BodyBuilding Diet Overview

The saying “You are what you eat” is especially true for body builders.

Bodybuilding involve strict training routines and special diets to provide nutrients and energy to your body.

Our bodies are complex living machines – it’s ability to transform itself from a 98 pound weaking to muscular, ripping muscles with 6-pack abs hunk is simply amazing. But of course, you need to give your body the right nutrients – otherwise, no amount of training is going to make any difference.

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of bodybuilding diets, you need to be aware of the 2 main cycles of bodybuilding: Bulking Phase and Cutting phase.

Cycle #1: Bulking Phase

In this bulking phase, your goal is to build up your muscles, i.e. bulk up.

You will need more than what you’re currently eating now. Start with a “muscle bulking journal” and note down everything you eat. Calculate the totals for calories, proteins, carbs and fat. Ideally, you should be eating about 1.5g x your bodyweight in protein daily. This is to ensure you have sufficient protein for muscle growth. Your carbohydrate intake should be slightly above normal to ensure you have sufficient energy during your training and workouts.

Cycle #2: Cutting Phase

In this phase, your goal is to remove excess fat. Again, start with “fat loss journal” and note the amount of calories, protein, carb and fat you take each day. This time, your daily protein intake should be around 0.9g x your bodyweight. In this phase, your carb intake will be lower, and you may find yourself getting tired more easily during your training. This normal, so don’t worry too much about it.

These are the 2 bodybuilding cycles which you will cycle over time. The reason is because it is very difficult to put on muscles and remove fat at the same time.

So, adjust your diet accordingly to the bodybuilding phase you’re currently in. Remember to keep your ‘muscle bulking journal’ and the ‘fat loss journal’ so that you can keep track of your progress.