If you try to integrate a diet program into an aggressive workout program, it may be too much at the start. I adopt the approach with all my athletes that it is important to get the conditioning program off the ground before they think about changing eating habits. It’s not necessary in the early going to change the way you eat, because that is really not an important part of the training program when you are getting started. My experience is that people will tend to give up early in the quest to get in top shape if they are trying to do too many things at one time.
There is an avalanche of information available on diet and nutrition. For me to begin to layer requirements for diet onto the training programs would be repeating information readily available to you. Suffice it to say that a diet rich in antioxidants and natural foods will aid in your recovery and growth when you are executing the training program, and water is critical to maintaining hydration and chemical balance during training. Take advantage of this information and advice, and maintain a properly nourished and hydrated body at all times.
The simple guideline I will give you is to use common sense in your diet while you begin a new training program. Naturally occurring foods make the most sense for meeting your training and recovery needs. If a food is not naturally occurring (donuts, being a prime example), it will not help you, and you will want to be more thoughtful about your choices.
Godspeed,
—Bill Collins