post-breakfast slump

[Deleted]

Just getting started on the Metabolic Typing, need a little help. I"m training for a 93 mile hike, and I'm working out right when I get up in the morning---treadmill, strength training, or a weighted pack hike. My problem is, I'm practically falling asleep on my way to work. I have a 40 minute commute, so falling asleep is not a good idea. I eat right after my work-out, and eat 1/2 cup oatmeal with butter and cinnamon, and 2 soft-boiled eggs. Everyone's telling me I need to increase my carbs, but I'm guessing that increaing my protein might work better? Also, do I need to try to eat something before I work out? I've never been good at that, it usually makes me feel heavy through my work-out.

One complication is that I'm trying to lose weight as well, as I don't need to be carrying all this weight on that hike! I don't want to increase my calories much, because I'm doing well losing the weight, especially since I started picking foods based on the Metabolic Type. Nuts and dairy seem to stall or slow down my weight loss; I reserve them for the days that I'm actually hiking. I am hungry quite a bit lately though. I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks daily, and sometimes a snack after dinner.

Thanks for the help.

[erictalmant]

As a Parasympathetic dominant, protein is of *utmost importance* for you!

In your documents package, I would pay particularly close attention to the "Fine Tuning Your Diet-Detailed", "Using Your Diet Plan", and of course your actual MT report itself.

Please let us know if these documents help, and then follow up with additional questions.

When you become very tired, or have a food craving, etc. then the first thing to look at is your food selection. Are you eating only those foods that are right (green) for your type? If that is the case, then you need to look at macronutrient ratios. For a Parasympathetic, a good starting place is 40% protein, 30% carbs, and 30% fat. You would then fine tune from there to match your individual requirements.

When you put together a meal that "works", then you will not be tired, you will feel satisfied and sustained for at least 2 hours, and you will have good energy.

Experimentation is the name of the game here; but make sure and use the Diet Check Record sheets diligently so you will know what works and what doesn't. Some parasympathetics can benefit from increasing carbs; and some benefit from increasing protein and/or fat. You have to find out what works best for YOU.

Should you eat before you work out? Some people do better when they eat right before working out (I do); and some don't. Don't listen to "everybody else"; listen to YOUR body!

Eric