P90X Nutrition Plan: Healthy Eating for Life
The P90X Nutrition Plan is one of the tools that will help you make it through the P90X training program. How to eat healthy is also something that you need to do for the rest of your life. The truth is, eating healthy is not as bad as it might sound. And, the P90X Nutrition Plan is like a road map that tells you exactly how to get to where you want to go. It’s like having your very own nutrition counselor. The key to better nutrition and diet is not cutting out every food you love forever, it’s eating realistically—not skimping on any one food group but choosing which protein, carbohydrates, and fat to eat when. It’s about learning to eat healthy.
Healthy eating is actually a balanced approach that doesn’t swing from one end of the spectrum to another. Instead of never having a steak again, you’ll learn how to choose which cut of steak is better for you. The P90X Nutrition plan recommends leaner cuts of beef, poultry, pork and lamb, egg whites, low-fat milks and cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates like multigrain breads and whole wheat pastas, and a variety of snacks and condiments.
When you first start your 90 days of the P90X training program, you will also begin what is called Phase 1 or the Fat Shredder portion of the nutrition plan. The first phase will have you eating foods higher in protein so that you can start to lose fat and build muscle. If you want, you can get a body fat tester to help determine your percentage of body fat.
Phase 2 or the Energy Booster portion of the P90X nutrition plan is a more balanced mixture of carbohydrates and proteins with low fat. This is a phase you can stay in for as long as you want, and really it is the best way of how to eat healthy for life. Food is fuel and this mix of foods will give you just the right amount of energy to workout and live day to day.
The P90X nutrition plan next takes you to the Endurance Maximizer phase. This is the athletic diet you need to eat if you are really pushing yourself in your workouts or your chosen sport. It’s a higher carbohydrate diet needed for energy and endurance. It includes the kind of food selections that runners or cyclists need when they push themselves to go long distances. It’s when you’ve earned the right to eat all the pasta you want without anybody telling you to lay off the carbs.
You don’t have to figure out how to do anything but follow a step-by -step nutrition plan. Every amount of food from each food group is already assigned its number of calories and you just mix and match to get the right food groups and portion sizes. As with most healthy diets, you’ll learn that it is better to eat six small meals each day than two large ones.
Once you start following the P90X nutrition plan through its various phases you will find that you are building a foundation of knowledge about how to eat healthy for the rest of your life. Diets that eliminate food groups simply are not going to work, nor is trying to lose weight and keep it off without exercise. The P90X is a total body training program that took over a year to develop and so far it has helped over two million people meet their health and exercise goals.




















Hi,
I just purchased the P90X program on ebay, but I don’t think the nutrition plan was included. Is the actual nutrition plan book available from you? I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer because I want to be successful with this fitness program and I know it won’t be 100% successful without the accompanying nutrition plan.
Thanks much,
Kelli
khlawwill@yahoo.com
Hello,
Yes, you absolutely have to follow the P90X Nutrition Guide if you want to achieve the best results with the program. Unfortunately we do not sell the Nutrition Guide separately, so you should definitely get in contact with the person who sold you the system on ebay. It looks like they sold you an incomplete package.
P90X is all about exercising right and eating right and the Nutrition Guide is indispensable.
I had the nutrition guide (the older one that came in the big white notebook) that came with the DVD’s, but when my house ended up having high levels of dangerous black mold, I had to move and get rid of almost everything I owned. So is there any way to get the nutrition guide at all? I do not really have any other option other than to make a copy of my friend’s guide which I’d rather not do, being that it is illegal and all. Thanks.
I didn’t think about it at the time, but I recently purchased P90X+ would one of the guides come with that? I’ve had P90X original for years but never followed the nutrition part…hence lack of results, but now I am ready to do the whole thing right and don’t have the nutrition guide anymore…..help.
I have my beachbody chin up bar, my bands, all my weights, just ordered the new push up stands and recovery drink, I’m just missing the darn nutrition guide…
Hi Jenny, please email us at:
customerservice@extremebodyworkout.com
and we’ll see if we can help you out with this.
I am really interested in starting the program, but am a little concerned about the nutritional guide because I am vegan. Does the guide offer vegan options?
Thanks!
Hi Monica,
There are a few different approaches you can take with the P90X Nutrition Plan. Please see the following link for details:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/blog/2008/07/01/p90x-diet-3-approaches/
In general though, vegetarians and vegans can make creative substitution for any of the meal recommendations that contain meat and animal products, of course you’ll just want to be conscious, and do some calculating, to ensure that you get enough protein. In the end you may have to do some tweaking to make the P90X Nutrition Plan work for your lifestyle but you will still get great results if you try your best to follow the guide and stay committed to the program. For more details on the program see the following link:
P90X
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/p90x.php
i cant find the site i was on reading about the nutrition part of the p90x were p90x had a download program off the internet that was suppose to take you through an 11 day start up ,and was promoting weight lose by the 11 day program, also mentioned a program that all ready figured out for you on food consumption all on the support guys which was included in the separate download, i beleive it was for 29 or 39.00 to buy, now i want to buy it but cant find it lolol can you help me thx, always brett
Hi Brett,
Sorry for any confusion but this does not seem to be a product we offer. You may be confusing some other program with the official P90X system which we sell here. We’d love to help you get started with P90X and if you have any other questions about the official program itself we’re here to help!
Are there any grocery lists for all of the weeks. I have started my P90x today and really want to follow the nutrition guide but I’m not sure what it is I should be buying. Any help would be great.
thanks
Hi Alex,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. While there are no official grocery lists with P90X we would really like to help in this department. I’m going to send your comment up to our Team Lead. I think that that we’ll be able to provide a few blog posts that focus on this topic for you and all the other P90Xers out there. Please stay tuned over the next week or two.
