|
Author: Sam Anderton Article source: http://www.idealreferences.info/. Used with author's permission.
If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or improve your performance in a sport, you can lift all the weights and do all the cardio you want, but without proper nutrition, diet and supplements you will find yourself falling short of your goals. In this article we will help you gain a better understanding of what kind of foods you should eat and which ones to stay away from, how to set up a daily meal plan and what supplements you should take.
MICRONUTRIENTS
Protein: Muscles need protein to grow, so you need to make sure you are getting plenty, between 1 and 1 ¼ grams per pound of bodyweight. Calories from protein should be about 35 percent of your total daily calories. It is important to remember, when setting up your meal plan, that each gram of protein has 4 calories. Some good sources of lean protein are; chicken breast, lean beef/hamburger, whole eggs, egg whites, milk, cottage cheese and protein powders. When eating eggs limit yolks to no more than half of the total number of eggs you are eating, to lessen cholesterol and saturated fat. intake ( example: 3 whole eggs and 3 egg whites).
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source. If you are training hard you need to take in a good amount of quality carbohydrates, about 45 percent of your daily caloric intake. There are 4 calories for every gram of carbohydrates. Complex carbs are slow burning and will give you a more steady source of energy. Good choices for complex carbs are: oats, potatoes, yams, whole wheat pasta/bread, brown rice, vegetables and maltodextrin powder. White rice, pasta and bread are over processed and have little to no nutritional value at all, so keep them to a minimal intake. Simple carbs are fast burning giving you a quick burst of energy and insulin release and then a quick drop off. These are best used for pre and post workout drinks. Fruits, juices, some cold cereals, white rice/pasta and carbohydrate powders are some sources of simple carbs. Keep these to a minimum in your daily meal plan.
Fat: Your body needs certain fats for proper function of your vital organs and brain. These fats have also been proven to improve your metabolism and aid in building muscle and fat loss. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature or when cold, these fats you want to stay away from as much as possible (animal fats, egg yolks, butter). Some good fats are omega 3 and 6 which are found in salmon and some other fish, olive, safflower and flax oil. Each gram of fat contains 9 calories. 20 percent of daily calories should come from fat.
Water: Muscles are made up of about 2/3 water, so if you want big muscles, drink a lot of water. Try to drink 16 ounces of water with each meal or ½ to 1 gallon of water a day.
SETTING UP YOUR MEAL PLAN
Counting calories can be a painful and time consuming experience, so here is an easier way to plan your meals. Keep the portion size of protein to about the size of your palm, more if you are trying to get big. For carbohydrates the portion size should be about the size of your fist, a little less if you are trying to lose weight or a little more for gaining weight. You shouldn't need to focus much on fat intake because there will be some in most everything else you eat. If you find that you aren't getting enough try adding natural peanut butter or some oil to protein shakes, or oil to veggies and salads. You can also supplement with CLA, ALA or FISH OIL capsules.
Eating 3 big meals a day is very outdated and is not effective for losing fat or building muscle. Your body needs constant nourishment throughout the day and in order to do this you must eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, every 2-3 hours. Each meal should contain protein and carbohydrates for better utilization in your body and to keep blood sugar levels constant. Try to spread your daily protein, carbohydrates and fat equally between 5-8 meals a day, this doesn't need to be exact. If you are trying to lose fat, lower the amount of carbohydrates you eat in the evenings.
SUPPLEMENTATION
For fat loss, in addition to lowering you carbohydrate intake, you will want to take a high quality fat burner in the morning and again about 6 hours later. These supplements have been proven to dramatically increase the amount of fat you can lose and will give you the extra energy you will need when on a lower calorie diet. Meal replacement shakes (MRP) are also a good idea, they contain all the nutrients you body needs for a complete meal with only about 250 calories.
If getting huge is your goal, be sure to try creatine with your workout shakes. There have been hundreds of studies performed that show creatine is very effective in building size, strength and endurance. Pre and Post workout drinks are vital for helping you recover and grow from your workouts. They should contain a quality whey protein (30-50 grams), a carb powder like maltodextrin(60-100 grams), glutamine(1-5 grams) and creatine(5-10 grams). Try taking a testosterone booster twice a day to dramatically increase the amount of muscle and strength you will gain.
