Leaded Or Unleaded Sir? Some Beginners Tips on Bodybuilding Diets
Anyone that has had the unfortunate experience of accidentally pumping 20 gallons of diesel fuel into their gas vehicle will know that it just doesn’t seem willing to deliver its customary performance afterwards. The same can be said of the human body. The old “garbage in – garbage out” I.T adage works really well when applied to our eating habits. And particularly so when we engage in high demand sports. This is why bodybuilding diets are such a crucial part of any gym rat’s big picture.
A bodybuilding diet 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 departure point for new bodybuilders in particular would be to visit a reputable gym and have an assessment done to establish body type and the suggested initial routine schedule. Based on these facts a specific nutritional regimen would be suggested. Keep in mind though that you will be constantly adjusting 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 one is not to try and cut down drastically on your food intake because you are trying to lose fat. Your nutritional needs increase substantially when you are working out and a Spartan diet will get you nowhere fast.
Eat more, smaller meals. The whole point of bodybuilding is to gain muscle mass and lose fat. When you stretch the intervals between meals too much your body goes into famine mode. It is a basic defence mechanism where the body stockpiles 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 calorific intake for the day and split it up into 6 small meals approximately 2½ hours apart
Although most gym instructors will suggest bodybuilding diets based on your routines, one should try to maintain a balanced carbohydrate, protein and fat balance at a 40 – 20 – 40 percent ratio in your meals. During periods of targeted muscle gain, calorie counts should be boosted for the majority of the period. Conversely, they should be reduced for periods of fat elimination. You also need to concentrate on maintaining hydration at all times.
There are many specific dietary directions that one can consider when looking to at individually suitable bodybuilding diets. There are anabolic diets, low fat, low carb and vegetarian diets. The list is extensive and can be daunting. The best advice for tyro bodybuilders is to get that initial assessment done. Then it becomes easier to informed decisions on a specific dietary direction based on your individual requirements. There is also so much information available out there regarding bodybuilding nutrition that a little research can produce a heap of results.
This also extends to the masses of bodybuilding supplements on the market. These can offer a large degree of convenience because they are usually quick and easy to prepare, are usually structured to deliver specific results and do away with some of the inevitable pet hates people have when it comes to food. So, when considering the many choices available in bodybuilding diets always remember to get informed. Knowing whether you are a gas or oil burner will prevent you from topping up at the wrong pump!