How to eat when you're trying to bulk up

Building up your muscle mass can be difficult, but consuming the correct types of foods can greatly increase the chances of you being successful. A greater muscle mass is created by breaking down the existing muscle, and then providing your body with the protein and nutrients required to rebuild them with thicker muscle fibers. Exercise is essential, but proper diet is as well.

    A high protein diet is your best bet when getting buff. It is recommended that you intake 1 gram of protein per pound that you weigh, so if you weigh 190 pounds, you would eat 190 grams of protein daily. It is also important that you are consuming complete proteins, rather than incomplete proteins which are commonly found in plants. You will want to stick to the proteins found in fish, eggs, dairy, and meat. Soy and beans can also be a good source of complete proteins, or you can add a protein supplement to your diet if you would find that easier. Whichever way you chose to intake your protein, it is extremely important to drink lots of water along with it. A high protein diet can put a large strain on your liver and kidneys, and proper hydration can help to prevent any serious damage. 

  It is best if you spread out your protein intake. Avoid consuming all your protein in one sitting, and add it to many smaller meals throughout the day. If you are consuming all of your protein at once, your body will not have a chance to use it all up. Your goal is to maintain a high blood protein level throughout your day and night. Drinking sport drinks that contain carbohydrates and proteins during your exercises can also help you spread out your protein intake. You should also consume a high carbohydrate bar or shake within thirty minutes of exercising to replenish your body’s glycogen. Glycogen is essentially your muscle’s energy source, and is found in carbohydrates. Muscle cannot be rebuilt without it, and giving your body that boost of glycogen right after your work out will help.

    Be sure you are consuming lots of vegetables in your diet as well. Broccoli and spinach will provide you with the vitamins your body requires to stay healthy and the more leafy green vegetables like lettuce will ensure you receive enough fiber to keep everything in working order. Avoid sugary processed foods like white bread and cookies whenever possible because they can actually interfere with your body’s glucose levels and affect your immune system. When building muscle it is essentially important to keep your body balanced by consuming everything your body requires and by staying away from the foods that will hinder your progress. 

   Eating properly while building muscle mass is crucial, and the proteins and carbohydrates you consume will be your body’s building blocks for bulking up. Without the proper building blocks your body cannot rebuild the broken down muscles after a work out. Do not forget to constantly hydrate as well, because on a high protein diet, it’s nearly impossible to drink too much water.