In the meantime you should really take a closer look at the P90X Nutrition Guide for food suggestions, specifically the Meal Plan Approach which not only provides weekly meal recommendations but also recipes. This should help you get started. Again check back at our blog soon for some P90X grocery list suggestions.
-Matt
Staff
hi i just perchaced p90x and im having trouble reading the nutrition plan it tells me to eat 5 portions of protien for phase one. does that mean i eat 5 portions for every meal or do i eat 5 portions of protien in one day
I signed up for the customized meal plan at teambeachbody.com. It does not have the recovery drink or bar in the plan for my snack. Is the customized plan the same nutritional concept as the Nutrition Plan Book that I got with my p90x package. Will I get the same result by following the website meal plan as I would with the Nut. Plan book? I like how the website tells me exactly what to eat for 90 days and beyond. Can I use it? PR Mike
Robert,
Great to hear you’ve decided to take on the P90X challenge! In the portion approach section of the 3 each phases the portions listed are for one entire day. So you’ll want to shoot for 5 portions of protein throughout the day. Just make sure you are looking at your nutrition level. on the far left going down the page you’ll see LEVEL I, LEVEL II and LEVEL III.
Good luck with the program and stop back again if you have any other questions.
Hi Michael,
As long as you are following a plan designed for P90Xers you should be all right. If in doubt just double check in the P90X Nutrition Guide in the Portion Approach to make sure that the recommendations you get online seem to be on par.
I am interested in purchasing the program but would like to take a look at the nutritional plan prior to ordering it. Is there a link that shows some samples of the plan?
Hi Angie,
We’re sorry but there are no direct samples available of the P90X Nutrition Plan. However, we offer a no hassle 30 Day Money Back Guarantee so you can preview the entire program and if you feel it’s not quite for you simply return it for a refund.
However, please see the following articles right here on our blog for more info on the nutrition aspect of the program:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/blog/2008/11/29/p90x-diet-plan-without-it-p90x-is-not-the-same/
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/blog/2008/07/01/p90x-diet-3-approaches/
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/blog/2008/07/01/p90x-nutrition-tips/
I am extremely interested in purchasing the P90X program. I do however have a question about the Nutrition Plan. I am 31, about 5′5 and only weigh about 112 pounds, so I’m looking to actually try and put on some weight, not lose it. Does the nutrition plan cater to people like me who are not looking to lose weight but instead put on some extra pounds of muscle? Are there any modifications I would have to apply to the Nutrition Plan for this reason?
Hi Jason,
The P90X Nutrition Plan is flexible and can be modified to fit your individual needs. There are three phases to the Nutrition Plan. The first being the fat shredder phase. Some people may want to loose more body fat than others and may choose to stay in that first phase longer. In your case, you can shorten the time you spend in this phase by a week or two if you are really not interested in loosing body fat or do not have a lot to loose. You don’t have to worry about gaining muscle. The P90X will give you some of that!
sorry its me again i had asked ealiar if the p90x food portions was for one day or for each meal. so I was wondering does this mean I only can eat one carb a day
I calculated my caloric needs based on your formula using rmr + daily activitiy calories + 600 for p90x to determine my daily calorie needs. Then, I looked at the level ranges and found that I was at Level 1 (1800 calories). Am I suppose to follow the portions as outlined or try to eat less? Also, it say 1 sgl snack, bar and shake in the snack section. So, that means that I can chose one sgl, bar and shake to add to the 5 P, 1 C, 1 F, 1 Fat, 2 V outlined in Level 1. This just seems like a huge amount of food. Thanks!
I just started P90X and I’m at the level III stage. Even for a bigger guy ike myself, i still feel that 3000 calories is way too much, its only been 3 days and i gained 2 pounds. Not too happy bout that but it might be because I’m just starting off, but in any case i still feel it’s way too much food.
Hi Robert,
Don’t be sorry! We are here to help! The portion approach does call for only 1 serving of carbohydrates per day. Seems harsh but you just have to remember that this nutrition plan was carefully designed for P90X users to give them exactly what they need and what they don’t need to complete the program successfully and with great results. It’s for you own good, so try and stick with it!
Don’t hesitate to come back any time and ask questions, to vent, or maybe gloat about the great results you may be seeing!
-Erin
Staff
Hi Kim,
You want to try and follow the nutrition plan as closely as possible. It may seem like a huge amount of food, but you will be combining some of those portions to make your meals. The bars and the recovery drink together make a great snack after your workout. Then for you second snack, you can choose another food from the single snack list. If you are using the portion approach, it may help to take a glance at the meal plan approach to see how you meals could be mapped out.
-Erin
Staff
Hi Dan,
I definitely understand your concern. There are other people who feel the same way. The Nutrition plan is set up to give you good nutrition and also energy to do the P90X which is a pretty intense program. You will be needing those extra calories to keep you going! You should definitely try and stick to eating the amount of food that you calculated for yourself. You may get some false signals in the beginning from your body, but over course of a couple of weeks, your body will adapt and you will have a more accurate sense of how much you should be eating. Metabolic rates can vary from person to person, so you may find that you need to recalculate your calorie needs after a few weeks. Also keep in mind that your scale can be deceiving. When you start to work out, especially doing any kind of resistance training, you will probably gain a few before loosing any weight. Your scale doesn’t tell you that your body is getting healthier or replacing muscle with fat. That would be nice!
-Mike
Staff
I just recently purchased the p90x program. and i was wondering if any of the staff could help me out by letting me know what the grocery list consist off. so that im ready by the time it gets here.
thanks.
I bought the p90x and i spilt protein drink on the nutritional plan , is there a way i can buy a new book??
Hi Tony,
If you choose to use the portion approach, which allows you to create your own meals, you will follow a list of acceptable foods. This list consists of food you probably already eat, some of which are low fat or soy alternatives. These foods are separated into categories ie. fats, proteins, carb, etc., and also it list portion and serving sizes.
