Anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of accidentally pumping 20 gallons of diesel fuel into their gas powered vehicle will know that it just doesn’t seem willing to deliver its usual performance afterwards. The same can be said of the human body. The old IT adage “garbage in – garbage out” works very well when applied to our eating habits. And especially when we practice highly demanding sports. This is why bodybuilding diets are such a crucial part of any gym rat’s overall picture.
A bodybuilding diet that is perfectly suited to you as an individual is more science than choice. There are simply so many well-formulated bodybuilding diets out there that making a choice is often extremely difficult. The best starting point for new bodybuilders in particular would be to visit a reputable gym and have an evaluation to establish your body type and suggested initial workout program. Based on these facts, a specific nutritional regimen would be suggested. However, keep in mind that you will constantly adjust your diet as your routine and needs change based on your progress and particular goals.
There are, however, several basic standards regarding bodybuilding diets to remember. The most important is not to try to drastically reduce your food intake because you are trying to lose fat. Your nutritional needs increase substantially when you exercise, and a Spartan diet won’t get you anywhere fast.
Eat more, smaller meals. The goal of bodybuilding is to gain muscle mass and lose fat. When you stretch the intervals between meals too long, your body goes into starvation mode. It is a basic defense mechanism where the body accumulates fat reserves against potential famine conditions. Increasing the number of meals you eat keeps your metabolism firing on all cylinders, which will burn fat and facilitate muscle growth. A good bodybuilding diet will take your calculated caloric intake for the day and divide it into 6 small meals about 2½ hours apart.
Although most gym instructors will suggest bodybuilding diets based on their routines, one should try to maintain a balanced balance of 40 – 20 – 40 percent carbohydrates, proteins and fats in their meals. During targeted muscle gain, the calorie count should be increased for the majority of the period. Rather, they should be reduced during periods of fat removal. You also need to focus on maintaining hydration at all times.
There are many specific dietary directions that one can consider when looking for individually suitable bodybuilding diets. There are anabolic diets, low fat, low carb, and vegetarian diets. The list is long and can be overwhelming. The best advice for beginning bodybuilders is to do that initial assessment. It then becomes easier to make informed decisions about a specific dietary direction based on your individual requirements. There is also so much information available on bodybuilding nutrition that a little bit of research can produce a lot of results.
This also extends to the masses of bodybuilding supplements on the market. These can offer a high degree of convenience because they are generally quick and easy to prepare, are usually structured to deliver specific results, and eliminate some of the inevitable hatred people have when it comes to food. So when considering the many options available in bodybuilding diets, always remember to educate yourself. Knowing if you are a gas or oil burner will prevent you from reloading at the wrong pump!
