24 hour protocol

[HATEFULone]

Ok I've been thinking for a couple of days about, would like some feedback on this. Most people count there macros based on only when they are awake, and a long acting protein source is recommended for nighttime, usually 25-50g. My new thinking trying to base my diet on a 24 hour time table, rather than just the 16 or so hours one is awake. Some pro bodybuilders supposedly do this by only sleeping 3-4 hours at a time or by waking to have a shake/meal. If most of us want to get x amount of protein every 2-3 hours, why do we take the same amount in over the 8+- hours we sleep for. I will postulate, just for argument, that macros should be based off a 24 hour scale. For the sake of keeping the calculation easy for this theory, I will use hypothetical numbers to make my point, these do not correlate with any diet I follow. This does not take into account more calories in post workout shake or those on a specific timing diet. Numbers are protein=240g/day, carbs=240g/day, fat=120g/day. Ok so this would mean 10g protein and carbs per hour, and 5g fat per hour. Every 3 hours one would need to take in 30g carbs and protein, and 15g fat. This would be mean less gross volume per meal. When sleep is factored in I will use 8 hours for my example. Protein would be 80g, preferably in shake form of whey, egg albumin, and casein sources to give a steady release over the 8 hours.

This 24 protocol would work best for protein as almost all diets agree this should be steady throughout the day. Carbs and fats could remain as is in most diets.

After a long post this is the short and simple of it: keep carbs and fats the same but for protein ramp down the protein per meal except for pre and post workout, and a much larger bedtime protein intake.

 

[youngandfree]

Either way, you have a certain protein requirement. It's kind of a moot point. Every 24 hrs you are going to start over. Your macro requirements are what they are for any given person.

If most of us want to get x amount of protein every 2-3 hours, why do we take the same amount in over the 8+- hours we sleep for. I will postulate, just for argument, that macros should be based off a 24 hour scale.

If you need 240 g of protein, and you eat every 3 hours, that would be 6-7 meals. Divided by 7 that is 34g per meal. Either way if you eat 30g before bed or 80, you are still "eating it" while you are awake. I think 80g before bed might be a bit much, just my opinion. If you are that worried about getting more protein at night, then it would seem better to get up and down a shake in the middle of it. Or hook up a whey IV before you go to sleep.

I think you are just overthinking. You aren't going to be at that much of a "disadvantage" if you just eat the same as each other meal before bed. At least you are using your noodle to think outside of the box, which too many people don't do. For me, 80g before hitting the sack wouldn't settle too well, and would probably mess up my sleep. Just do like me and on a good night I get 5 hrs instead of 8, so I'm not fasting that long anyway. LOL.

 

[soontobbeast]

it really isnt an original thought.

i think people are very conscious of what they are doing. the choice is clear: better sleep and recovery, or the small chance catabolism sets it. however, the long break from eating primes your body to receive nutrients better as well.

 

[AntonG42O]

your stomach needs a break sometimes. also the body naturally slows down the digestive system at around 10-11pm so you can go to sleep. I think 8 hours of REM sleep is way more anabolic and goes a long way to recovery when its uninterrupted. Getting up every 3 hours pisses off the nervous system thats trying to sleep. a casein shake before bed is great, but a middle of the night one is overstuffing in my opinion. unles you are jay cutler and need 500 g's a day

 

[HATEFULone]

Thanks for the comments, the whole purpose of this was to overthink. Just thought I'd see opinions on this. I agree that one needs to rest the GI track as well, but not every 24 hours does it need a rest. Including the post workout shake being about 50g protein give or take the pre bed shake would come out to only about 2x the 3 hour need, which would be a little more manageable. Just an interesting topic I feel, thanks again for the comments.