Chris Barakat on Optimizing Peri-Workout Nutrition

Published: June 2, 2021, 10 a.m.

If you like to geek out, this episode is for you. That\u2019s because I\u2019m getting into the weeds with Chris Barakat on peri-workout nutrition.

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If you don\u2019t know what that means, peri-workout nutrition refers to the food you eat before, during, and after training. We\u2019re talking pre-workout meals, post-workout feasts, and even intraworkout replenishment.

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Now, one important point (and one we\u2019ll get into further in the episode) is that the advanced strategies Chris discusses are optimizations, as opposed to foundational knowledge.

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If you\u2019re someone who just wants to get in shape without too much fuss, get your energy balance right and follow a meal plan that hits your macro targets, and you\u2019re going to be doing better than most. In other words, get the most important things right, most of the time, and you\u2019ll do well.

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But if you\u2019re someone who likes to optimize--someone who wants to do everything you can to eke out every ounce of progress possible, these are the types of dietary strategies you should at least be thinking about. These small tweaks may not make a noticeable difference in the moment, but they can move the needle over time.

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Even if that\u2019s not you, though, I think you\u2019ll find this episode interesting, and you just may learn a strategy or two you\u2019d like to try.

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In our chat, Chris and I talk about . . .

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  • What peri-workout nutrition is
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  • Specific macros and food choices for pre-workout and post-workout nutrition
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  • Whether the glycemic index of your carb choices matters
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  • Carbohydrate supplements
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  • When intraworkout nutrition is useful (and when it\u2019s not)
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  • And much more . . .
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If you\u2019re not familiar with Chris, he\u2019s not only a member of Legion\u2019s Scientific Review Board, he\u2019s also a published scientist, educator, coach, and natural bodybuilder, so he\u2019s had many years of developing his book smarts and \u201cin the trenches\u201d know-how, and definitely knows how to get results.

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So take a listen and let me know which of the strategies we discuss you\u2019ll be implementing, as well as your own favorite peri-workout foods. :)

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Timestamps:

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5:06 - What is peri-workout nutrition?

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19:46 - What does a pre-workout meal look like?

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25:33 - What are your thoughts on carbohydrate supplements?

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35:51 - What should your protein and fat intake look like before a workout?

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40:44 - How do you approach post workout?

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47:12 - Is resynthesis more efficient at night?

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Mentioned on the Show:

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Chris Barakat's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.barakat/

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Chris Barakat's Website: https://schoolofgainz.com/

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Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/mike

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Want free workout and meal plans? Download my science-based diet and training templates for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/text-sign-up/