Natural Bodybuilding Nutrition
If you are a natural bodybuilder, then nutrition needs to be high on your list of priorities. Your body will depend on what you put into it to grow. Put simply, if you don’t eat the right things then all the time in the world at the gym will not give you the body you desire.
Protein should make up a large portion of the natural bodybuilder's diet. Natural bodybuilding simply cannot occur without a good percentage of protein in the diet. Ideally you should aim for:
- 40% protein
- 20% fat
- 30-40% carbohydrates
This would totally depend on your goals though. Some people prefer much less carbohydrates and more protein. It is a good idea to experiment with various diets to see which works best for you in terms of energy level and allowing you to train more intensely and at a higher level.
If your body has a tendency to gain weight fast then you will want to minimize your carbs intake. On the other hand if you gain muscle quickly then a slightly higher carbohydrate intake will bulk you up quicker providing you eat the right source of carbs that is!
Some great foods for the natural bodybuilder include:
- Eggs
- Vegetables, especially greens, carrots, sweet potato
- Fish, Tuna
- Lean red meat
- Wholemeal bread, rice, pasta
Protein shakes should also be a staple part of your nutrition plan. Most people like to consume these within 30 minutes of finishing a workout. Note that protein supplements do NOT make you a non-natural bodybuilder! Protein is a regular human product and therefore is totally natural.
Natural bodybuilding nutrition need not be complicated. It is wise to speak to a nutritionist if you intend to formulate a very strict dietary plan.