Arbtalk.co.uk | Discussion Forum for Arborists

Originally Posted by Taupotreeman

I was once told that the bigger the feed the lower the eyelids certainly applies to me. I won't even stop once I'm working otherwise I can't get up the energy or enthusiasm to get going again. It does mean that I can allow myself to knock off a bit early though.

Originally Posted by Darren187

Assuming were all over 16 we should be eating around 2500 calories per day from foods containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats (all of which are needed by our bodies daily). If you are doing any kind of manual job then that total can easily go up to 3500+ calories per day, solely to provide yourself with enough energy to complete your tasks. (random related fact, a soldier in physical training will eat around 4500+ calories per day, split over three or more meals).

I read though the entire post and didn't see anyone who ate a decent sized portion of protein, if any at all, for breakfast (which is the most important meal of the day). If you eat protein and carbohydrates together (which one post advised not to do!) your body will take longer to digest the food, keeping you feeling fuller for longer (hence the reason for a good breakfast). If you just eat carbohydrates for breakfast your blood sugar levels rise rapidly and then crash soon after (which results in you feeling hungry again) and if you then eat more carbs (chocolate/crisps/sweets etc) you'll just end up feeling the same again until you eat a proper meal.

A good rule to stick to is to eat at least one/two parts carbohydrate and one part protein at each meal, and add fats (marg/spreads/oils) sparingly. Make breakfast as big as you can, without over doing it, and then eat every 2-4 hours (or sooner if you need to) throughout your working day.

If you don't eat enough and have a lapse in energy during the day, take five minutes out and have something to eat to restore your energy. And if you carry on once your energy levels have dropped you are leaving yourself prone to making mistakes that could result in injury, or worse (especially in this line of work).

And not forgetting liquid. We all need to drink plenty during the day too. Hydration is just as important as eating enough food. During the summer, especially if you are working outside, you should drink as often as possible to stop dehydration. Once dehydration sets in, which often starts as a dull headache, your concentration levels drop dramatically, which again leaves you prone to making mistakes. And if you don't get out of the shade and a few pints of water/juice in you you're going to make yourself really sick. On an average day I'll get through 3 liters of water/juice at work, and if its really hot maybe 5+ liters.

I always wonder how people get by on what they eat, and seemingly have no trouble at all

On a typical day I'll eat between four and six meals. I eat to the above rule 2parts carbohydrate/1part protein per meal, which I'll just make up from proteins like turkey, chicken, beef, quorn, eggs, mackerel or tuna and carbs like green veg, salad veg, baked beans, wholemeal bread, oats, noodles, rice. I do eat more than that but that's off the top of my head. I also abide by the 90/10 rule, 90% healthy and 10% what ever I want, which allows for two or three mindless self indulgence meals each week, ie beer and pizza, fish and chips, burger king etc...

Originally Posted by josharb87

Great post

Being a bit thick, are Protiens lean meats and fish, and Carbohydrates are greens as a general rule?

What about salts, sugars and fats?

So 2 parts carb and 1 part protien is good for energy, what about if you want to bulk up too?

Originally Posted by Mick Stockbridge

To bulk up take one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day, so if you weigh 200Ilbs take 200grams of protein per day. Take it at regular intervals and take no more than 20-30grams at a time otherwise it will pass through your system with no effect other than damage your kidneys.

Originally Posted by josharb87

Great post

Being a bit thick, are Protiens lean meats and fish, and Carbohydrates are greens as a general rule?

What about salts, sugars and fats?

So 2 parts carb and 1 part protien is good for energy, what about if you want to bulk up too?