I am an 18 year old male 6'0. Running Consistently 50 MPW with a good mix of intensity. I currently weigh 152lbs. I run focus on 16/32 but mix the 8 and 4x4 in. As I am getting closer to the end of my season I fear that I am too heavy. The past couple months I have pretty much just been eating whatever and taking my vitamins. The highest I have weighed this season was 156lbs. I am now trying to eat cleaner and want to be below 150. I used to (probably fresh-sophomore year and even some junior) weigh 145lbs no matter what, and I do not think I am taller now than I was then. In short my question is:
How can I get to a good race weight without underfueling when it matters?
I did a vegan diet during sophmore track season and began to underperform and drop weight at the end of the season (141 lbs). Not to start an argument about that, for additional context I was working at a new resturaunt and did not have enough time to cook and do it the right way. eating a lot of fake burgers etc lol. After I took an easy week and started eating whataburger again, I ran 5 seconds faster than I had that year in the 1600m, easiest race of my life. Before that I was nearly passing out after every race. This is why I am very conscious of underfueling and gave myself an excuse to just eat.
Would this be a good approach: Eat whole foods, a lot of fruit and vegetables until I am full, occasional small and limited dessert, not overthinking small things like a slice of bread with butter and honey. But not eating breakfast on the morning of easy/non workout days? (to keep that days intake lower)
If I eat solid meals before and after workouts and races, will I be fueled enough for those activities while still attempting to keep net calories lower throughout the rest of the day?
In the NewGen Track and Field vlog Cooper Teare and Cole Hocker eat this crazy breakfast the morning of running the 5k world standard. They make a joke about underfueling everyday until race day so that it's like returning to sea level from altitude. I know this is a joke but it makes me wonder, is there some truth to eating big on big days only.
Thank You so much for replying, this was a lot to read i'm sorry.