Diet & Training
Understanding how the foods you eat affect your physique is key to developing a meal plan that will have you looking lean and ripped! Below, we break down macronutrients and explain how they function within your body, as well as some popular bodybuilding foods in which you can find them.
Protein
1g = 4 calories
Protein is the mother of all musclebuilding macronutrients. It contains the amino acids that your body uses to repair and build muscle tissue. Proteins are contained in milk, eggs, meat and whey protein. These foods are very important to bodybuilders.
Carbohydrates
1g = 4 calories
Whether complex (veggies, oatmeal) or simple (sugar, chocolate), carbohydrates (carbs) are metabolized into glucose which provides your muscles and brain with energy. Foods high in carbohydrates include breads, pastas, potatoes and rice.
Fat
1g = 9 calories
Fat is essential for the proper functioning of the body. However, with more than twice the calories per gram than a gram of either protein or carbs, fat consumption should be limited and primarily focused on healthy sources such as olive oil, avocados and almonds.
Did you KNOW?
Always include healthy fats like almonds or olive oil with your meals – especially meals containing carbohydrates. Doing so can slow the rate at which your body releases insulin. Too much insulin causes your body to store fat.