The meal plan approach has some great recipes which involve quite a bit of fish and chicken. This option has quite a variety of food items to shop for, so it would be best to look through the Nutrition Plan fist to decide which option you will choose.
-Erin
Staff
Hi Shaun,
Please visit out customer service page and send your question through the support form. Here one of our customer service representatives will give you the information you need to obtain a replacement Nutrition Plan.
I have started to do the p90x program, I’ve been using my sisters DVD’s and I wanted to know if I could buy the butrition plan as I only have her DVD’s and would like my own nutrition plan book.
We have been doing P90X for almost a month… and love it. We are having troubles with the Nutrition Guide however, trying to determine sometimes whether what we eat would constitute a protein serving or dairy serving. (ex) cottage cheese… protein or dairy? Is there a formula you can use to determine if a food would belong in a specific category by the number of grams of protein, carbs, etc. it contains? Some foods are in a gray area, and I’m having troubles consuming enough protein and was wondering if some cheeses could constitute a protein serving versus dairy serving, or perhaps nuts? Or can you list alternative protein sources I could eat besides meat? Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Nettie,
Please submit this request to our customer service support form.
Go to: http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/customer-service.php#supportform
One of our customer service representatives will be happy to help you.
Can you please confirm if you are supposed to add 600 calories when figuring out the EA? I keep getting conflicted information.
Thanks!
Hi Gary,
Yes. You are supposed to add 600 calories. This represents the calories you will need for this exercise program.
-Erin
Staff
Somethings still confusing me though.. Theres probably a simple answer to it but I just cant seem to find it. To lose weight, dont you need to burn off more calories that you take in? Even with the amount of calories burned off by the videos, i dont think it comes close to 3000… its still very confusing.
Hi Crystal,
If you check out some of the items listed as a serving of protein on your portions approach list, look at the amount of protein in those foods. This will help you determine if some other foods that may be listed under different categories may also be used as a protein serving. Since you need to consume a certain amount of calories a day, you also have to take into consideration the amount of calories in each food. The serving sizes in the dairy category contain 120 calories, while each serving in the protein category contain only 100 calories so you may have to cut down the portion a bit. It could get confusing if you swap out too many items. If the cheese you are eating has roughly 10 or more grams of protein, that could be considered a serving of protein, but you would be eating a few more calories. On page 11, there is a list of foods that are high in protein that you can eat instead of meat. You don’t have to always be 100% exact. Just try and follow the plan as best as you can and you are sure to get great results and good nutrition.
-Erin
Staff
Hi Dan,
While doing a P90X workout, you burn about 600-700 calories. Also, if you are on a day where you are also doing the Ab Ripper X, that is ANOTHER 600-700 calories. Keep in mind that living burns calories! Walking, talking, laughing, cleaning, even sitting at a desk typing burns calories. Those calculations take into consideration the calories you burn daily without working out.
-Erin
Staff
Staff - I am entering the phase 2 portion of P90X and want to be able to prepare dinner for my whole family. Are there additional recipes that I can use, so I do not have to prepare one dinner for my husband and I and 1 dinner for m children? We have already discovered spagetti with marinara sauce, but are there any other ideas? We still want to maintain the diet.
Under the nutrition program it lists for a snack a recovery drink AND protein bar. Should this be taken ONLY after working out? Also, is it ok to take these on rest days like the stretching days?
Thanks
Hi Heidi,
Did you take a look at the recipes included with the Meal Plan? There are some great ones that your family would love or maybe you can just get some ideas from them.
We are currently working on getting some new meal ideas and recipes for our customers, so we will be sure to keep you updated!
-Erin
Staff
Hi Adam,
The recovery drink would be best to take after your workouts. It helps your muscles repair and gives you a much needed energy boost. The protein bar does not need to be eating right after your workout, but you should try and stick to the plan as best as you can. Also, it is ok to have your recovery drink and bar on your rest/stretch days. If you are following the meal plan, you will notice that your 1st snack of the day stays the same 7 days a week.
-Erin
Staff
Hi I have p90x and I have been waiting to start the program and I was wondering if I’m unable to follow the nutrition plan due to financial reasons, that if in not doing the nutrition plan will p90x still be able to help me lose the weight?
Thanks
Staff Reply:
February 4, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Hi David,
If you can’t follow the plan exactly, take a look at it and try to model you eating habits to what the plan would have you eat. The Nutrition Plan does play a key role in this program and your results could effected. BUT, you can still benefit from the workouts.
-Erin
Staff
Hi, I just started the P90X program yesterday, so this is my second day. I decided to do the Meal Plan Approach, and my question is do I eat everything that is listed for each day? To me it just seems like a lot of food. Also, if I’m doing that approach do I follow the Portion Approach as well?
Thank you.
Hi Caroline,
Yes. You want to try and eat what is planned for that day. I know it may seem like too much, but once you really get into your workouts, you are going to need that extra fuel to keep you going. If you are following the mean plan approach, you do not need to follow the portion approach as well. The portions are already figured out for you for each meal.
-Erin
Staff
Can you count Smucker’s All Natural Low Fat Peanut Butter as a fat? I know that peanut butter is listed as a snack option but not in the fat area. Also, I take flaxseed oil softgel caps. Should I be counting them as a fat? I’m in the 5th week of the program and all I can say is WoW! I was already in good shape but this is exactly what I needed to take it to the next level and OH so fun!! Thanks!!
Staff Reply:
February 20, 2009 at 9:51 am
Hi Kim,
You want to try and follow the guide as close as possible but depending on what you choose to eat in the Portion Approach it can be tough to figure out where to classify what sometimes.
Can the peanut butter count as a fat serving, well it all depends on what else you’re eating for the day. My best advice is to make sure you are eating the proper daily calories for your Level. AND make sure that you are spreading out those calories as advised in the phase you are in. So if you’re a Level II Fat Shredder. You want to make sure you get those 7 servings of protein, 3 servings of dairy, 1 fruit etc. to add up to 2,400 calories a day. Just make sure you’re eating the proper amount of calories for each major area and not overdoing it in the fat or snack department in this case.
