(This is part of a series about my Precision Nutrition experience. Click here to start at the beginning)

I wonder if there is statistical information about how long most people last before falling off the wagon on a new nutrition approach? I’m going to bet 2 days is pretty accurate. I had hoped to jump right into precision nutrition, but the reality is, it’s a lot. It is a complete program, and with a complete comes a lot of information, and likely, a lot of changes.

I was going to post a blog about how I won’t bother with the nutrient timing element of the program, because it was just a bit more stuff to sort out than I could manage. But then a few days passed and I have changed my mind. This is for a couple of reasons. For one thing, I figured it out. I’m not sure why I found it hard. It really isn’t. Carb controlled unless you just worked out. Definitely not rocket science. But definitely science.

On the topic of carbs, I’m realizing that PN is much lower carb than I had anticipated – although they refer to it as “carb controlled”. Meals that I would think are low carb are actually meals they suggest for the post-workout period – or the “high” carb time. Clearly some adjustment required!

A couple more observations so far:

– I like that the program includes an option for non-compliance, or cheat meals. I had one last night when I went out with some friends. I ate well (goat cheese salad), but I had a couple of beers with that. I love that this program is set up so that I am not meant to feel bad for doing that. That will make it easier to stick with it.

– I played some ultimate (running around after a frisbee) and found I didn’t have my usual energy. I didn’t equate it to the new nutrition plan at the time, but in hindsight, I’m pretty sure that’s what it was. I don’t think this is a condemnation of the program for athletes, though. Rather I think it is a reminder that if you are an endurance or intermittent-effort (team sports) athlete, think about eating more carbs leading up to game days. I will write more about this as I get it sorted out.

– I feel a need to find better PN-compatible snack options than those that are provided in the cookbook. Some of them are delicious (others look delicious but I haven’t tried them yet), but one thing that I dislike is that they all seem to involve protein powder. I don’t shy away from the stuff – I’ve been eating protein smoothies 4-5 mornings per week for years now and loving it. But pretty much all of the snack items in PN include protein powder. The idea of eating protein powder 3 times a day bothers me. I guess for me, healthy eating involves eating food, not supplements. I don’t mind supplements as a…supplement…to my healthy eating plan. But 3 servings a day is core, not supplemental. I hope to find a solution to this soon by finding options that include things like almonds and yoghurt and avocado salads as my snacks. There must be a way. Stay tuned!

Click the following link for more about Precision Nutrition.

The next entry in My Precision Nutrition Journal…

Elsbeth Vaino is an FMS certified personal trainer in Ottawa, Canada.