Diet is critical in any bodybuilding or fitness regimen. Muscle gains and performance can be offset by not eating the right foods at the right time of the day. Achieve your objective of building lean muscles or losing body fat and get the most out of your workouts by learning some basic nutritional principles used by professional bodybuilders.
Successful bodybuilders and athletes have to consistently watch their diets and are often responsible for mapping out a nutrition program that works with their lifestyle, workout routine and their tastes and preferences. If you don't take charge of what you're eating every day, you may be setting yourself up for failure with your bodybuilding program. Here are some diet and nutrition essentials you need to keep in mind when your goal is to increase muscle mass:
1. Select nutrient-dense foods. 300 calories from oatmeal differs from 300 calories from sweetened cereals. Sweetened cereals provide a quick dose of energy but will leave you feeling tired and hungry after some time. On the other hand, calories from oatmeal are slowly absorbed by our body giving us a steady supply of energy. In addition, oatmeal contains high levels of fiber, which aids digestion, and the muscle-building nutrient called protein. Develop a habit of eating only nutrient-dense foods to give your body all the nourishment it needs.
2. Get the timing right. Eating between 5-6 small meals at regular intervals throughout the day will keep your blood sugar levels in check and also prevent the overwhelming feelings of hunger. Controlling your appetite will become a natural process, so you'll rarely be in a situation where you're ravenous for food. As your body adjusts to this schedule, you'll go through your days without feeling hungry all of the time, and selecting the right nutrient-rich foods (see #1) will help you maintain the energy level you need for your intensive workouts throughout the week.
3. Make the most of pre and post-workout 'windows'. What you eat immediately before and after your workout is especially important for bodybuilding or fitness success, because your body will readily absorb or burn up the fuel you provide during these 'peak' times. Eat a high-protein snack before your workout with some healthy carbs to give you enough energy to get through the session. Eat a high-protein meal after your workout, a time when muscles are ready to absorb every calorie that you ingest. By eating the right foods at the right times, you'll actually support your body during the high-stress time of the workout, and then in the recovery and recuperation periods afterwards. Plan your meals accordingly to maximize your results!
A solid understanding of nutrition can increase the effectiveness of your bodybuilding program. Understand these three principles and put in some effort in developing a training plan that would work best for you.
Successful bodybuilders and athletes have to consistently watch their diets and are often responsible for mapping out a nutrition program that works with their lifestyle, workout routine and their tastes and preferences. If you don't take charge of what you're eating every day, you may be setting yourself up for failure with your bodybuilding program. Here are some diet and nutrition essentials you need to keep in mind when your goal is to increase muscle mass:
1. Select nutrient-dense foods. 300 calories from oatmeal differs from 300 calories from sweetened cereals. Sweetened cereals provide a quick dose of energy but will leave you feeling tired and hungry after some time. On the other hand, calories from oatmeal are slowly absorbed by our body giving us a steady supply of energy. In addition, oatmeal contains high levels of fiber, which aids digestion, and the muscle-building nutrient called protein. Develop a habit of eating only nutrient-dense foods to give your body all the nourishment it needs.
2. Get the timing right. Eating between 5-6 small meals at regular intervals throughout the day will keep your blood sugar levels in check and also prevent the overwhelming feelings of hunger. Controlling your appetite will become a natural process, so you'll rarely be in a situation where you're ravenous for food. As your body adjusts to this schedule, you'll go through your days without feeling hungry all of the time, and selecting the right nutrient-rich foods (see #1) will help you maintain the energy level you need for your intensive workouts throughout the week.
3. Make the most of pre and post-workout 'windows'. What you eat immediately before and after your workout is especially important for bodybuilding or fitness success, because your body will readily absorb or burn up the fuel you provide during these 'peak' times. Eat a high-protein snack before your workout with some healthy carbs to give you enough energy to get through the session. Eat a high-protein meal after your workout, a time when muscles are ready to absorb every calorie that you ingest. By eating the right foods at the right times, you'll actually support your body during the high-stress time of the workout, and then in the recovery and recuperation periods afterwards. Plan your meals accordingly to maximize your results!
A solid understanding of nutrition can increase the effectiveness of your bodybuilding program. Understand these three principles and put in some effort in developing a training plan that would work best for you.
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