All in all it seems like you are making wise decisions so far and getting great results. Keep at it, you’re doing great!
Hi, when it lists 6 oz of chicken/fish/meat/etc., is that 6 oz cooked or before its cooked?
Thanks
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Hi Adam,
We have had this question a few times before, We believe that it refers to the uncooked portion of meat but the details have yet to be 100% confirmed. I do honestly feel that, while there is a bit of difference between cooked and uncooked, either way you should be in and around the mark.
The important thing to keep in mind is looking for lean meats. Really hopes this helps a bit, we will do our best to confirm this question soon.
-Matt
hi im a 19 year old college student whose trying to get a 6 pack through p90x, i just started phase 2 and every week ive been feeling sore yet i feel like there are no results…my main concern is the meal plan which i cant really follow since im here at school and they serve all sorts of foods in a buffet manner. i think ive been pretty disciplined eating well balanced meals,mostly salads, peanut butter, and high protein meats but i just dont know how to count the calories, maybe im eating too much?any suggestions?
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Hi Moe,
If you’re not following the Nutrition Guide, you will mostly find that you won’t be getting the same results the guide delivers. At the very least determine where you fall in the guide in terms of your daily caloric intake.
To monitor how many calories you are eating and how many calories you get from fat, protein, carbs etc. I’d recommend taking a look at a site like http://www.fitday.com where you can sign up for a free online account that will help you track everything you’re eating in a given day.
Of course the best option is to follow the guide, but this is a better alternative as opposed to going at it blind.
Hello. My wife and I started the program three weeks ago and have strictly gone by the nutrition guide; she has gained a pound. If she is going to cut out additional calories, how many does she cut and where is the best area to cut, ie. snack, dairy, carb?
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Hi Todd,
We would highly recommend sticking to the guide as closely as possible at least for a few weeks. It’s not unlikely to gain a pound here and there in the beginning while still dropping fat.
The best advice is to make sure you guys are pushing as hard as you can during your workouts and if you’re body is telling you that this is just too much food than it can handle you can consider scaling it back a bit. I would suggest cutting calories as proportionally as you can across all categories. But just be careful. The fact is, you are taking on some pretty intense daily workouts and you want to make sure your body has the energy it needs to perform at it’s best.
There is definitely a transitional period for some folks, and by week 8 you should really start to see the results take form.
My two teenage kids and i have been doing the workout for 6 weeks and have seen huge results although we have not stuck to the exact menu. We have just followed the serving sizes and how many carbs and proteins etc.. we are suppose to have. My question is, can we eat Chinese food. Not the noodles, but the vegetables at a restaurant or is there too much MSG in it?
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Hi Connie,
Chances are if you’re on the fence about certain food options, they’re probably not so good for you.
A lot of times it’s the sauce that those vegetables are covered in that’s the culprit. It’s usually loaded with sodium to start, and not so great in the fat department either.
The best bet…. steamed vegetables over white rice! Sure it doesn’t sound quite as great, but truthfully it’s the more healthy option.
All that said, we’re all human and it’s OK to splurge a little every now and again, just don’t over do it. Trust your gut instinct as to what’s good for you and what’s not, it’s usually right
I just started the program and using the recipes. Recipes/food are very good, but I got a little sloppy while cooking. My nutrition guide is damaged and I would like to get another one. HELP!
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Hey Anita,
No problem at all
Simply email us at the address below with your original order number and we’d be glad to set you up with a new guide.
CustomerService@ExtremeBodyWorkout.com
For the meal plan for me it says only 1 serving of carb but then it also says to add a snack, shake and a bar. Isn’t the bar a serving of carbs too?
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, technically the bars do have carbs, protein etc. but the table in the guide is set up to account for this. As long as you stick to guide you’ll be on the right track.
I am getting ready to start the program next week. I have the DVD’s and guides. As I am setting up I have bars and protein powder, but I don’t have the recovery drink mix. Is there a substitute that I can use or is the one the company the only one that will work?
Staff Reply:
February 23, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Hi Mike,
The P90X Recovery Drink was specifically designed for program. We don’t recommend any other alternatives as we cannot be certain of the ingredients.
If you’re interested in the P90X Recovery Drink, please see the following link. There you can also get a break down of the nutrition facts if you plan on finding a replacement for it locally.
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/p90x-peak-recovery-formula.php
Hi,
I was surprised to see that nuts and beans are not considered to be proteins in the nutrition plan. Since I’m a vegetarian, that was my main source of protein. In order to be successful with P90X, do I have to give up my lifestyle or can I count beans and nuts as my protein portions?
Staff Reply:
February 25, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Hi Lindsay,
You definitely do not have to give up your lifestyle but as you already know it takes a little more effort to get the protein you need and with that comes a bit more carbs.
The best route you can take with the P90X Nutrition Guide is to go for the Portion Approach. Here you decide what foods you want to eat as long as they fall into the proper portion categories of Fats, Proteins, Carbs etc. The guide offers suggestions in the Portion Approach but again this does not account for everyone’s preference, food allergies or lifestyle decisions.
If you are familiar with high protein nuts and beans that would fit appropriately into the Protein category then that’s fine. The guide does not rule typical nuts and beans out it only makes suggestions as to those foods that are HIGH in protein and places these suggestions in this bracket.
There are tons of soy based products that are very high in protein from soy burgers, to soy “chicken” patties you name it, and you’re probably already very familiar with these.
Again, eating vegetarian will undoubtedly up your carb intake it’s not the end of the world and it’s a choice you make when deciding to become a vegetarian. As page 11 of the Nutrition Guide says you’ll have to be a bit more creative in making substitutions that work for you, but keep in mind, we have had many successful P90X grads who have achieved great results who just so happened to be vegetarians!
i am in wrestling and i went from a 125 to a 111 but the seasoned ended a few weeks ago know im at 122 man p90x is my last hope to shed my pounds and keep them off im 14 years old and will the program work for me i ordered it it should be here tommarow hope it works any advice.
