking forward to someday saying..."I knew that guy back when he was a newbie..."

YAY! I iz uh n00b3

You are an inspiration. Amazing. Phenomenal. Wow. Just Wow. I did not know about the fast acting carbs either--always been told protein, protein, protein after a workout. Good to know and thanks for sharing. To quote my girl Nik, that is all.

Have a great weekend.

Denise