A Guide to Nutrient Timing, Part 1: Pre-Workout Provisions

Nutrient timing refers to a strategic approach of consuming foods, beverages, and/or supplements at predetermined times to obtain specific performance-based outcomes. The Klean Nutrient Timing series will address the ins and outs of pre-, during, and post-nutrient timing, as well as daily maintenance, with the goal of optimizing performance and promoting immune health in athletes.

Please note that all guidelines are subject to trial and error. As an athlete, it’s crucial to experiment during your training so you can adjust your food and fluid volume based on gut tolerance and find a perfect daily nutrient timing routine.

The Motivation

Before athletes hit the road, field, track, or court, they need to make sure their tanks are filled to the brim so their engines can run on full throttle. Adequate fuel before exercise will ensure athletes have immediate energy to burn and their precious glycogen stores are topped off, which will help promote blood sugar balance and reduce hunger and fatigue, especially during prolonged exercise.

If done correctly, it can help minimize gastrointestinal (GI) distress and athletes’ fuel tanks will have a nice blend of amino acids that will jump-start muscle protein synthesis (MPS) once their exercise sessions are complete. Add some fluids to the mix and they are set to perform at their personal best.

The Details

• Pre-Exercise Carbohydrates: The benefits of pre-exercise carbohydrates depend on athletes’ stores of carbohydrate (aka glycogen stores). Athletes with lower glycogen stores, such as those with limited rest between training sessions, multiple training sessions per day, low daily energy intake, suboptimal post-exercise recovery fueling, or early morning workouts will benefit the most from pre-exercise carbohydrate feedings. Additionally, the higher the intensity of exercise or the longer the exercise session, the more an athlete will benefit from pre-exercise carbohydrates. These benefits relate to the exaggerated use of carbohydrates under these circumstances and to the pronounced effects that these modes of exercise can have on the immune system.
• Pre-Exercise Protein: Infusing the fuel mix with a balanced blend of amino acids (Klean BCAA + PEAK ATP), particularly in the form of whey (Klean Isolate), a few hours prior to exercise will support the synthesis of a variety of key proteins, such as skeletal muscle proteins and other key bodily components that facilitate recovery and adaptation to training.[1]‡
• Fluids and Electrolytes: Athletes competing in prolonged endurance events, especially when performed in hot weather and multiple times per day, can also benefit from additional fluids and electrolytes prior to exercise. The fluids and electrolytes will support normal muscle physiology and ensure adequate hydration.

The Pre-fuel & Hydration Plan

Consume a solid (300-500 calorie) mixed meal containing all three macronutrients (carbs, proteins, and fats), three to four hours prior to competition so the stomach is relatively empty, but the internal stores are stocked and ready to go.

1g/kg 1 hr prior; 2g/kg 2 hrs prior; 3g/kg 3 hrs prior; 4g/kg 4 hrs prior

• Calculation Connection: 3 hours prior: 160 lb 2 = 73 kg x 3 g/kg = 219 grams of carbs
• Note: All of the recommendations above do not need to be satisfied. Overall, carb intake should be progressively reduced as athletes near their training sessions. The timing of the last meal, time until the start of training, and gastrointestinal tolerance will help determine when and, therefore, how many carbs to consume.

Rinse the mouth with 6% carbohydrate solution (Klean Hydration) for 10 seconds prior to competition. If an athlete experiences dizziness, confusion, irritability, or shakiness when consuming carbs prior to exercise, they should aim to limit carbs within one hour of exercise to avoid rebound hypoglycemia.

Limit high fiber foods 3-4 hours prior to intense training or competition. Individual tolerance will vary.

If necessary, limit sugar alcohols, lactose and fructose prior to and during exercise to minimize GI upset.

• 3-4 hours Prior to Training or Competition: 20-40 grams of protein
• 1-2 hours Prior to Training or Competition: ~10-20 grams protein

Protein references (grams per serving):

• 1 ounce meat, poultry, fish = size of a matchbox = 7 g
• 3 oz meat, poultry, fish = size of a deck of playing cards = 21 g
• 1 egg = 6 g
• 1 cup ultra-filtered milk = 8 g
• 1 cup beans = 15 g (watch for fiber intolerance)
• 8 oz Greek yogurt = 20 g
• 1 scoop Klean Isolate = 20 g

Avoid fats 2 to 4 hours prior to exercise to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

• 4 hr prior: 5-7 ml/kg, if adequately hydrated.

Example: 160 lb 2 = 73 kg x 5-7 ml/kg = 365-511 milliliters 30 ml/oz = 12-17 ounces

• 2 hr prior: Add 3-5 ml/kg or ~10-12 oz if no urine is produced or urine is dark in color after consuming the 12-17 ounces 4 hours prior.
• 10-20 min prior: 7-10 oz

Consuming fluids with electrolytes (Klean Electrolytes) leaves muscles hydrated and tops off-key muscle components to ensure optimal muscle physiology.‡

The Brilliant Extras

For athletes performing multiple daily workouts, especially in the heat, low glycogen stores and the loss of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium can lead to dehydration and diminished exercise capacity. Klean Hydration will provide a carbohydrate boost while topping off-key electrolytes to keep muscle physiology primed. Mix one scoop of Klean Hydration with 8 ounces of water up to one hour prior to exercise.‡