I don't know anything about P90X, but if you're working out to lose weight/build muscle, then, you NEED meat and any other sources of protein you can consume. Balanced fat/protein/carbohydrates is the main key to a healthy weight, as well as vitamin/mineral nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
Here's how the balance of energy works: sugars/carbs digest quickly and only provide energy for approx. 2 hours; proteins digest somewhat slower, taking about 2 hours, and provide energy for approx. 2 hours; fats take the longest to digest, requiring about 4 hours, and provide energy for approx. 2 hours. So, after you eat, the sugars/carbs kick in fairly quickly and last for 2 hours...about the time they have been exhausted, the proteins begin providing energy and as they are exhausted, the fats take over.
In order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level, you need all three types of energy, in a proper balance. If you omit either of the 3, you would need to eat at least every 4 hours instead of 6, in order to compensate. But, try to imagine if you will, leaving out the fat, and trying to go 6 hours between meals...people do it at the risk of low blood sugars. Same goes if you omit carbs...you ate, but your fuel gauge is on empty until 2 hours after you eat...that's when the proteins begin to fill your tank back up. If the majority of what you eat is fats, then you'll be on empty for at least 4 hours.
I know these things from needing to be educated on the subject so I could help a family member get on track with type 2 diabetes.
You need to be active to keep your metabolism elevated, or you must reduce calorie intake to match your metabolism. In the case of heavy muscle/bone-joint exercise, it is vital to have adequate protein intake, as it is needed for healthy muscle growth/strength. Also, for the bones/joints, calcium/vitamin D...vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb calcium.
Hope this makes sense...
BTW, I have jumped from 190 to 200lbs in the past 6 months, mostly due to the fact that I reduced my veg/fruit intake and am eating much more meats in place of them...
Bbq meats that is. I'm 6'-5", and have been in the 180-190lb range for the past 20 years. I guess I'm still a lean n mean Bbq cookin' n eatin' machine!
Good luck, brother!
Eric
