Maintaining/Building Strength

[Brodie]

First up I apologise if this has been covered before,

I have just started the Paleo diet (day 2 for the win!), but I am concerned around the general maintainence and building of strength. I stand at a breath taking 5foot 4inches tall and weigh in at around 9 stones 10pounds (136 pounds or 62kgs), I train monday, wednesday and friday with strength training (warm up rowing, then into kettlebell/weights/sandbag training) and tuesday, thursday and saturday around more cardio days (with plenty of swimming, more rowing, cross trainer and sprints) and sunday is my rest day, but have always found it hard to maintain weight with a high metabolism.

Any ideas on good pre or post work out snack/meals without resorting to protein shakes and protein bars? I know quiet alot about physical training and nutrition, but not so much around the Paleo yes and nos. Anyone else had a problem maintaining or building when doing this diet?

Cheers,
            Brodie

[Falcon]

Hi Brodie

There's a really good thread on here somewhere about mountain biking and nutrition for that - it might help you out.

I think the gist is nuts and protein - chicken breast etc - for energy and building muscle. I think the idea is red meat for bulk, white meat for lean muscle.

I'd take some blueberries and chicken breast for a post-workout snack, and bananas are always good for pre-training. Bacon's good to replace salts if you've had a really sweaty session.

That's all I'm going to say - I'll leave the other answers to the professionals!

Falcon

[Brodie]

Cheers Falcon, I will check that thread out,

I may try wrapping some spinach, rocket, watercress, peppers, bacon and chicken in lettuce leaves for a bit of a post workout snack.

Steak or pork chops with mushrooms, onion and mixed vegetables on the evening should work I hope so I can ensure maintaining what lean muscle I have to keep protein and fat content up.

Brodie

[Falcon]

Those lettuce wraps sound delicious! I'll be giving those a try!

Good luck with the workouts - I'm currently working full-time and studying part-time, so I have about 20 minutes a day to exercise and that's it! So I just do whatever I want for fun - dancing, karate, weights - figuring I haven't enough time for a proper workout so I may as well enjoy the break from studying. I can kick back into it once my degree's finished.

[Brodie]

Falcon,

With 20 minutes a day have you tried using kettlebells? I find them much better and more efficient than dumbbells and other conventional workout means.

Plus they are cheaper than gym fees.

Brodie

[Falcon]

No, I haven't. I've heard a lot of people on here mention them - I'll check it out. Thanks!