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Friday, July 3, 2009

How to Eat to Increase Muscle Size and Improve Performance

By Bradley J. TeeLe

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. Eat Fresh Foods. Eating fresh foods is an important component of any bodybuilding program. Stay away from artificial and processed food as much as possible. Natural foods from animal and plant sources give out the most nutrients to our bodies. Our bodies assimilate more nutrients from natural foods as compared with artificial foods.

4. Use supplements sparingly. Supplements are now in the mainstream of sports. Taking supplements can help in most cases but be careful as some supplements have negative side effects. In addition, supplements are really not that essential. What's essential are a proper nutrition and efficient training programs.

5. Watch what you eat before and after a workout. Muscle builds up significantly before and after you exercise. What you eat at this time will surely influence this process either positively or negatively. Always monitor what you eat at this time by keeping a written record. - 17268

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