PistolPete

I'm back into my MMA training after about 6 months off because I switched jobs and my schedule didn't allow time for training. IN order to lost weight quickly I spent the last 2 weeks on the South Beach Diet. I'm happy because I've lost over 8lbs. since last Monday. However, I've been having issues with cramping up. I'll be switching to a sports diet as of this coming Monday because I need the carbs for obvious reasons. When training last night my calf cramped up so bad to the point that my foot was pointed straight ahead and I couldn't pull it back. I had to slam it on the mat to get it to release. I'm assuming this has a ton to do with my diet? Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Would the cramping be from lack of potasium or calcium? I'm not thinking it is from lack of carbs. Now that I was able to quickly drop the excess weight I will be strength training as well as MMA.

Any tips for a good diet? I'm thinking of finding a nutritionist but I'm not sure if I want to go that route this early. I have read several books on sports diets as well.

ps. The only supplement I'm currently taking is a Whey Protein shake once a day.

Thanks,
Pete

Onganju

That's not a good sign. The cramping is probably from a lack of potassium and water. Make sure that you eat a banana and keep hydrated before and after you work out. If you eat before the work out, allow at least 30 minutes. I know they say 45 minutes, but if it's only a banana it'll process and settle in less time than a 3-course meal.

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Gluteal Cleft

A lack of calcium can cause it, too. You'd have to be pretty poor off on calcium, but it's easy enough to get some in you and see if it helps.

wukkadb

Adding in a multi vitamin and fishoil would be good supps to add to the protein. As far as diet goes, try to focus on eating lots of grainy foods, and vegetables at EVERY meal. Everyone claims how protein is so important and what not, but when it comes down to it vegetables/grains are the most important thing for having a good diet

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SuzukS

Yeah I get leg cramps sometimes. Bananas (potassium) + water are really the best things to have before the workout in order to avoid them.

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