I'm currently preparing for the 2016 USS Strongman Nationals which will be held on June 11th, 2016. My training focus is to continue to get stronger and prepare and peak for the events at Nationals. I'm working with teammate Mike Mastell on my nutrition and programming.

I’ve had a few questions about my nutrition leading up to USS Nationals, so I decided to do a write-up on it. I’m working with teammate Mike Mastell on my nutrition. It's always good to have another set of eyes and accountability. Starting at 12 weeks out I really dialed things in. I’ve hit my calories and macros every day since I started my prep. This is by far the highest my carbs have ever been. I’m also the leanest I’ve ever been this heavy. I feel great training and my energy is through the roof. Recovery seems great. I've had improved body composition with very little bodyweight change. I actually never thought I’d say this, but I’m tired of eating carbs. And eating in general. Getting all my food in everyday is a job in itself. My protein intake is 225-255 grams a day (190g on my event day), carbs range from 450-750 a day and fat ranges from 28-75 grams a day. This all just depends on the day. My diet varies on training days, off days and event days.

Above (header): 2 weeks out

Below: 4 weeks out


Off Days:

Meal 1: 2 scoops of protein, 2 tbsp. peanut butter, 2 tbsp. honey, banana, granola

Meal 2: 4 oz. chicken, 1 scoop of protein, 2 tbsp. peanut butter, granola, rice cakes

Meal 3: 8 oz. chicken, red potatoes, green beans, olive oil

Meal 4: 2 scoops of protein, 2 tbsp. peanut butter, granola, banana

Meal 5: 8 oz. chicken, white rice, green beans, olive oil

 

Training Days:

Meal 1: 2 scoops protein, 2 tbsp. peanut butter, 2 tbsp., honey, banana, granola

Meal 2: 4 oz. chicken, 1 scoop of protein, granola, rice cakes

Pre-workout: 25g protein/25g carbs

Post-workout: 50g protein/75g carbs

Meal 3: 2 scoops of protein, 2 tbsp. peanut butter, granola, banana, bread

Meal 5: 8 oz. chicken, white rice, green beans

 

Strongman Event Day:

Meal 1: Cream of Rice cereal, honey, blueberries

Pre-workout: 25g protein/25g carbs

Post-workout: 50g protein/75g carbs

Meal 2: 20 oz. Mountain Dew, Bag of Bold Chex Mix

Meal 3: Rice Crispies cereal in fat free fair life milk

Meal 4: A ton of sushi.

On Sunday’s when I’m prepping my food I combine the calories and macros from two meals for the day into one meal. Then I order pizza and add a protein shake. Boom. Macros hit and I still get to enjoy some pizza. Plus I look at it as a reward for prepping my food for the week.

I did have some travel and other events that popped up during prep for Nationals. So at times I had food from restaurants, fast-food, alcohol counted as carbs (early in prep), etc., but I always made it fit my macros.

For example while traveling to St. Louis I had 2 McDonalds egg white delights plus my 1 scoop of protein and ½ cup granola. This fit my macros exactly. Then I had a foot long Subway melt for a meal and again, it fit my macros. If something doesn’t fit exactly I can always add a fat, protein or carb source to round things out.

For protein powder I personally use Phormula-1 and Level-1 from 1st Phorm. I also use their carb supplement and pre-workout on some days. Other days I’ll use something a little more mild – 5 hour energy extra strength, etc. Other supplements I take: zinc, magnesium, creatine, Z12 (Biotest).

For those interested in my philosophy on eating be sure to check out my article on "A Year of Eating for Strength".