Make sure you are getting all of your essential vitamins and minerals by taking a good multi vitamin and mineral supplement. ZMA is a great night time formula that will improve your sleep and increase your testosterone at night. Studies have shown that the majority of people who exercise are deficient in magnesium and without proper supplementation (ZMA) they will find it very difficult to make progress. Vitamin C is another one that you can't go without. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and connective tissue and is crucial for speeding your recovery from intense exercise. Depending on your size and activity level take 2-5 grams spread throughout the day, but mainly before and after your workout.
This should be enough information to get you on the right track. Keep an eye open for our future articles that will go more in depth with more advanced techniques for building your best body. Remember that training, diet and supplementation are all equally important in developing your body, and if any one of them is deficient you will fall short in realizing your full potential. Work hard, stay motivated and be consistent and you will build your No Limits Physique. Sam Anderton
No Limits Physique
www.nlpbodybuilding.com
Sam has 12 years of experience lifting weights and has always maintained a lean muscular physique. He has Deadlifted 675 pounds in competition at a bodyweight of 240, and has beaten a professional strongman at the Conan's Wheel strongman event.
You, Your Team, and Your Coach
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers, the people they manage, and your organization make the transition from where you are to where you want t...
Does Your CD Cover $ell (Or Suck)?
Far too many recording artists are losing radio airplay, press coverage and sales by not placing enough emphasis and importance on their CD covers. This articl...
Why The Golfing Game Has Changed Tremendously In Recent Years
The world has changed a great deal in recent years and so has the golfing game. Those who are resisting the changes in the world instead of trying to understand...
Stocks, Oil, and Bonds
How to profit on stock, oil, and bond relationships.
From Making a Living to Creating a Lifestyle
(excerpted from the Day That Turns Your Life Around)
The 3 Things Every Successful Affiliate Marketer Needs
What does it take to become a successful Affiliate Marketer? What are the ingredients of an affiliate marketing success story? Is there a shortcut to Affiliate ...
Getting Information From Prospects
You're at a networking function and you've made that all-important contact. You want to get help from this individual but you know that you need to start workin...
Client Attraction Technique #2: Networking
One of the most cost effective ways of generating leads and referrals. However it's important that you 'work' these opportunities in the correct way. The follow...
Refrigerator Water Filters vs. Bottled Water: Round 1
This article contrasts refrigerator water filter systems with bottled water by providing information about each.
How to create your own Unique Selling Proposition
Why would a prospect buy from from you than from your competitor?
Learn some specific examples on creating your own Unique Selling Proposition.
Even the Smallest Sound
The importance of not only hearing, but listening is discussed...
Mortgage Rates and Current Mortgage Rates
Current mortgage rates are at an all-time low providing homebuyers many loan options throughout the buyer friendly housing market.
Fresh MLM Leads Are Right In Your Own Neighborhood
Now that you have started your own MLM business, fresh MLM leads are the most important ingredients you need now, right?
SMARTER Goal Setting - A Key to Making It Great!
In the past, I've written about SMART goal setting, but after much reading and thought, I realize now that goals need to be SMARTER in order to be most successf...
Salary Negotiation Secrets Revealed
Before you go into the interview, it is important to know what salary you want, what you need to live on, and what you will be prepared to accept.
Self Describing Skills - Key Strengths
In my coaching practice I generally, at some point, ask my client: "What are you good at?" purely as a means to establish if they have already thought through t...
Decorative Wall Painting Techniques
Fed up with those drab and boring walls? Learn how to truly add some color to your home!
Salary, Raises, & Perks: Negotiate to Get Paid What Youre Worth!
Learn the necessary skills to negotiate your salary or a raise. Find out how much not negotiating can cost you- and it's plenty! Get tips on everything from how...
SEO #1: Choosing THE Keywords to Optimize for
The first lesson out of 6 that teaches you the most important elements of search engine optimization...
Choosing A Horse
Choosing a horse will be one of the most important decisions you ever make so for the sake of both you and the horse - take your time.
Are Your Family Vacations Fun and Relaxing?
How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase movie, "National Lampoon's Vacations?"
Amaze Your Lover - 16 Romantic Ideas To Keep Them Happy
Some people have a natural ability to romance the oppposite sex and others seem like they don't even know what it means. However, everyone should know how to m...
Positive Design Attributes for a Successful Website
Designing a website is hard job, and requires you to think out a plan of action, and put in a lot of work to make it successful. There are many different kinds ...
The Top 10 Ways to Add Extra Value
Everyone wants the best possible value in every transaction, but each of us defines "value" in different ways. Some customers want the lowest price, while othe...
|
Print this page