Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Hi Matt, Thanks for the message. I reviewed my eating habits by food journalling for a month and visiting with a nutritionist. We looked at my balance with athletic activity in mind. She told me I was lower on protein than muscle recovery might require, and also that protein assists with REM to deep sleep. I did not go down the path of supplements because at the time I was participating in a Institute of Neurology study here in London so I was to stop all supplementation (although I received the OK to add in magnesium). So I focused on adding protein based snacks to my diet. I added boiled quails eggs as a quick snack. If I felt hungry I would eat these. I also see eggs as an easy later evening snack too (although I very rarely eat at night, only if I have had very intense exercise). I also have focused with a different nutritionist on looking at new ways to add protein to meals. I have looked to seeds and nuts with her. Nuts are an easy snack (but not too many as they can be high calorie). I add a mixed seed to my breakfast cereal now, and to salads. I also focus on making sure I have a protein source at each meal. This is hard, but through focus and awareness I am putting the advice into practice. I have done similar with leafy greens, making sure to have these once a day (also a source of iron, magnesium and plant based protein). A lot of athletes use protein shakes post workouts. I have not tried these. The protein recovery drink powder most recommended to me is the First Endurance set of products. But like I said, I have not gone down that path. Rather I will keep nuts in my bag, or eat an apple with nut butter, or an egg. I decided to try to manage my nutrition by eating real food first, trying to avoid the extra stuff and powders. I hope this helps. For me the first step though was to understand what exactly I was currently eating and to take it from there. To come to grips with that I used fitday.com to log and track food. It took a lot of time (especially as I did it for one month) but was great to track patterns. I understand other programmes are out there doing the same now, like the MyFitnessPal ap for iPhone. I also found a nutritionist to look at that too. Maybe your GP would be able to give you a referral for that? Good luck and feel free to drop me questions any time! Donna www.beatinglimitations.com > Question for you about the protein and sleeping. Myself and my daughter both have issues going to sleep and waking up throughout the night. I did a sleep study and it came back negative for low oxygen so I am thinking it is my RLS kicking in but not sure. Your post really caught my eye when you talk about the protein helping your sleep. Were you just eating more protein or did you start a supplement to help out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Have you ever thought of trying Quinoa? Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 Hey Geri, thanks for the info. For others here is the wiki of Quinoa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa Wow, it looks like the wonder food. Protein, high fiber and magnesium (my Dr told me to take this too) I am going to have to do some more research, on where to find this one. Hopefully its cheap. Matt Re: Protein and Sleep Have you ever thought of trying Quinoa? Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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