Here are some great tips to giving your body the Nutrition it needs. That means that the key is getting plenty of foods that keep the body nourished, including adequate amounts of: protein, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and healthy fat.

Generally speaking, there aren’t any bad foods for bodybuilding as long as those that aren’t conducive to building solid, lean muscle and the energy to achieve optimal growth are kept at a minimum. That means that the key is getting plenty of foods that keep the body nourished, including adequate amounts of: protein, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and healthy fat.

Let’s examine protein first, this would entail anything that offers a quality protein packed source that is free of modifications or excess fillers, preservatives or anything other than essential nutrients. According to the Mayo Clinic, an emphasis should be upon plant-based proteins as they are lower in fat and bad cholesterol with the recommended sources being nuts (unsalted), legumes and soy based products. Meat-based sources, however, should be kept low in fat with the best forms being fish, poultry (white meat is lower in fat) and lean cuts of beef, lamb or pork.

Minerals are also essential to bodybuilders and athletes in general. They work together to regulate hydration, transport oxygen, maintain optimal bone density, and work with protein to build strong muscle tissue. Among the most important minerals required for bodybuilding include: calcium, potassium, chromium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Best foods for bodybuilding include dairy such as milk and yogurt, seafood (oysters, salmon, crab meat, salmon, clams and sardines), legumes such as lentils and lima beans, also lean portions of turkey, pork and chicken. Excellent fruit and vegetable sources include: sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, broccoli, potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, raisins, peaches and bananas.

Vitamins, carbohydrates and healthy fats are also essential and can be achieved by eating all of the before mentioned with an emphasis on complex carbs and fats that don’t increase bad cholesterol levels such as that found in: fibrous, cruciferous, veggies like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc. Also, whole grains including brown rice and bulgur.

Fats are another essential food for bodybuilding, with the best sources of the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, LDL lowering types, including: avocados, nuts and beneficial oils like: grape seed, olive, corn and canola.

So the idea is to keep food nutrient dense with an emphasis on foods that are conducive to sufficient anabolic health, which is vital to building muscle, organ and tissue. As well as metabolic conduits that contribute to sufficient fat loss for that lean, muscular look, that body builders covet. All of the foods listed above are integral components, fundamental to serious bodybuilding.

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