The human body works most efficiently when given small feedings at regular intervals throughout the day. A nutritious sports bar and a glass of skim milk can supply 50 grams of protein and 50-100 grams of carbohydrates. You get the idea. When an athlete is in positive nitrogen balance, the body is ready, willing and able to grow. Imbalance is rampant in this off kilter world.
Food consumption is no exception.
Balanced eating as defined by some nutritionists is not quite the same as balanced eating as defined by the muscle elite. The optimal feeding, according to the elite, is a skillful blending of lean protein, starcvhy and fibrous carbohydrates, minuscule amounts of fat and no sugar. The proportional divisions vary depending upon individual characteristics. Some folks are carb sensitive and need to keep starchy carbs to a minimum, otherwise they blow up like cartoon characters who've swallowed an air hose. How you metabolize food is as individual as your hair color or height.