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MACRO TIMING

Optimize nutrient timing around your workouts. When you eat matters most when performance and recovery are the goal.

Quick answer

What is macro timing?

Macro timing is the way you place protein, carbs, and fats across the day. For fitness, the highest-value move is simple: eat protein consistently, put more carbohydrates near hard workouts, and avoid very high-fat meals right before training if they upset digestion.

Pre-workout

Use protein plus carbs 1-3 hours before training for energy and muscle support.

Post-workout

Use protein and carbs within a few hours to support muscle repair and glycogen replenishment.

Daily total

Macro timing improves a good plan; it does not replace total calories, protein, and consistency.

Daily Nutrient Timeline

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Pre-Workout

2-3 Hours Before Training

Fuel your workout with a balanced meal. Carbs for energy, protein for muscle protection, moderate fats.

Carbs: 40-60g (oats, rice, sweet potato)
Protein: 25-35g (chicken, eggs, whey)
Fats: 10-15g (moderate)
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Intra-Workout

During Training (90+ min)

For long sessions only. Fast-absorbing carbs to maintain blood glucose and delay fatigue.

Carbs: 30-60g/hour (dextrose)
Hydration: 500-750ml water/hour
Optional: Electrolytes, BCAA

Post-Workout

Within 2 Hours After

Protein for muscle repair, carbs to replenish glycogen. Critical if training fasted or twice daily.

Protein: 30-40g (whey, chicken)
Carbs: 60-100g (fast-digesting)
Ratio: 2:1 or 3:1 carbs to protein
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Before Bed

30-60 Minutes Before Sleep

Slow-digesting protein to provide amino acids overnight. Prevents muscle breakdown during sleep.

Protein: 30-40g (casein, cottage cheese)
Fats: 10-15g (slow digestion)
Avoid: High carbs (disrupts sleep)

Intermittent Fasting Protocols

Time-restricted eating for fat loss and metabolic health.

16:8 Protocol

16h Fast / 8h Eat

Most popular. Skip breakfast, eat 12pm-8pm. Easy to maintain. Great for fat loss while preserving muscle.

18:6 Protocol

18h Fast / 6h Eat

More aggressive. Eat 2pm-8pm. Better fat loss, harder to hit macros. Ideal for experienced fasters.

20:4 (Warrior Diet)

20h Fast / 4h Eat

Extreme. One large meal or two smaller meals. Maximum autophagy. Very difficult to hit protein targets.

OMAD

23h Fast / 1h Eat

Most extreme. One massive meal. Great for aggressive cuts. Nearly impossible to build muscle.

Important: Meal timing is less important than total daily intake. Hit your macros first. Then optimize timing for 1-5% extra gains.

TIMING IS SECONDARY

Total calories and macros matter most. Get the basics right first.

Calculate Your Macros