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Wednesday, June 24th 2009

12:56 AM

Bodybuilding Basics - Eating Right for Strength and Muscle Gains

Eating right is an important element of bodybuilding success, especially if you're a beginning athlete. Sound nutrition will help you maintain a steady level of energy and ensure you can complete each and every workout session; the only way you'll be able to build muscle and strength in the long-term is by eating enough calories throughout the day and getting enough rest. Eating the wrong foods at the wrong time can set you up for disaster, and severely limit your performance and muscle gains.

Bodybuilders don't always get the best nutritional advice, according to Catherine Ratzin Jackson, author of "Nutrition for the Recreational Athlete". She explains that bodybuilders source these advices from tips provided by magazines and nutrition stores' experts. These sources may mean well in giving out advices, but most of the time, these sources do not bother to be as precise in giving out information. Take these advices with a grain of salt. Get your facts about nutrition right. Here is some nutrition basics accepted and followed by professional bodybuilders.

1. Do not rush your weight loss. Rushing your weight loss will make it more difficult for you to achieve your desired strength and muscle gain as lean body tissues also disintegrate during rapid weight loss. This type of weight loss is most likely the result of a low-calorie diet, which often leads to electrolyte imbalances. A low-fat and high-protein diet can be detrimental to your health and in your ability to be in your ideal body weight.

2. Always calculate your protein requirements. Muscles need protein to build up strength and mass. Just make sure that you are getting the right amount of it. Too much or too little of this nutrient will not produce your desired results. Different people need to take different amounts of protein as measured by their Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The RDA of protein for sedentary individuals is 0.8g/kg per day. While for athletes, the RDA is set at 1.0-1.5 g/kg. Make it a habit now to check the nutritional labels of each food you eat to keep track of your protein consumption.

3. Get used to eating organic. The best foods we can eat are still unprocessed, natural foods. Eating foods from plant and animal sources that are loaded with nutrients is the often-neglected key to bodybuilding success. Our bodies cannot efficiently digest meal replacements and supplements. Better stick to real food so that your body will get all the nutrients it needs to develop.

4. Exercise caution in taking supplements. It is now widely acceptable to use supplements for performance enhancement. Supplements are a great help to any athlete but they do cause some negative side effects, especially if abused. Supplements are designed to be added, or supplement, our nutrition program. Supplements are by no means created to replace proper diet and exercise.

5. Pay attention to the foods you eat before and after your workout session. These are your primetime muscle building periods, so it's essential to keep track of what and when you're eating. Maintain a food log if necessary so you can become more conscientious about your food choices and get the timing right.

Natural Supplements can be an Effective Way to Enhance Your Well Being and Improve Your Performance. Stemulite is an Excellent, All-Natural Supplement, Used by Many Bodybuilders and Athletes. People Also Frequently Report Having a Deeper, More Restful Sleep when Taking Stemulite Before Going to Bed. 
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