Staff Reply:
March 2, 2009 at 11:50 am
Sammy,
It’s a great program and there are no age requirements. If you’re already active in wrestling you’ll know what it takes to work hard for your goals. It can be tough to stay in your weight class and P90X will definitely have you burning calories like crazy. Not to mention building strength, agility, stamina, you name it. Please let us know if you have any questions throughout the 90 days, we’re here to help!
Hello,
Due to my insane class and work schedule… Does it really matter what time I do my work outs? Most of the time I can work out in the mornings and go with the nutrition plan. But other times, I have to be in a class during the morning and can’t get my work out in until later in the day…
Will this effect my results?
Thank you,
Tyler
Staff Reply:
March 2, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Tyler,
It would be great if we could all have a strict consistent schedule, but everyone’s lives are different and often times varied. As long as you stay committed and show up everyday you’ll still get great results despite the fact that you may have different workout times each day.
-Matt
Hello,
I am a current college student who is in my second month of p90x. I haven’t seen a lot of results because I am unable to follow the nutrition guide. I have to eat at the dining halls so I have to eat the foods that are made that day. Any ideas on what I should do? Also any ideas on how to better follow the plan?
Thank you,
Thomas
Staff Reply:
March 2, 2009 at 11:55 am
Hi Thomas,
Yes, the Nutrition Plan is extremely important to your success. I would recommend going with the “Portion Approach” and try to choose foods from the cafeteria that you have some general knowledge of in terms of nutrition facts and what categories they would fill in the Portion approach. If you’re school offers a salad bar, I choose that over the pizza whenever possible. Read over the guide and checkout the long list of foods in the Portion Approach to help you make better choices when it comes to meal time.
-Matt
Wondering if the soup and dressing recipes can be made up and used while doing the portion plan-obviously counting them as condiment and vegetable when necessary?
Thank you
Staff Reply:
March 9, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Hi September,
I would agree that as long as you are using the Nutrition Guide and are staying within your portions, you should be able to enjoy the soups and dressings as a condiment and vegetable. Also a lot of the ingredients in the recipes are on the approved food list for the portions plan. Keep in mind that the Nutrition Guide should serve as a guideline and not a strict regiment of food that needs to be eaten. We encourage you to be creative and learn from the guide so that you can eventually create your own meal plans and still eat healthy.
-Nate
hello,
I’m concerned about the following: I normally drink a cup of fat-free milk in the morning with my coffee, and when a meal calls for a dairy should I eliminate it because I’ve already had a dairy product or just eat the extra one anyway?
thank you !
Staff Reply:
March 9, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hi Caroline,
I would definitely count your morning cup of milk as a dairy serving from your Portions Approach. Assuming that you are having that cup of milk everyday with your coffee, it has become essentially, a part of your diet. If you want to continue to enjoy more dairy portions throughout the day, you may want to consider cutting back in the morning and spacing your portions out or possibly alternating days where you would consume the dairy portion.
-Nate
I am starting P90X program but am concerned with diet and my weird work schedule … i work overnights from 12 am to 10 am and sleep during day… an tips on how to do this?
Staff Reply:
March 13, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Hi Michele,
There are a couple of things to consider, to start mapping out your daily routine. The first thing to know is what time of your day do you want to work out. If you are the type that likes to workout before you get your day started then you may want to get up a couple of hours earlier and begin your workout, maybe like 10 PM. that gives you an hour for the workouts and then time to eat and get ready for work. Or, if you are the type that is not a morning person, like myself, and need to workout after work, then I would start my workout around 11 AM. Then you’ll have time to come home get some food in you and start your workouts then you can have a good rebuilding shake and head to bed. The main thing you’re going to need is balance. It’s nothing different that people working a 9 to 5, or 9 to 7, in your case would be coping with. Once you find that balance in your work and workout schedule, it will become habit and then become a part of your daily routine. Discipline is going to be the key to either getting up earlier than normal to start your workouts, or staying up a little bit later to fit in your workouts. You are working out on the same schedule as a lot of other people only the times you work and workout are shifted. The diet can be followed just like it would if you were up from morning till night. Just apply it to your “awake” schedule. So, morning workouts or night workouts, either way, just Bring It!
-Nate
I am going to buy the p90x workout dvds, but wondering what else comes with the dvds. Like does nutrition,and fitness book or any thing else. I have chin up bar, weights, mat, and resistence bands is that all that is needed. Thank you and excited to make a body transformation
Staff Reply:
March 17, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Hi Johnny,
P90X DVD Trainer comes with;
~P90X Workout 3 Phase Nutrition Plan designed to give you energy and burn fat.
~P9OX Fitness Guide loaded with valuable fitness information to lead you every step of the way.
~”How to Bring It” video introduction to the P90X System explaining every detail to get you started.
It seems like you got everything else you need to get started. We also suggest our P90X Peak Recovery Formula. That will help you rebuild those muscles after you’ve worked them to death.
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/p90x-peak-recovery-formula.php
-Nate
Hi,
I will be starting the p90x program next week, and I fall into the level 1 category for food choices. I see I can have one fruit a day, and 2 vegetables. I do not like vegetables (am a very picky eater), so I was wondering if I could replace the vegetables with something else, or even with more fruit? Any suggestions would be helpful!! Thank you
Staff Reply:
March 24, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Hello Melissa,
I am a picky eater myself. The key to my success was to find out what foods I liked within the meal plan and eat that in stead. If there is any one vegetable you like or can at least tolerate, whether it’s corn, or broccoli, or carrots, just find something you can deal with and go with it. Incorporate it into as many meals as possible. Vegetables are a crucial part of the diet and the nutrients in vegetables are essential to the meal plans success. So try and find something in the vegetable group that you can deal with and go to town on it.
