Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition

Rate this book
Using cutting-edge research studies from leading sports science laboratories, Nutrient Timing shatters myths and misconceptions about how to provide optimum nutrition to working muscles. It shows that when the right combination of nutrients is delivered at the right time, one can activate his/her body's muscle machinery to increase muscle strength, improve endurance and increase lean muscle mass.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

68 people are currently reading
280 people want to read

About the author

John Ivy

11 books1 follower

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
107 (34%)
4 stars
118 (37%)
3 stars
66 (21%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Mike Follis.
10 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2025
It’s been a few years since I read this book. It’s a pretty decent “instruction manual” (if that’s what you’d like to call it) for scheduling meals. For myself, it kind of messed with my metabolism and I really didn’t get the results I was expecting. But the information I gleaned from it did help me formulate a plan for myself that eventually, after much self experimentation, worked better for me.
2 reviews
December 23, 2012
Pretty informative. While a lot of the information presented in this book has been disputed (As has everything in the fitness field), the authors present a very valid argument, backed by scientific studys, that present a pretty clear case on why the time you take in certain macro nutrients, and even micro nutrients, can be vital if youre looking for performance based results.
Profile Image for Casey.
54 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2020
This books is only about half way useful thus the 2.5 stars. The bad - the anabolic window doesn’t exist it’s total “bro science” and this book is super repetitive. So that basically eliminates the middle portion of the book. The good - the first part of the book about the ATP system and the very end about minerals and how muscles work and grow is good information. Most of the “nutrient timing” theory has been proven false since this book came out. It was given to me by a friend to review. It does contains some good information but it’s loaded with BS bro science theories in the middle. They really really really push hard on drinking carbohydrate/sugar infused protein drinks. If most people followed their nutrition plans they would get fat.
Profile Image for Brent USA.
64 reviews
October 12, 2025
The science has advanced since 2004, and I recommend finding something more current.
My 2025 understanding of the science of food related to exercise is not as hard and fast as described in this book.
Profile Image for Marcus Goncalves.
818 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2019
This book provided very good information that caused me to rethink my whole cycling workout dynamics. Great information regarding the timing of pre workout, workout,
and post workout supplementation.
Profile Image for C.J. Extine.
30 reviews
June 17, 2021
The information within this short book is crucial to developing beyond average results. Highly recommended
4 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2021
Fantastic study pairing carbs and protein inter-workout. Utilized the principles from this book for a few years now. Huge bibliography full of trials and results from sport science studys.
109 reviews
August 16, 2022
Really quick read with easy information to retain. There was some great detail about when and what to consume around training.
Profile Image for An Te.
386 reviews26 followers
March 10, 2016
This is a practical book that indicates the importance of nutrient timing on the optimization of muscle and strength gain. What I found most compelling was that this applies for both strength and endurance athletes. However, this is common sense. They do develop this for the strength athlete in mind with particular amino acids lending towards the promotion of protein synthesis and enhanced carbohydrate loading. I am not sure to where whether a strength athlete would benefit more from taking these supplements than not. It is a trade-off you will have to take for yourself as the gains for the protein and carbohydrate supplements have been firmly evidenced over normal healthy whole-foods nutrition. It is an effort to establish this regime with a full working day job. But I can imagine that a few months down the line, it will be more than worth it. And this book is well-written and persuasive in its tone. I commend this book for those both interested in becoming stronger athletes or for those interested in understanding their physique.
Profile Image for Jason.
22 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2014
Excellent source of information for those of you who are interested in the science of food and how our bodies use it. Pair this book with any exercise physiology class and nutrition class you will be very well informed. This book has aided my pursuit (and love) of health, physical activity and well being. I read this book well before I decided to become a Health and Fitness Teacher. Surprisingly I still remember a lot of the information I learned in this book.... which is more than I can say about SOME of my higher level classes in college. Awesome read- I recommend it to any aspiring professional in the exercise world.
Profile Image for Jeff.
20 reviews
November 28, 2013
This book discusses the timing of consuming specific nutrients in conjunction with your workouts for optimal recovery and improved body composition. An area I completely overlooked before reading this book, the timing of your nutrients could be beneficial and there are studies that provide evidence to the Authours' claims. Dr. John Ivy, who has extensive research on exercise and nutrition, provides supplemental advice throughout the book. I would recommend this book to athletes, weight trainers and/or fitness enthusiasts who use supplements and are interested in improving recovery time.
Profile Image for Troy Arris.
4 reviews
Currently reading
October 18, 2009
Technical book on nutrients and the proper time to feed yourself before, during, and after a workout. Very technical writing. I'm reading it in conjunction with a couple other diet books - 'The Abs Diet, Ultimate Nutrition Handbook', by David Zinczenko, and 'Stop your cravings', by Jennifer Workman. All together I'm using them as reference material to build my food strategy - now if only I stick to the plan lol.
3 reviews
September 30, 2008
I really like the information in this book when I started reading it. The concepts of "when" and "what" to eat before, during, and after exercise were very good. Unfortunately, the concepts got slightly repetitive throughout the book and I think it could have been condensed into a smaller book or even web or magazine article.
Profile Image for Mo Coghlan.
185 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2016
Just a solid supplement to any strength training program for endurance or muscle building. No "Bro Science". No sales pitches for products. Just how to get the right nutrients into your body to maximize your workout.
Profile Image for Ryan.
43 reviews
August 20, 2008
It's ok, seems like they just want to sell product.
Profile Image for Blair Armstrong.
4 reviews
December 11, 2010
added to what I already knew about what to eat and when, but Dr. John Ivy dispels the myths and shares the facts that every one of us should employ but seem to forget.
Profile Image for Brad Mills.
78 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2014
Quick read, and to be used as a reference point. I keep coming back to it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.