• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The BarBend Logo in white.

BarBend

The Online Home for Strength Sports

  • News
    • CrossFit
    • Strongman
    • Bodybuilding
    • Top Athletes
    • Powerlifting
    • Weightlifting
    • HYROX
    • Competition Results
    • Latest Research
  • Reviews
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Mini Massage Guns
      • Individual Recovery Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Best Protein
        • Best Vegan Protein Powders
        • Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
        • Best Mass Gainers
        • Best Protein Bars
      • Best Pre-Workouts
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Women
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Men
        • Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts
        • Strongest Pre-Workouts
      • Best Creatine
      • Best Electrolyte Supplements
      • Best Greens Powder
      • Best Meal Replacements
      • Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
      • Best Fat Burners
        • Best Fat Burners for Men
        • Best Fat Burners for Women
        • Best Non-Stim Fat Burners
      • More Supplements
        • Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
        • Best Supplements for CrossFit
        • Best Supplements for Weight Loss
        • Best Supplements for Bodybuilding
        • Best Supplements for Men
        • Best Supplement Stacks
      • Individual Supplements Reviews
    • Equipment
      • Cardio
        • Best Treadmills
        • Best Rowing Machines
        • Best Exercise Bikes
        • Best Ellipticals
        • Best Recumbent Bikes
      • Strength
        • Best Adjustable Dumbbells
        • Best Dumbbells
        • Best Kettlebells
        • Best Barbells
        • Best Squat Racks
        • Best Free Weights
        • Best Weight Benches
        • Best Resistance Bands
        • Best Slam Balls
        • Best Weighted Vests
        • Best Leg Extension Machines
        • Best Cable Machines
        • Best Power Racks
        • Best Pull Up Bars
      • Best Home Gyms
        • Best Smart Home Gyms
        • Best Gym Equipment Under $100
        • Best Home Gym Essentials
        • Best Home Gym Flooring
      • Individual Equipment Reviews
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Apparel
        • Best Weightlifting Shoes
        • Best Cross Training Shoes
        • Best Gym Bags
        • Best Gym Shorts
      • Training
        • Best Weightlifting Belts
        • Best Knee Sleeves
        • Best Lifting Straps
        • Best Grip Strengtheners
        • Best Wrist Wraps
        • Best Lifting Gloves
      • Individual Fitness Product Reviews
    • Certifications
      • Best Sports Nutrition Certifications
      • Best Personal Trainer Certifications
      • Best Nutrition Certifications
      • Individual Certifications Reviews
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
      • Individual Program Reviews
  • Nutrition
    • Diets
      • Carb Cycling
      • Vertical Diet
      • Reverse Dieting
      • Carnivore Diet
      • Ketogenic Diet
      • Intermittent Fasting
      • IIFYM Diet
    • Fat Loss
      • Macros for Fat Loss
      • Calorie Deficits
      • Natural Fat Burners
      • Cut 2 Pounds Weekly
    • Muscle Gain
      • How to Dirty Bulk
      • Go From Cutting to Bulking
      • Eat These Carbs
      • How to Eat for Muscle
    • Supplement Guides
      • Pre-Workout
      • Whey Protein
      • Mass Gainers
      • Greens Powders
      • Creatine
      • BCAAs
    • Nutrition Tips
      • Daily Protein Needs
      • Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
      • Foods With Creatine
      • Bulking Tips
  • Training
    • Workouts
      • Back Workouts
      • At-Home Workouts
      • Chest & Back Workouts
      • Full-Body Workout
      • HIIT Workouts
    • Exercise Guides
      • Deadlift
      • Bench Press
      • Back Squat
      • Overhead Press
      • Bent-Over Row
      • Lat Pulldown
      • Crunches
      • Farmer’s Carry
    • Best Exercises
      • Shoulder Exercises
      • Back Exercises
      • Chest Exercises
      • Glute Exercises
      • Ab Exercises
      • Hamstring Exercises
      • Quad Exercises
      • Calf Exercises
      • Biceps Exercises
      • Triceps Exercises
    • Programs
      • Push-Up Program
      • Pull-Up Program
      • German Volume Training
      • 5/3/1 Program
      • Powerbuilding Program
      • The Cube Method
      • 5×5 Program
      • Bodybuilding Programs
      • Build Your Own Program
    • Fat Loss
      • How to Burn Fat
      • Spot Fat Reduction
      • How to Train on a Cut
      • Body Conditioning
      • Workouts
        • Kettlebell Circuits
        • Dumbbell Complexes
        • Farmer’s Carry Workouts
    • Muscle Gain
      • Muscle Hypertrophy Explained
      • How to Build Muscle
      • How to Maintain Muscle
      • What Researchers Say About Muscle Gain
        • Workouts
          • 20-Minute Workouts
          • Kettlebell Circuits
          • CrossFit Workouts for Muscle
          • Bodybuilding Workouts
  • Calculators
    • Protein Intake Calculator
    • Macros Calculator
    • BMR Calculator
    • Squat Calculator
    • Calorie Calculator
  • Community Forum
Home » News » 5 Nutrition Lessons to Master Early

