Bodybuilders carry a lot of muscle and a lot of responsibility when it comes to keeping their impressive physique. Of course the lifestyle and nutritional requirements of a bodybuilder differ greatly from the average person. Because of the demands of this type of lifestyle, it is essential that all bodybuilders be aware of the basic nutritional guidelines they should follow in order to stay healthy and at the top of their game.

Breakfast is important! Make sure you eat a breakfast that contains complete carbohydrates and protein. This will supply your body with the necessary energy needed while working out. Having plenty of carbs and protein also helps with setting up your metabolism. When you skip out on breakfast, your body is forced to draw on muscle tissue as a source of energy. The result: sapping you of energy early on and leaving you sluggish. Turn to a bowl of oatmeal, cottage cheese, and fruit with milk or coffee.

Throughout your nutritional regimen you should avoid fats, excessive salt and sugars. That means no junk food, cookies, candy, fried foods, fast foods and soft drinks. While this may seem impossible, once you take these out of your daily diet and start incorporating healthier foods, you’ll feel better and have a lot more energy to spare. Consuming too much sugar only serves to make us crash at the end of the day, feeling exhausted and adding an increase in fat storage.

If your goal is to gain more weight then you’ll need to eat more often. But that doesn’t mean it’s a free for all at the buffet. There is a right and wrong way to gain weight. That being said, bodybuilders should aim to eat between every three to four hours a day. Make sure each meal you consume contains plenty of carbs and protein. The following foods are ideal for your daily meals: chicken, pasta, baked potato, fruit, cottage cheese, lean meat, rice, and tuna. Snacking is okay but must be healthy. Snacks for bodybuilders should include fruit, low-fat muffins, protein bars, yogurt (non-fat), and bagels, to name a few.

Before each workout, plan to consume a small meal that is easy to digest at least 30-60 minutes before you plan on working out. The presence of extra carbohydrates in your body will provide you with the ability to workout longer, harder and with way more energy. To finish off your workout, reward yourself with a protein shake. Don’t forget the water, though! All vitamin water and protein shakes aside, good ole plain water always does the trick for proper hydration. Be sure to drink more water during your workout to avoid dehydration.

No matter how hard you train to bulk up, you need to reward your body with adequate rest and relaxation. Work hard but play harder. Getting a good night’s sleep allows your entire body to recuperate and build muscle tissue.

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