Bodybuilding is not just about lifting weights and grunting with momentum. Accumulating lean muscle mass actually has more to do with diet than anything else. You can do hammer curls and dead lifts all you want, but if you are not eating proportioned, high protein meals you will not get the results you desire.
If you are a newcomer to the body building scene – or a years long veteran – there is still valuable information that can be pertinent to your training. What you consume on a daily basis can either make or break your body building goals.
We’ve all been made aware in recent years that eating a diet high in carbohydrates, fat, and sodium can wreak havoc on your body. If you have long term fitness goals that you are trying to obtain, eating what I’ve dubbed “danger foods” can derail any progress you have made and will hinder any future progress.
For example, if you are training your muscles 3-5 times per week and you are consuming “danger foods”, your newly developed muscles will not repair themselves properly after a workout. Yes, you will develop muscle if proper training frequency and intensity are utilized. But the cut, lean muscles will not show. You will in fact bulk up, but it won’t look like the bulk’s consistancy is muscle. It will probaby look like you have just gained weight.
If you want to get that lean, chiseled look of toned muscles and rock hard abs, you will need to cut the following foods from your diet. You can gradually do so by eliminating foods such as :
-Processed foods such as chips, pretzels, enriched breads, and microwave meals.
-Fast food is a HUGE NO NO.
-Sodas
While I do not condone the implementation of low carb diets such as Atkins, I am however an advocate for eating proportioned meals. Proportioned meals are balanced with lean protein and healthy carbs. Foods that are considered healthy carbs are veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Lean proteins are found in chicken, lean beef, and fish. Always eat meals by pairing a healthy carb and a lean protein. Examples of pairings are:
Cous cous and salmon – Cous cous is a whole grain, Middle Eastern pasta high in protein and healthy carbohydrates. Salmon is composed of essential fatty and amino acids which are beneficial in muscle tissue repairment.
Quinoua (pronounced keen-wah) and grilled chicken breast – Quinoa is similar to cous cous but cooks differently and it’s consistancy is granier. It his high in protein and good carbs.
Tofu and broccoli – For my vegetarian friends, tofu is a great non animal-based protein. Pairing it with broccoli makes for a great carb/protein ratio.
By taking these small steps towards a big initiative, you will see a huge (no pun intended) difference in your muscle development.
If considering supplements such as creatine or whey protein, it is wise to speak with your primary care physician if you have any existing medical issues.
And never, ever (!!!) use steroids. Steroids are a “quick fix” in developing muscle, but when steroids are stopped, your muscles will atrophy ten-fold. You will be left with extra skin which still has solidity. (In other words, you will look FAT.)
