Back To Basics Eating

Series of articles By Neil Ashley, Natural Body Builder

Part 1 - Protein and Carbohydrates

Bodybuilders know they need to consume plenty of protein in order to grow as it’s the most important and only nutrient that directly builds muscle. Proteins are made from amino acids, the best sources are meat, fish, protein powers etc that contain the 8 essential amino acids which must be consumed as the body cannot make them on its own.

Part 2 - Fats, Vegetables and Water

Healthy fats must also be included in your diet, these are unsaturated and for bodybuilders as they support the immune system and assist with muscle recovery and growth and the forming of cell membranes (new muscle).

Part 3 - Ratios and Calculations

Now that you know what kinds of foods you need to be eating, you need to work out how much of it needs to be consumed; basically you need to eat around six meals a day spaced out every two to three hours.

Part 4 - Putting It All Together

The understanding of your dietary needs and calculating the formulas is easy, the hardest part is preparing your meals and doing it consistently. The key to living with this way of eating is mass preparation. I spend about an hour once a week cooking enough turkey on a George Foreman grill for the forth coming seven days.