| Popular Belief | | | | are having. The best for Natural Bodybuilders is to |
| There is a widespread perception that, since Natural | | | | have carbohydrates that have low glycemic levels. |
| Bodybuilders are not taking drugs to boost their | | | | These carbohydrates take time to be digested by the |
| muscles, they have to replace it with protein. But while | | | | body. The advantage with such carbohydrates is that |
| protein is a very important constituent of their meal, it is | | | | they allow keeping the energy levels high but at the |
| not the only important thing to worry about. The | | | | same time maintaining a normal blood sugar level. They |
| amount of carbohydrate and fat that is consumed is | | | | are also helpful in lowering the appetite. If you are |
| also important. Since there are no special substances | | | | wondering which foods would qualify as |
| to accelerate growth, the consumption of naturally | | | | carbohydrates with low glycemic levels, then you'll be |
| occurring carbohydrate, protein and fat has to go up | | | | happy to learn that they are all easily available. These |
| significantly. | | | | include oatmeal, brown rice and sweet potato. |
| | | | The major benefit in consuming carbohydrate is that it |
| Try having meals at least six times a day. Ensure that | | | | raises your energy level thus allowing you to put in the |
| they are at more or less equal intervals and keep the | | | | extra effort when you are working out in the gym with |
| largest meals reserved for the morning and the one | | | | the weights. If you are able to go through the regular |
| you have after your workout. These are the times | | | | intense workouts you stand a much better chance in |
| when the body is at its receptive best and can make | | | | developing those muscles. |
| use of a lot more nutrients than it normally does. | | | | Protein |
| Having regular meals does not let you go hungry for a | | | | For Natural Bodybuilding Diet, the importance of the |
| long time and you will never feel famished. They also | | | | consumption of protein is also paramount. The amount |
| ensure that you don't binge when you finally get to eat. | | | | should be again based on the kind of physique you |
| Regular meals allow you to have control over your | | | | have. The accepted rule is about 1.5 grams for every |
| diet. It also provides the body enough nutrients to grow, | | | | pound of your weight. So if you weigh around 180 |
| fix the wear and tear and function properly. | | | | pounds you should consume something around 270 |
| What to Eat | | | | grams of protein in a day. While protein is important, it |
| As we have already mentioned, your diet should be a | | | | is equally important what kind of protein you choose to |
| right mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats. In the | | | | have. The best for your body would be the ones that |
| following section we will discuss about each of these | | | | come from lean sources such as chicken, turkey and |
| constituents of your diet. | | | | tuna that have a low fat level. |
| Carbohydrates | | | | Fats |
| For a Natural Bodybuilder, an increased consumption of | | | | While too much fat is harmful for our body, they too |
| carbohydrate is necessary. The amount you consume | | | | have a beneficial role to play and need to be taken in |
| is dependent on the kind of physique you have, but the | | | | moderate amounts. About 3 tablespoons of essential |
| general rule of the thumb is to have around 2 grams | | | | fats is what a Natural Bodybuilder should consume |
| of carbohydrate for every pound of your weight. So if | | | | everyday. Consume unsaturated fats, available in fish |
| you weigh something around 180 pounds, your daily | | | | oil and olive oil, as they are good for your body. They |
| intake of carbohydrate should be about 360 grams. | | | | will help in the production of hormones and will maintain |
| While you are consuming carbohydrates you should | | | | the integrity of cell membranes. |
| also be careful about what kind of carbohydrate you | | | | |