5 Nutrition Lessons to Master Early

Dr. Mike Israetel reveals muscle growth and fat loss diet secrets.

Written by Matt Magnante
Last updated on April 24th, 2025

Many follow a solid workout program but see minimal progress, even after years of training. Diet is a common culprit, as it’s easy to miscalculate or neglect, but it plays a vital role in muscle growth and fat loss.

Hypertrophy expert Dr. Mike Israetel recently addressed common diet mistakes and shared five nutrition hacks for faster progress.

Eating protein and calories and lifting is 85% of your physique progress.

—Dr. Mike Israetel

Dr. Mike Israetel’s 5 Diet Hacks

  1. Prioritize Protein 
  2. 4-6 Meals Daily
  3. Healthy but Convenient Foods
  4. Ease into Clean Diets 
  5. Eat Less Tasty During Cuts 

[Related: Why Does My Weight Fluctuate So Much? Dietitians Answer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bAjfXcj5Fs&ab_channel=RenaissancePeriodization

[Related: How Many Calories Are Burned Walking? Certified Nutrition and Fitness Experts Explain]

1. Prioritize Protein 

The benefits of protein extend beyond building muscles. Protein is generally more satiating and has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates and fats, meaning more calories are burned during digestion and metabolism, which supports fat loss. (1)

Four or five protein feedings evenly spaced per day are really critical to getting the best results.

—Dr. Mike Israetel

Research on whether protein timing is better than total daily protein consumption is mixed. However, a 2023 meta-analysis found protein intake after exercise and at night resulted in greater muscle and strength gains. (2) Literature suggests 20-to-40 grams of protein per meal optimizes muscle building. (3)

2. 4-6 Meals Daily 

Dr. Israetel suggests four to six meals spaced every three to five hours, including protein shakes. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is arguably better than cramming calories in one or two large meals, especially if you require many clean calories.

Multiple meals also allows for a substantial breakfast, plus pre-workout and post-workout nutrition which might help optimize workout performance and recovery.

3. Convenient but Nutritious 

Perfection isn’t always practical or necessary when it comes to nutrition. Dr. Israetel recalled his college days, “I didn’t have it in me to prepare chicken and rice every meal, so I made lean roast beef or turkey sandwiches with whole-grain bread, veggies, and apples.”

Image via Shutterstock/George Rudy

Flexibility is important for diet adherence, and quality nutrition can be simple and easy. (4) 

4. Ease into Diets

“Some people start lifting, and the next week, they’ll eat five chicken, rice, and broccoli meals,” Dr. Israetel relayed. When this routine gets boring or unappetizing, many quit the fitness lifestyle altogether due to burnout from an all-or-nothing approach.

“I ate many foods that I liked when [maintaining or bulking],” Dr. Israetel confirmed. “That built loads of muscles. I had a ton of fun and a growing passion for bodybuilding.” Building a base with less restrictive dieting can make switching to a stricter diet easier. 

5. Fat Loss Diet Hack 

Hunger and cravings are common struggles during fat-loss phases. Salted oatmeal with chicken and broccoli is Dr. Israetel’s solution. It’s not appetizing, but it satiates quickly and might help prevent junk food cravings and binging.

Highly palatable, rewarding foods are linked to overeating and weight gain. Eating bland food was found to reduce cravings, and promote weight loss. (5)(6) “It’s better than scooping up tasty meals and praying to get to the next meal again,” Dr. Israetel believes.

