Good stuff on the high intensity interval training I have an awesome program for that we got given here for rugby at uni basically just a hypertrophy program aimed at increasing density.
In terms of getting lean a lot of it will be based on your nutrition, but it sounds like you're eating right as it is, if you're trying to lose body fat start to eat less carbohydrates if you can and if you do eat them make it a small amount of complex carbs like you say.
The reason you need to eat less carbs is because it's stored as glucose which is the main provider of energy during anaerobic expercise, once these are depleted fats are used. So the less carbs you're storing the sooner you'll use fat to create ATP aka energy. Which means greater losses in fat.
In answering your q's I'm using mainly personal experience and what I've been told over the years and it may not be correct but it's what's been working for me.
QUOTE(G. @ Dec 1 2007, 12:18 AM) [snapback]453628[/snapback]
Is it true that it is best to wait an hour afterwards to eat to maximize fat loss, or should I have a protein shake afterwards to ensure that muscle loss is avoided
I normally try to get a shake in 10-20 minutes after a session at the most, because after exercise your body takes in protein a lot more easily. If you're trying to lose fat maybe get a supplement like microwhey which has a very very low carb content and a high protein content (Micro whey by reflex is what I was on after my operation to cut down to a normal size again and it worked wonders it has 0 carbs and all protein)
You may want to eat a meal with some carbs though to replenish the energy you have used during the exercise because you'll need to restore your glycogen levels.
QUOTE(G. @ Dec 1 2007, 12:18 AM) [snapback]453628[/snapback]
Also, is it a good idea to have some protein before bed, or not eat anything for 3 - 4 hours before bed to ensure it doesn't convert to fat?
As a whole I eat whenever and as often as possible but this is because I'm trying to put on as much weight as possible and I put on hardly any body fat as it is so I can afford to eat whenever I want as I need loads of calories.
However if you are eating late try to eat less carbs and more protein again if fat burning is what you're looking for.
It's kind of a reoccuring pattern but the most important thing is nutrition and from what I've heard from you it seems like you've got a good idea of what you need to be eating. At the moment like I say I'm eating about 6-8 meals a day packed full of carbs proteins and natural fats cause I need as many calories in as I can to keep growing. It's been nice haha but good luck bud it's hard work. If you want me to send you that program hit me up on msn but it is really really hard work.