I view nutrition the very much the same way I do exercise. If you don't have the basic, fundamentals mastered then there is really very little point going into more advanced training programs or exercises.
This is why I think "Sports Nutrition" is a bit of a myth. Eat clean meats, lots of fruits and vegetables and you will cover the majority of the needs of the athlete, if not all of them.
Also, eat right after training to begin the refueling and recovery process. This is also the same advice I would use with a "non-athlete" who may be trying to get healthier, stronger or lose weight.
Focus on the big picture!
Supplements, sport/recovery drinks, creatine, protein powders have there place but only on top of large doses of wholesome foods.
Dr. Mercola recently wrote an article about the need of real food for athletes. Below is an excerpt from his article "Advice for Athletes -- Eat Real Food".
"Some nutritionists are arguing that sports drinks and power bars are
not the best way to build body strength and agility, instead saying
that you should listen to your body and eat real food."
However, there is research that has shown a protein powder drink post-work out increases your protein synthesis but there is also research that shows chocolate milk is just as good.
A little note on recovery, Dan John, a coach in the USA, has a saying: "recovery doesn't come in a bottle ... it is called sleep"
My recommendation, eat before and after training.
Be Well,
ps. For a whole food protein shake you can see a previous post here.
