The LSU Tigers, consistently one of the most dominating football squads in America, attribute their success, in part, to a killer strength and speed program prescribed by one of the nation’s most eminent strength coaches, Tom Moffitt. But before his gridders hit the weight room hard, they fuel up in accordance with Moffitt’s essential nutrition guidelines.
Moffitt says it’s key that his athletes put the right nutrients into their bodies at the right time, especially the prime nutrient, protein. Says Moffitt, “I’m a big believer in higher proteins, moderate carbohydrate intake and low fat diets.”
To ensure that his athletes get those macronutrients throughout every day, Moffitt establishes a daily eating schedule that includes three meals and at least two snacks. Starting with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Moffitt recommends five egg whites and complex carbs like oatmeal. A mid-morning snack, around 10:00 a.m., consists of a protein-based meal replacement drink or yogurt, followed by lunch two hours later with a five-ounce chicken breast, a sweet potato and a glass of water. A 3:00 p.m., a pre-practice afternoon snack includes another protein-based drink; and a post-workout dinner, served at 7:00 p.m., delivers a protein source such as baked fish or chicken along with some vegetables. For players who struggle with weight maintenance, Moffitt suggests downing veggies like broccoli and cauliflower.
Overall, Moffitt stresses avoiding highly processed foods—those typically found in the middle aisles of a grocery store [e.g., chips, cookies]. Instead, he suggests consuming foods that are closest to their natural form. Hint: think the outer sections of the store, where you find fruits and veggies, grains, dairy and meats.
“Your body can’t function without eating properly,” Moffitt says. “We come in here and we lift [and] we run. That breaks the body down, and hopefully we’re putting the right nutrients in at the right time, so that the body recovers.”
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The LSU Tigers, consistently one of the most dominating football squads in America, attribute their success, in part, to a killer strength and speed program prescribed by one of the nation’s most eminent strength coaches, Tom Moffitt. But before his gridders hit the weight room hard, they fuel up in accordance with Moffitt’s essential nutrition guidelines.
Moffitt says it’s key that his athletes put the right nutrients into their bodies at the right time, especially the prime nutrient, protein. Says Moffitt, “I’m a big believer in higher proteins, moderate carbohydrate intake and low fat diets.”
To ensure that his athletes get those macronutrients throughout every day, Moffitt establishes a daily eating schedule that includes three meals and at least two snacks. Starting with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Moffitt recommends five egg whites and complex carbs like oatmeal. A mid-morning snack, around 10:00 a.m., consists of a protein-based meal replacement drink or yogurt, followed by lunch two hours later with a five-ounce chicken breast, a sweet potato and a glass of water. A 3:00 p.m., a pre-practice afternoon snack includes another protein-based drink; and a post-workout dinner, served at 7:00 p.m., delivers a protein source such as baked fish or chicken along with some vegetables. For players who struggle with weight maintenance, Moffitt suggests downing veggies like broccoli and cauliflower.
Overall, Moffitt stresses avoiding highly processed foods—those typically found in the middle aisles of a grocery store [e.g., chips, cookies]. Instead, he suggests consuming foods that are closest to their natural form. Hint: think the outer sections of the store, where you find fruits and veggies, grains, dairy and meats.
“Your body can’t function without eating properly,” Moffitt says. “We come in here and we lift [and] we run. That breaks the body down, and hopefully we’re putting the right nutrients in at the right time, so that the body recovers.”