Plant based aminos and caloric cycling

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Jordan,

I’ve read a couple of times that the bio-availability of animal-based protein (most of all, whey) is higher than plant-based protein.
Does the same apply with regard to free-form amino acids?
Reason I’m asking is because certain supplement manufacturers advertise that their BCAA supplements (etc.) are plant-based.

Another unrelated question: Would you rather recommend a constant caloric and macro nutrient intake over on and off days? Or does it make sense to cycle?
E.g., assuming my average maintenance calories would be 2600 per day, this would be below maintenance level on my training days, but above maintenance on my off-days.
Currently, I’m trying to eat more than that on my training days (since my expenditure is higher), but less on my off-days.
(Likewise, I’m cycling my carb intake between on and off days.)

Would be curious to hear your opinion!

Best,

Toby

2

Yes. Plant-based amino acids would be a waste for the most part.

I would recommend whatever calorie approach improves adherence and wouldn’t usually advise higher intakes on training days unless you preferred that. Carb cycling is unnecessary.

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