Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Muscles Building

       Muscles Building Tips by experts


Protein or Carbohydrates?


This has got to be the biggest controversy in modern bodybuilding. Bodybuilders will say you've got to consume loads of protein to pack on quality muscle mass and increase strength. Nutrition experts say that you must eat a high carbohydrate diet, particularly complex carbs, to improve strength and size, and say that a high protein is of no benefit.

Who is right? You could say both are right. Only a few studies have been carried out looking into high protein intake and improvements in strength and muscle size. The results are inconclusive. Study design was poor, often only having very few subjects, who may be over-training or under-training. Other aspects of diet were often overlooked and most were only carried out on novice weight trainers who may not know how to train correctly. Also, the topic of anabolic steroids is avoided which does increase demand for protein.

Protein

Muscle consists mainly of two proteins, actin and myosin. The turnover rate of amino acids in these proteins is high, and increases upon stimulation such as exercise. If the muscle is worked to maximum effort like during a correctly executed bodybuilding workout, turnover is extremely high. Hence, there is a large demand from the body's pool of amino acids. High carb fans say this demand can be met by only a moderately higher than normal protein intake. High protein fans argue very high levels of protein are needed to meet demand. Bodybuilders who have plateaued in their gains for long periods, have dramatically increased their protein intake and started making gains. Also anabolic steroids increase the rate of protein synthesis within muscle cells, further increasing demand for protein.

Carbohydrate

The argument for a high carb intake comes from the fact that we need energy to fuel our workouts and to recuperate and grow. This is certainly the case for athletes who may need as much as 60% of their energy intake from carbs. High carb advocates also say that a "normal" intake of high protein foods should be eaten, as starchy carbohydrate foods also contain some protein, which will increase protein intake sufficiently. The type of carbs that should be consumed is high fiber starchy ones like whole meal bread, brown rice, whole wheat breakfast cereals, etc.

Using Both Protein and Carbs

Dietitians and nutritionists too often look at the percentage of total energy intake for proteins and carbohydrates. It would be better to look at actual intake levels. Both protein and carbs are needed in high amounts in order to gain muscle for all the reasons discussed above.

The problem in giving general advice is that we are individuals and therefore our requirements for different nutrients vary. If you are trying to gain muscle at the same time as trying to lose body fat, your carbohydrate intake will need to be reduced. If you are a beginner bodybuilder who is very skinny, your protein intake will need to be high and you will need to consume high carb foods regularly to gain weight.

Remember, you will not make good gains unless your protein intake is sufficient. Any successful bodybuilder will tell you this, no matter what so-called experts say and clinical trials show. A reasonably high intake of quality carbs is also required to train on and for recuperation. Eat complex carbs regularly throughout the day.

It is hard to give you figures of how much is required, as we are all so different. But as a general rule for any bodybuilder who is trying to gain muscle size and strength and does not wish to gain bodyfat, the following would be a good guide:

Protein: 1.0-1.5g of protein per pound bodyweight, depending on whether you use anabolic steroids. The intake must be staggered throughout the day at regular intervals.

Carbohydrate: Approximately 2g per pound bodyweight, and eat regularly through the day. As well as the above, remember to eat a balanced healthy diet, which is reasonably low in fat and high in fruit and vegetables.

Jeffrey Bedeaux

Your guide to building muscle and getting fit.http://www.dr-natural-bodybuilding.com

Over the past 16 years I have read 100's of magazines, almost 100 books, attended about a dozen seminars and consumed any other type of information on the topic of bodybuilding to advance my knowledge in this area. I also have a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry with minors in Chemistry and Microbiology from Colorado State University, 1998.


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Muscles Building here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Muscles Building

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,


Latest info on : Build Muscles

 


Examiner.com

Can I build muscle and keep my six pack??
Examiner.com - Jun 29, 2008
Yes, you can keep your six pack and build muscle. However, it is extremely difficult and you almost need to hire a nutritionist to do it. ...


News & Observer

Build muscle with exercise
News & Observer, NC - Jun 18, 2008
If you want to build muscle, work your muscles -- and eat a well-balanced diet. By Suzanne Havala Hobbs, CorrespondentComment on this story What's the best ...


Cricketer happy with losing streak
Northwest Tasmania Advocate, Australia - Jul 4, 2008
Lamont is convinced a new exercise machine at the gym has been helping to boost his metabolism and build muscle strength. It's called the T-Zone Vibrator. ...


Gardner builds body and career
Cullman Times Online, AL - Jul 4, 2008
“Part of it was getting to do it with my son, then just realizing I could build muscle and I did have that control,” she said. “And I enjoy the competition ...


The healthy way to get six-pack abs
Times of India, India - Jun 13, 2008
Many gym instructors and fitness experts admit to being regularly questioned how to build muscle quickly. There are many shortcuts by way of steroids and ...


Milk: The truth of it
Times of India, India - Jul 1, 2008
But most men thrive on milk, whether their goal is to lose fat or build muscle. So to be sure it's safe, all the anti-milk claims have been looked at, ...


3:20 pm - Summer camps accepting registration for upcoming sessions
Pacific Daily News, GU - Jul 3, 2008
Camp includes climb fit program teaching kids how to use body weight to build muscle, strengthen core and cardio training as well as team building. ...


7 Simple Ways to Stop Weight Gain
Stop Aging Now, DC - Jul 3, 2008
Plus, it helps build muscle. Watch your carbs. Stick with slowly-digested, high-fiber whole grains. Sugar and white flour, even white rice, break down fast ...


Boston Globe

Held down for years, bodybuilding industry gets pumped up
Boston Globe, United States - Jun 14, 2008
Many Iraqis still join gyms to build muscle in the hopes of landing a high-paying job in security, which, like bodybuilding, is one of Iraq's few growth ...


New Ebook Reveals How To Get Six Pack Abs Fast
PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria - Jul 2, 2008
While these exercises will build muscle in your mid section you won't be able to see them unless you reduce the fat that covers over your abdominals. ...

Build-Muscle - Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert ZoneMuscles Building


| Muscles Building Home | All tips on Muscles Building- complete list 

 Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved