If you read just about any book on nutrition for athletes, you’ll probably read a section that talks about nutrient timing. The chapter will probably talk about how important it is to eat protein immediately post-workout to recover and and gain muscle and strength.

Despite the fact that many athletes, authors, and coaches consider it a given that you need to eat post-workout, that’s really an open question at this point.

In this podcast, you’re going to hear from Alan Aragon and Brad Schoenfeld, two researchers and coaches who recently completed a new review study on whether or not you need to eat protein immediately after your workouts if you’re trying to gain muscle. This study was focused on muscle growth, but it also has some relevance to recovery in general.

You probably know how to lift weights.

At least you know enough to make yourself sore and get a little stronger over time.

However, at some point you're going to stall. What then?

Lou Schuler, a fitness journalist with over 30 years of experience, comes on the show to talk about how you can break through your strength training plateaus even if you feel like you've done everything you can. Think of this as the "strength training troubleshoot" for intermediate to advanced lifters.

There's only one way to lose weight -- create a caloric deficit.

However, there are two ways to create a caloric deficit -- you can eat less or move more.

So, which is better?

Tom Venuto, a best-selling author, bodybuilder, and personal trainer, comes on the show to answer that question. We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes you're probably making when trying to lose fat.