For most of us, daily life is very structured and consistent. We wake up, shower and get dressed, and hit the road for work. We put in our eight hours at work, taking breaks on regular schedules. We come home, make dinner, get the kids ready for bed (if we’re at that stage), then we have a few hours to ourselves.
This daily structure is actually very good for bodybuilding nutrition – most of the time. The consistent schedule of a work day is wonderful for getting in all of your bodybuilding meals on a regular basis. Breakfast is consumed at the same time every day, because you have to. Breaks give you a chance to drink a protein shake, and lunch and dinner are on the same schedule as well, dictated to you by your schedule. There isn’t much time to stray into junk food arena either, as that food typically isn’t available and there isn’t time to think about it – you’re just too busy.
Those hours in the evening are the most dangerous to bodybuilding nutrition. This lack of structure is wonderful for unwinding and enjoying life. But it also leads to boredom and the willingness to break from a diet and eat junk food, or to miss a meal entirely. Here are a few ideas for stopping the nighttime collapse.
Alternative snacks
It’s a good idea to have fat-free and sugar-free foods on hand for those times when night-time urges kick in. Snacking on them can help the urges pass. Don’t make them a regular thing though – they may interfere with sleep and provide empty calories you don’t need.
Schedule
If you can plan the first 12 to 14 hours of your waking day down to a tee (including meals), you can plan your relax time just as easily. You might even find you are able to enjoy more fun things every evening if you plan it out ahead of time.
Discipline
What is more important to you – possessing an incredible physique and reaching your personal potential for muscle mass and vascularity, or goofing off? Be strong, remain focused, and put all of your energy into reaching your bodybuilding goals.
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