-Nate
Hi
i will be starting the program after i get my nail surgery, but i have a concern about the nutrition guide….
Are you supposed to eat the number of calories of the weight you want to be? or the number of calories calculated in the nutrition guide book?
Lets say that when i start the program i do phase two of the nutrition guide. But after two months i decrease on weight, and now need the phase one number of calories…will i stick with the phase i started? or change to phase one?
Staff Reply:
March 26, 2009 at 10:26 am
Hello Isaac,
To get started with the calories, you want to eat the number of calories you calculated in the nutrition guide. The calories you need to consume are for giving you the amount of nutrition and energy to get the most out of your workout.
While your doing your workouts, you’re going to stay in that level throughout the 90 days. Phase I is going to help you lose weight and inches. Phase II and III is going to get you toned and in great shape. So follow the guide and you will be in great shape in no time.
-Russell
hello, sorry I’m posting so many questions, but I’m nearing the end of phase 2 and I’m wondering if phase 3 is necessary since it’s more of an athletic diet and I don’t lead a very athletic lifestyle outside of p90x
thank you!
Staff Reply:
March 26, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Hi Caroline,
Unfortunately, this is something that you are going to have to decide for yourself. Everyone is looking for their own results and if you feel you have reached your desired results then the program was a success. Some people reach their goals faster than others and it is really up to you and only you to determine if you need phase III or not.
The whole P90X is designed not to just help you lose weight or keep it off, but it’s also to keep you in great shape. If you are not very athletic outside of P90X, phase III may be just what you need to get you athletic outside of P90X. Just because your not athletic now doesn’t mean you can’t be.
Good luck in your workouts.
-Russell
I purchased PX90 from a company in Shanghi. Probably a mistake.
I did get it, but I don’t have the nutrition plan or the book that Tony talks about. How do I get that? I have been to a site and printed out the plan, but I would really like to purchase the books instead. Can I purchase these items from you. I emailed the company I bought the DVD’s from but can’t get a response.
thank you!!
Staff Reply:
March 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hello Lori,
I have sent you an email with the information you have requested. This should get you back into your regular workout schedule.
-Russell
I just purchased P90X and am going to do the workouts in the morning. I am going with the portion nutrition plan. How do you suggest i eat. Should i have some food before the workouts and then a protien/recovery drink after and then move into snacks? My concern is eating a large breakfast before or after i workout….it’s just something i won’t do.
Staff Reply:
March 26, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Hello Mac,
Since you are working out in the morning, I would suggest to get started with a workout first thing when you wake up with little to no food in your system. That will help your metabolism break down that fat that’s already in your body, rather than eating first and then working out to break down the fat you just ate. After you have that morning workout, eat a moderately sized breakfast. You should never be eating any large meals. Several meals throughout the day is more effective and more healthy than eating large meals.
Now, after your moderately sized meal, then you should have your recovery drink. This will help to finish the rebuilding job that your breakfast didn’t finish and you can count it as a snack in your Nutrition Plan.
Hopefully that helps.
-RJ
I am finishing up week 8 and I am trying hard to follow the nutrition plan. I actually love my fruits and especially my vegetables so when it calls for 1 fruit and/or 2 vegetables a day, is it alight if I consume more than that? Obviously not enormous amounts but I just wanted to know if having little bit more vegetables than specified is bad?
Staff Reply:
April 1, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Hello Sharon,
If there is anything in the Nutrition Plan that you could or should splurge on, it would be the fruits and vegetables. Of course you don’t want to eat excessive amounts of either, but if you’re looking for an extra snack, fruits and vegetables are the way to go. It’s way better then snacking on meat or junk food, so go for it.
-Nate
Thanks for the tip RJ.
But don’t you need to drink the recovery formula within 60 minutes of your workout.
Staff Reply:
April 1, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Absolutely, you should always have your recovery drink within 60 minutes of your workout. Hopefully it won’t take you that long to get through a breakfast, but if it does, the breakfast combined with the recovery drink, will just help speed up the recovery process.
-RJ
Im in the middle of week 4 of P90x. Wow, I can tell this is going to work. Small issue….The only time I have to do this program is in the morning. I Make breakfast, then have to wait 1 hour to let the food settle before working out. Thats 2.5 hours when all said and done. Is there anything I can eat/drink as soon as I get up without the 1 hour wait? At this point I am digging into my sleep to make this happen and its catching up with me. I wake up @ 6am @ School by 8am, rush to Work by 3pm and home in bed around 1230am. The extra Hr of sleep would be great. Any suggestions?
I just read the post and answer from mac. I guss you can disregard my question. Funny I tried to not eat before the work out the first few days and felt like I didn’t have enouph energy to do the work out to the max. Should I eat before I go to bed? I always was told not to eat 3 hr prior to sleep.
Staff Reply:
April 3, 2009 at 11:26 am
Hi Mike,
This question is simply up to you and the way your body reacts to exercise.
You have probably heard the old myth, that you should not eat before bed, because all the food you eat will be stored as fat. That is simply not true. People burn quite a number of calories while sleeping or resting in bed.
For bodybuilders and athletes, it is important to eat before bed. Doing so will bathe the muscles with complete amino acids for the whole night.
The real reason you might not want to eat right before bed isn’t because of gaining weight at all, it’s because it can be hard to fall asleep after a good workout. Some people are so refreshed and ramped up from a good workout, that it’s hard for the body to relax enough to let a person go to sleep.
So try it one night and see if you’re able to pass right out after your workout. If so, good for you. If not, you may want to change that workout schedule around.
-Russell
I am starting the plan on Monday and had two questions:
What about caffeine (coffee or diet soda)?
How about alcohol?
My guess is scrap them both entirely but I thought I would ask.
