Food for Bodybuilding

Posted on December 29, 2007 by bodybuildingxpert

You are what you eat, and no statement could be more accurate when it comes to bodybuilding. Proper nutrition is a vital part of the bodybuilding process — without it, all other bodybuilding efforts are literally wasted. But what exactly should the bodybuilder eat?

Obviously, the first thing you need is protein, and lots of it. Do not, however, make the mistake of only looking for sources of protein, and excluding other foods with different minerals and vitamins that you need. You need a well-balanced diet.

With that said, ideally, you should eat lots of whole fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and chicken. Oatmeal and eggs are also highly recommended foods for bodybuilders, and these two food items are typically included in breakfasts, along with a protein shake.

You can find whey protein, which can be used to make shakes, at a variety of health food stores. Whey protein is used more than any other bodybuilding product, because it accelerates muscle development, and also helps the muscles to repair. It is a source of both essential and nonessential amino acids as well. This is definitely a product that bodybuilders need.

Bodybuilders do not eat three times a day. In fact, bodybuilders eat six times a day, ensuring that their bodies are fueled about every 2-2 1/2 hours. This is an important aspect of bodybuilding; however, you should note that the six meals are smaller than the average meal that would be consumed three times per day. It isn’t so much that you are eating more — you are just eating more often.

On top of food and supplements, bodybuilders also need water. While the average person needs just eight to ten glasses of water per day, bodybuilders typically require more water, because their bodies use more water than average people.