How quickly do diet changes affect strength gains?

[LimieJosh]

Everyone, certaily everyone on some sort of mass/strength program, should be getting in some sort of calories and protein just before the session. It is even more important than the much focused on post-workout refueling. It may not do much for the performance of the immediate session, but it will improve the adaptation one gets from the program, and without that recovery there could be a limitation put on subsequent performances.

A simple whey protein shake (easy to digest) 30 mins or so before you start should be good and add extra calories as tolerated. I dont go for the milk though...

Understood. I formed a mental image of a dude chugging a carton of milk and then squatting 5 minutes later. I tried that once, I nearly puked.

...I once did a lot worse