Bodybuilding Food and The Weight Gain Diet

The first careful thought of the bodybuilding diet is caloric intake.  There has to be adequate caloric intake to support the intensity of the workouts and the quick recovery requirements of this phase of the body building excise schedule.  The catch here is the type of calories that should be consumed. 

It is important to limit “empty calories”, or calories that offer no nutritional value (typically found in candy and pastries).  Your weight gain diet should be well planned out to ensure that you follow the fundamentals of body building nutrition and consume all of the nutrients necessary for optimal growth.  Most of your calories should come from proteins and complex carbohydrates.  You will also get calories from healthy fats.  During this phase it’s okay to eat some junk food, but you should not get carried away, as it won’t leave you room to fulfill your additional bodybuilding nutrition requirements. 
 
Another consideration during the bulking phase of your bodybuilding workout program is proper hydration.  This is especially important during the bulking phase since your muscles need water to repair themselves rapidly.  Additionally, while following a weight gain diet, you will be consuming large amounts of protein.  Proper hydration will enable your body to better process the protein while flushing out toxins. 

If you are dehydrated, your recovery times will be slower and your muscle growth will be inhibited.  When you are trying to gain lean body mass, your workout intensity typically increases, which also increases your body’s need for water.  If you are not properly hydrated, your energy levels will fall and you will be more susceptible to injury.  
 
Bodybuilding nutrition requires organic bodybuilding supplementation, especially while adhering to a weight gain diet.  It is important to continue taking organic bodybuilding supplements such as vitamins and minerals during this phase as well as protein supplements.  You may also consider using a weight gain protein formula that is loaded with calories, protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats. 

These muscle building formulas are particularly helpful to those bodybuilders who have a especially challenging time putting on mass.  Always be sure that you use shakes, bars or pills to supplement the total foods that you eat, not to replace them.