Hello Everybody!

I used the search button, but didn't find an answer to my question, so here goes. I am just starting out trying to get back in shape. I am going to do Body for Life, and they suggest the use of meal replacements and bars. I am going to try to eat whole foods for the majority of my meals, but in a pinch what is good based on your recommendations? I have seen Myoplex at the store, but a friend said that there are much better products out there. As for bars, there are a million of them, whats good? Thanks for the input, and if I missed a thread on this, sorry. If you could point it out, I will read it.

Thanks!!!

Protein Powder + Food

Examples: PP + Ground Oats, PP + Heavy Cream, PP + Flax

I would much rather just use protein powder but add my own foods. JMO.

So, protein powder and carb, or protein and fat, but not all 3, is that right?

Hello Everybody!

I used the search button, but didn't find an answer to my question, so here goes. I am just starting out trying to get back in shape. I am going to do Body for Life, and they suggest the use of meal replacements and bars. I am going to try to eat whole foods for the majority of my meals, but in a pinch what is good based on your recommendations? I have seen Myoplex at the store, but a friend said that there are much better products out there. As for bars, there are a million of them, whats good? Thanks for the input, and if I missed a thread on this, sorry. If you could point it out, I will read it.

Thanks!!!


Opticen by AtLarge Nutrition (www.atlargenutrition.com) is one of those MUCH BETTER products. You can't beat its protein matrix.

Thanks for the heads up Chris. Can Opticen be used as a MRP if fatloss is the main goal??

So, protein powder and carb, or protein and fat, but not all 3, is that right?
It isn't right for me. I have no problem with all 3, and some prefer it.

BTW yes Opticen can be used when fat-loss is the main goal. I would recommend Nitrean instead though. Just add some oats to it. IMHO it tastes better. :)

Thanks for the heads up Chris. Can Opticen be used as a MRP if fatloss is the main goal??

ABSOLUTELY!

Check out this link: http://atlargenutrition.com/chase_sullivan_doyle.php

Chase is a young man who used an almost all liquid diet in preparation for a bodybuilding contest. Opticen was integral to his regimen.

So, protein powder and carb, or protein and fat, but not all 3, is that right?
Which meal are you considering replacing? That would make a difference.

Either the meal between my first post workout whole food meal, or the afternoon meal between lunch and dinner, but never both.

So 1FastGTX, just take some Nitrean, add some oats (raw, cooked??) and drink? That sounds pretty simple.

So 1FastGTX, just take some Nitrean, add some oats (raw, cooked??) and drink? That sounds pretty simple.
Oats is one thing you can add, certainly! Here's how I do it. Grind some raw old-fashioned oats (you can use steel cut but they're harder to grind) in a coffee-bean grinder or in a blender. Add water. Add Nitrean. Drink. :)

You could also add flax seed oil, or flax seeds, or egg, fruit, milk, or, my favorite by far, heavy whipping cream.

No joke, Strawberry Nitrean + Heavy Cream + Water = :drool:

Either the meal between my first post workout whole food meal

You mean the meal right after you lift?

Definitely a shake... ingredients can vary as Jeff points out.

Currently I'm doing WMS+BCAA's and a couple of other ingredients.

That sounds really good 1FastGTX, kinda like a healthy milk shake :tu:

Hort, my plan is to do my weightlifting, have a protein shake after, then a meal, then use a MRP if I can't get a real food meal in. Sometimes I can't eat a real food meal due to work, might be in the car etc. Would a shake be ok here?? And what the heck is WMS?

You could certainly do two shakes on occasion. The choices are many. I've tend to go the simple carb route after lifting, and complex carbs the next meal. So if it were two shakes, it might be whey and dextrose, then whey or other proteins and oats as Jeff was pointing out (I'd prefer carbs like oats, grits, rice etc with chicken or beef).

Right now I'm using waxy maize starch (WMS) + BCAA's etc... then oats and whey 30 minutes later... then solid food a little while later.

No need for you to be that complex though.

You could readily start with the whey/oats route.

And agreed with Jeff... when bulking, gotta love whey and heavy cream :drool:

Thanks Hort!!

My main goal is fat loss. This is kinda the eating plan that I have been thinking of. I am going to do Body for Life for at least 12 weeks to get a foundation for continuing.

Workout prior to going to work.

Have a protein shake and some carbs after workout

At work have eggs and whole wheat toast

Have a shake with protein and carbs or maybe cottage cheese and fruit

Have chicken or canned tuna, brown rice and veggies

Have a snack, maybe chicken and fruit

Have lean beef, brown rice and veggies for dinner

Have some nonfat yogurt and cottage cheese before bed.

I don't really know how the calories will line up, I am gonna use fitday to track that part. I am gonna use the palm/fist size portion method described in BFL for the first 12 weeks to simplify stuff, and make it a habit. Let me know what you think, or anybody else that wants to help, please do. I see 1FastGTX all over the boards, he seems to be a great help to all, as everyone here has been, you included Hort. Thank you!!!!!

Hey Hort, 1FastGTX or anybody, what about protein bars? Are they good for meal replacement to? If so, what kind do you guys use? I figure that since you get to eat they that they may provide some kind of relief from just drinking a shake on occassion. Plus I could keep them in my car and have them with a bottle of water.

Most bars are crap, frankly.

When you first get started at this you'll think it's hard to crush all this in. In time, you'll realize it's not that hard. Get a good lunch bag, the right containers and build the right habits. Pretty soon you'll be eating good old regular food.

If I read that right, are you not eating before lifting? Definitely DON'T do that.

I lift first thing in the morning, should I have some protein powder before I go. I can't eat first, not enough time and I get sick if I eat then exercise.

You certainly need to eat something. Protein's OK... oats would be helpful. And I'm oversimplifying things but do eat.

What about some rotein powder with carbs premixed, my friend buys True Protein whey with dextrose mixed in, she says it works well. Would that be good??

Hey 1FastGTX, I am gonna follow your lead and order some Nitrean on Friday. I saw that Opticen is on sale, but taste is important, and probably have more flexibility in using Nitrean. Thank you for the advice.