More In Nutrition

  • Nutrition and Strength Training Guidance for Trans and Nonbinary Athletes: New Study
  • Lean Bulking Is Hard — Here Are 3 Tips to Get It Right
  • How to Bulk: The Ultimate Guide to Gaining Size

References

  1. Kassis A, Godin JP, Moille SE, Nielsen-Moennoz C, Groulx K, Oguey-Araymon S, Praplan F, Beaumont M, Sauser J, Monnard I, Kapp AF, Ammon-Zufferey C, Frei N, Guignard L, Delodder F, Mace K. Effects of protein quantity and type on diet induced thermogenesis in overweight adults: A randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2019 Aug;38(4):1570-1580. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.08.004. Epub 2018 Aug 10. PMID: 30269898.
  2. Zhou HH, Liao Y, Zhou X, Peng Z, Xu S, Shi S, Liu L, Hao L, Yang W. Effects of Timing and Types of Protein Supplementation on Improving Muscle Mass, Strength, and Physical Performance in Adults Undergoing Resistance Training: A Network Meta-Analysis. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2023 Dec 1;34(1):54-64. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0118. PMID: 38039960.
  3. Layman DK, Anthony TG, Rasmussen BB, Adams SH, Lynch CJ, Brinkworth GD, Davis TA. Defining meal requirements for protein to optimize metabolic roles of amino acids. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;101(6):1330S-1338S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.084053. Epub 2015 Apr 29. PMID: 25926513; PMCID: PMC5278948.
  4. Berg AC, Johnson KB, Straight CR, Reed RA, O’Connor PJ, Evans EM, Johnson MA. Flexible Eating Behavior Predicts Greater Weight Loss Following a Diet and Exercise Intervention in Older Women. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2018 Jan-Mar;37(1):14-29. doi: 10.1080/21551197.2018.1435433. Epub 2018 Mar 1. PMID: 29494790.
  5. Loxton NJ, Tipman RJ. Reward sensitivity and food addiction in women. Appetite. 2017 Aug 1;115:28-35. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.10.022. Epub 2016 Oct 15. PMID: 27756640.
  6. Egecioglu E, Skibicka KP, Hansson C, Alvarez-Crespo M, Friberg PA, Jerlhag E, Engel JA, Dickson SL. Hedonic and incentive signals for body weight control. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2011 Sep;12(3):141-51. doi: 10.1007/s11154-011-9166-4. PMID: 21340584; PMCID: PMC3145094.

Featured image via Shutterstock/George Rudy

About Matt Magnante

Matthew Magnante is a seasoned writer and content editor who has authored hundreds of articles in various categories including bodybuilding, strength sports, CrossFit, general health and fitness, and MMA. His childhood fascination with the 80s and 90s bodybuilding legends fueled his passion for living and breathing weight training, nutrition, and everything in between. Matt was involved in martial arts for most of his youth and is a huge UFC fan. Having beaten the worst of anxiety and chronic stress using natural techniques, he’s also learning just as much about the mind and loves to help others improve their well-being and overall health.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Latest Reviews

EveryPlate Review

EveryPlate Review (2025): A Tasty, Budget-Friendly Meal Kit, Tested By Our Experts

ARMRA Colostrum Review

ARMRA Colostrum Review (2025): A Certified Nutrition Coach’s Critique of this Trending Supplement

Sun Home Luminar Review

Sun Home Luminar Review (2025): Our Experts Sweat It Out With This High-Quality Outdoor Sauna

Cover image for CookUnity review of a filled reusable box of 6 CookUnity meals

CookUnity Review (2025): An Expert-Tested and Flexible Prepared Meal Service

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens Review

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens Review (2025): Our Experts Examine This Nutrient-Filled Profile

BarBend

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Sections

  • CrossFit
  • Strongman
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Weightlifting
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Training

More

  • BarBend Newsletter
  • BarBend Podcast
  • The Ripped Report
  • 1RM Calculator
  • BMR Calculator
  • Macros Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Squat Calculator

Policies

  • Accessibility
  • Advice Disclaimer
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimers
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 · BarBend Inc · Sitemap