The Basics of Bodybuilding Nutrition: An Introduction to the Basics

The human body is of near-perfect design. In the period of more than a thousand years, the human body has evolved greatly, adapting more and more to changing climates and changing forms of activity as human civilization progresses. The human body can be viewed as a lethal engine on its own- a lethal engine that can be tuned to progressively build muscle and increase the over-all strength of the human frame.

Any bodybuilder worth the title should know that a specially designed diet, coupled with intense and systematic bodybuilding is key to success. What are the basic precepts of a diet? Let us first define what a diet is first.

Defining "diet" and the basic types of special diets

We all have a diet. Unlike the more popular usage of this term, scientifically, diet simply means the selection of foods that we consume on a daily basis. If an individual sticks to only fish and potatoes, then we can say that he or she is on a fish and potato diet. However, there are other, more specific diets that are based on larger categories: purely vegetable diets, purely fruit diets, purely non-meat diets, etc.

Vegetable diets are mostly high in fiber and in vitamins and minerals. However, protein sources have to be carefully picked, so the vegetarian does not run out of essential amino acids and energy-giving and muscle-building protein.

Non-meat diets have become increasingly popular especially for working professionals for the following reasons:

•People who follow this diet tend to feel lighter throughout the day

•Fruits and vegetables aid in proper digestion

•Vegetables provide fiber, which not only aids in proper digestion but also lowers cholesterol and in the removal of toxins from the human body

•Vegetables, if made an integral part of daily meals, cost less than meat.

The body builder's diet cannot afford to be limited to purely meat or purely non-meat diets. Here's why.

The bodybuilder's diet

A bodybuilder's diet should be able to provide the following:

•A continuous stream of energy that would be able to sustain regular workouts

•A high amount of protein for muscle-building and also as a source of energy

•Vitamins and minerals to speed up healing in times of injury. Enough micronutrients also means that internal organs would be working especially well during times of extreme stress or pressure.

If a stable weight has already been achieved (less than twenty five percent body fat for men, thirty five percent body fat or less for women), then a specialized diet may be employed to make sure that the body will work well under the regular workouts.

Carbohydrate sources should be high in fiber; protein sources should either be fish, lean portions of chicken and lean portions of pork and beef. Red meat is a big no for the diet itself, because fat reduction should also be achieved especially if the bodybuilder is only in the first few phases of his new bodybuilding regimen.

Whey may also be integrated into the diet- the body builder may choose the form in which whey may be consumed. The most popular and palatable form of whey can be found in flavored protein shakes.