Hi all!
Well, Im a 40 yr old woman, I weigh 140 lbs and am 5′3". Exercise has been a part of my life since my youth, of course there have been periods in my life that I have waned physical output, but I’ve always been very active (no couch potato here)
Eating habits fall into the same category. For the most part of my life, healthy eating is a conscious choice.
Right now.
Activity - I am involved in MMA 4 x a week. The strength training portion of the art is grueling, heart rate is up and I’m pushed to my limit for at least 30 minutes….without rest. The next 30 minutes is foundation and technique training.
I ride a bike 5 miles a day and am working on time. Right now, I can complete the 5 miles in 24 minutes, at an average of 18 mph.
Diet-
I limit my carbohydrate consumption. I try to eat 4 -5 time daily.
for example:
am - 2 egg whites
am- 1 can of tuna
pm - chicken breast w/small portion of rice
pm - chicken noodle soup
pm - carrots
I have this layer of fat on my stomach and arms that just wont go away. What should I do???
TIA
MMA training is high intensity. High intensity training uses glucose as fuel. Carbs are converted to glucose after we consume them. If you are not consuming carbs, your body will create them from your muscles through a process called "gluconeogenesis". Basically, eat up your muscles as fuel.
In addition to the above, you are undereating for your bodyweight. Further reducing the ability to use stored bodyfat as fuel.
Without adding it up, it looks like your eating about 70 grams of protein. At your weight and activity level, you should be eating approx 150-170 grams. Plus you aren’t eating any fats. It’s a big mistake to eliminate carbs AND fats because now you are eliminating TWO macronutrients. Leaving only protein, which you are too low of to begin with.
What you should do is have all your meals be Protein & Fats. EXCEPT for the meal prior and after your MMA. 1hr prior have a meal with protein & carbs, no fats. 50g of carbs. 40g of protein. Immediately after your training, have another meal of 50g carbs & 40g protein. all your other 3 meals of the day should be 40g protien & 15g fat & zero carbs. That will put your body in the best position to maintain your muscle AND use stored bodyfat as fuel. While simultaneously fueling your MMA workout with carbs.