Body Building: Diets

If you want to flaunt a great physique and body and have started working out, then you must realize that a good diet also helps you go a long way.

The diet is often ignored during the course of a bodybuilding program. While the imperative is working out, diet is no less significant. It helps to make the muscle mass leaner, and your body fitter. It maintains energy levels and loses the flab.

A bodybuilding diet program is all about knowing what foods you might consume and how you can take care of the various nutrients that you require by incorporating them in your diet plan.

If your eating routine is not healthy enough then it is time to bring about a few necessary changes. This is vital for a healthy and fruitful lifestyle, a disease free life, and a healthy body.

The following are some pointers that can assure you of the success that you desire, provided you follow them:

1. Carbohydrates are a must. It is required to develop the muscles that store glycogen. It also helps to maximize athletic prowess.

Carbohydrates must be eaten in their minimally processed form. For instance, whole wheat should always be preferred over white bread. Carbohydrate should contribute to approximately 50-60% of your total calorie intake. This depends on the workout as well.

These are some of the foods, which are full of carbohydrates and recommended as part of your diet - wild rice, squash, oatmeal, baked potato, pumpkin, whole wheat bread, brown rice, or a sweet potato.

2. Protein is also an essential constituent of the diet, and also very important for an athlete in the process of bodybuilding.

Next to water protein is the most plentiful substance found in the body. It is found throughout the human body - muscles, skin, bone, and the blood too. If you are training and building on body

strength, then protein is required to build muscle mass.

Of the total calorie intake 15-20% should be protein. Protein rich foods that may be recommended during strength training are turkey, salmon, lean ground beef, low fat cottage cheese, egg whites, chicken breast, and sirloin steak.

3. Water is vital for workouts. Drink plenty of water. It is indispensable in sustaining the performance level of the workouts. For intensive routines a glass of water (8 oz) is a must every 15 to 25 minutes.

This is again necessary to maintain the metabolic rates and strike a balance between the various nutrients. It will help to burn off calories faster and more efficiently.

However it is important to consult a physician before venturing into a diet or rigorous exercise. Healthy eating and bodybuilding are synonymous.