Thanks
Staff Reply:
April 3, 2009 at 11:45 am
Hello Sally,
If are serious about your results and you “can” go without them, then I would scrap them. Why put speed bumps in the way of your progress when you don’t need to. Now a cup of coffee in the morning isn’t going to kill you, if you have to have it, but you will see once you start doing the workouts that your body may start to reject it and then you’ll want to get rid of it on your own.
As far as alcohol is concerned, it’s the same thing. It’s like asking for an ice cream sundae while doing the workouts. You can have it, but at the expense of less results.
Enjoy your workouts!
-Russell
I’m interested in ordering the P90X Plus, and I was wondering if there was a nutrition guide for that too? If not, what do we follow nutritionally while doing that program?
ty
Staff Reply:
April 14, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hi Caroline,
P90X Plus is simply an advanced version of P90X. The nutrition plan is still going to be the same, you are just going to stay on phase III plan instead of starting the plan over. Remember, the nutrition plan is a guide and now is the time to start getting creative with your meals. As long as you are following your portions approach, you can make any meal you want. So experiment a little bit and start eating healthy as a lifestyle, not just as a diet.
-RJ
I went the cheap route and ordered online, received my dvd’s from Shanghi. I was very nervous. I did get them but no Nutrition guide.
I really need it, but I would have to order it from beach body and they want to charge me $30.00 for it. Does anybody know how I can get it for cheaper. That is why I went the cheap route, but I am sorry now, because I know I really need the nutrition. I am afraid that I will be doing these workouts and I won’t have any luck if I don’t follow the nutriiton. I do eat well and I eat 6 meals a day and try and eat protein with each. but not sure if I am doing this right.
Hi. i just started the program and am used to working out in the mornings because of school and other commitments that tend to come up in the evenings. However, after the workouts, i feel extremely tired. i usually get up around 5:30 a.m., have a bowl of oatmeal and walk the dogs a bit so that it can “go down” a bit. After working out, i have a light snack and a meal about 1-2 hours later. If i were to have a fairly large meal before working out, it seems i would have to wait much longer before doing any of the dvd’s. Is just a cup of oatmeal way too little to eat before such an intense workout? Should i just avoid it and have a larger meal afterwards?
Staff Reply:
April 14, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Hello Dennis,
In the case of using P90X, you don’t necessarily want to eat a huge meal at anytime during this program. The nutrition plan doesn’t have a lot more than that bowl of oatmeal your eating for a good well balanced breakfast. You may want to look into the nutrition plan and try to follow it as closely as possible. There you will see that you will only need a snack or a small meal to get you through the workouts. Avoid eating large meals while on this program. Several smaller meals are the way to go. Keep us posted on your success.
-Nate
Hi, I just got the p90x and was looking over the nutrition book, I like to cook my meals but my question is this, I’m not much of a beef eater and because of my work schedule and my busy life I usually cook my meals in one setting for the work week (same dish). Can I cook the same dish for my lunch during my work week (I work 4-10’s) then eat something different during my weekend? As for the snack’s I can follow the plan it’s just the meals I will have a hard time with.
Staff Reply:
April 28, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hello Jarrod,
The great thing about this program is that it is completely customizable to you and your tastes. As long as you are sticking to your portions plan, you can eat anything that you want (within your portions plan). The recipes are just a guide, you are on the right track to being creative and making your own menu, that will keep you eating healthy for the rest of your life.
-Russell
Hi, my husband and I just started the P90X yesterday…..because of the time it takes to do the P90X and our work schedules….we are working out at close to 7pm each evening…….I get home from work at 6:40, he at 5:30. My question is dinner time. Should we eat dinner before we workout or after? Last nite we ate at 8:15 after the workout…along with our recovery drink. We have always eaten based of the body for life program guidlines, so we arent eating a huge or fatty meal. None the less, do you recomend eating prior or after workout. Also, we both have a shot of a protein shake b4 our workouts. Thanks! :O))
Staff Reply:
April 28, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Hello Joann,
Your workout time is going to be determined by your bedtime. If you usually go to bed soon after you eat, then you should workout before you eat. If you eat before you workout, it could take up to 3 hours for you guys to get un-wired enough to fall asleep. If you workout first then eat and have your recovery drink, then by the time you get done with your dinner and have your shower, you should be mellow enough to get to bed.
Hopes this help. Enjoy your workouts!
-Nate
I just finished my 3rd week of P90X. I have been doing the Portion Approach Phase 1, Level 1. I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY. I keep hearing everyone else say how much food it is, but it is not enough for me. I am not overweight, so I’m not overly concerned about losing weight. I could stand to lose some body fat %. I cannot maintain a diet that leaves me hungry all the time. What do you recommend?
I answered my previous question by reading the nutrient guide more in-depth; as long as I follow the portion guide for my level I should be good. But I now have this question I would like to do a hybrid diet of the portion aspect and the meal aspect. As a snack it suggests that 12oz of cottage cheese would do, but if I have a omelet for breakfast and have a meal replacement shake with a cup of milk for lunch/first snack, I’m at my max for dairy portion for the day. Do you not count the cottage cheese as dairy if you choice to have it for a snack?
Staff Reply:
April 28, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hello Jarrod,
If you decide to have cottage cheese for a snack then you do not have to count it as a dairy. You can enjoy it again as part of your dairy portion.
-Nate
Hi everyone, just finised week 1 of phase 2 on the level 1 nutrition plan. I didn’t lose alot of body fat in the “fat burner” phase -from 12% to 11% - but I feel that I may be having too many calories in a day, is that why I didn’t lose much fat in the first phase? Should I lower the calorie intake-currently at around 1800- I only weigh about 135 lbs. I want to gain I little muscle and lose body fat to around 8 or 9 percent. Looking for any advice from the p90x team to help me lose the last few percent, gain some muscle and get ripped! Should I stay on this track or eat a little less?
Staff Reply:
May 14, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Hello Nick,
It is important to realize that everyones body is different when it comes to losing weight and gaining muscle. Although we have a formula for losing weight and gaining muscle with the P90X program, the program can and should be tweaked to fit you personally. If you realize the first week that you are not losing any weight, then you should adjust the calorie count to make sure you are getting enough calories to get you through the workouts but not to much calories where you’re not losing any weight. These are the little things that only you can decipher and adjust yourself. Feel free to change up the program a little to suit your needs, just make sure you stay near the path.
Keep us posted on your success.
-RJ
Hi,
I am very interested in following the P90X, including the nutrition plan, yet have some concerns: I am intolerant to eggs (any form or shape) and do no eat dairy products at all. Any tips on substitutes for protein and calcium intake?
Thanks much!
Staff Reply:
May 14, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Hello Sharon,
This is a pretty unique situation here. You can get a lot of your protein from meats and you can also eat our protein bars to give you some added energy throughout the day as well as our protein drinks. As far as calcium goes, here is a list of calcium rich foods:
- Sesame seeds, other seeds
- Meat next to the bone
- Nuts and unrefined grains
- Black radishes
- Eggshell tea
- Bone broth
- Fish
- Gelatin dishes
- Lemons
- Shredded wheat biscuits
- Whole wheat bread
- Rhubarb
No need to be afraid of lacking calcium.
-Russell
Hi all, I’m just getting started on the 90 day program tomorrow and I am trying to figure out my diet. I am in Level II of the Fat Shredder section, and my energy amount is at 2580. However, when I figure out my portions (I am doing the portion approach), I only come out to 1880 calories, nearly 600 short of what I should be. Do I add more calories or is it designed like this at first? Thanks for the help and bring it on!!!
Staff Reply:
May 14, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hello Jon,
It is designed like that to make sure that you are not taking in too man y calories while at the same time, giving you enough energy to make it through the day and through your workouts. So stick to that diet for a week and if you are feeling a little weak during workouts, up your calorie intake the next day. This program is customizable and should be adapted to suit your needs.
Bring It!
-RJ
Hi,
I just got p90x and I’d like to follow the meal plan but I really don’t like cottage cheese. Can I make substitutions to the plan? If so what can I sub for cottage cheese?
Staff Reply:
May 14, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hello Liz,
By all means substitute cottage cheese with any other Dairy product from your portions guide. That is why we gave you a list of foods on your portions plans. We do not want you to feel stuck eating something you don’t like. You should be able to eat the foods you like and get healthy the way you want. If you are looking to change up the menu a bit, please do. The only thing you need to be strict on is your portions. If you stick to your portions guide, you can eat whatever foods you like.
Enjoy your workouts!
-RJ
Well I am now finishing up the phase two recovery week still without a response from the “support” team. I have to say that yes I am satisfied with the program but am not with customer service aspect of the beachbody program. In a program that changes so often questions should be answered in a timely fashion and after being patient for over 3 weeks I must say I feel let down by a program I love so much
Staff Reply:
May 14, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Hello Nick,
Let me first apologize for the delay. We try to get to everyone in a timely manor but sometimes it’s not always possible. The specialist for your particular area of assistance has been under the weather for a while and he has just returned recently. I’m sure he will get to your comment soon, as he loves to help with all these questions. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience.
-Mike
I am following a mix of both the portion approach as well as the meal plan. I notice that the meal plan doesn’t say anything about snacks in the evening. Does that mean that no food after dinner? I work 9-5 and will be doing my workouts from roughly 5:30-7ish, then eating dinner. Should I be having my afternoon snack around 4pm? Is eating at 7-8 to late in the evening?
Thanks for the response, a little late but greatly appreciated! I have now moved into phase 3 of p90x and do not know if I should move onto the high carb phase 3 diet. I don’t really have much extra time for other workouts in the day except on the days I don’t work. Should I eat as in phase 2 mostly and then on the two days I do extra workouts eat the phase 3 way? Is it ok to switch between the two or should I stick with one or the other? Thanks again gang! Hope to hear from you guys soon
Alternatively I could do a combination of the 2 diets with 2 carbs 2 fruit, 2 vegetables, 1 dairy, 4 protein, 1 fat, and 2 condiments. Would this be a better approach or should I stick to phase 2 or 3 specifically? Thanks again!
hey im 17 years old and just started week 3 i started at about 167lbs with 17% body fat yet im only down to 161 and 15% body fat.im 5′10″ ive been following the diet as perfectly as i can but i keep feeling bloated and not burning off the fat the way i feel i should,, i really dont know what to do..can you help me out?
I saw in one of the questions that it’s a must to have vegetables. I’m a picky eater too. Would 4 cans of the low sodium V8 suffice or should I find one vegetable I can stomach and just go with that?
Thank you.
By looking at the nutritional guide it seems that the workout ought to occur between breakfast and the first snack. I am wondering what allotment of time is recommended between eating breakfast and starting the workout, or any large meal time for that matter?
I recently got p90x and my friend lost the nutrition guide is there anyway you can email me a copy or something of that sort because I really want to follow the diet so I can achieve the best results possible. Any help is appreciated thanks!
Hi everyone. I’m entering Phase 3 and I follow the Portion Approach, do I continue to include the protein bar in my diet?
thankyou
Hi, I’m very interested in ordering p90x but I was looking at the equipment page and saw the protein bars, the formulas and the pills and I was wondering if you HAVE to take those for the program.
Thanks,
Alma
considering my prior entry I was wondering if not eating before my daily work out and then eating breakfast right after is beneficial or healthy, could that be unhealthy? Also can I take the recovery drink with my breakfast if it is after my workout?
Hello,
I work outside all day and I am constantly moving. Being a zoo keeper keeps me exercised but I want to start P90X for the obvious added benefits. My question is should I be eating more calories than the average person doing P90X?
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