Can You Eat Intuitively as a Bodybuilder for Bodybuilding?

When you’re bodybuilding, the diet is just as important as the workout. You need to make sure that you are providing your body with the right nutrients in order to see results. Many people think that they have to follow a strict diet plan in order to be successful, but this isn’t always the case. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not you can eat intuitively while bodybuilding and still see results.

Let’s get started.

Importance of Nutrient Intake in Food and Supplements:

The bodybuilding process requires a lot of dedication and discipline. In order to achieve the physique you desire, you have to put in the hard work at the gym, making sure to hit all your muscle groups with proper form. However, bodybuilding is not just about working out–it’s also about what you eat. In order to build muscle, you need to make sure that you are getting enough protein and calories. This can be done through diet and supplements. AskApollo is a health library that you can look for some insightful information on bodybuilding and diet plans.

There are a lot of different ways to approach bodybuilding nutrition. Some people like to count macros, while others prefer to meal prep their bodybuilding food ahead of time. The essential nutrients to provide energy to the body are:

  • Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. When you workout, your body uses up a lot of energy, so it’s important to replenish those stores by eating carbohydrates. The best sources of carbohydrates are brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and fruits. The total carbs that a man consumes in a day should be between 225-325 grams.

  • Protein

Protein is essential for muscle growth. When you lift weights, your muscles break down and need protein to repair themselves and grow bigger. The bodybuilding diet is designed to help you consume enough protein to support your intense training.

  • Fats

Fats are one of the most important macronutrients for bodybuilders. They are essential for hormone production, joint health, and cell membrane integrity. However, not all fats are created equal. Bodybuilders need to consume fat to support their training goals, but they should be mindful of the type of fat they eat.

Saturated fats from animal products and coconut oil are the best type of fat for bodybuilders because they support hormone production, joint health, and cell membrane integrity.

  • Water

Water is essential for bodybuilders. They need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, which helps with muscle growth and recovery. Bodybuilders should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Water is also important for bodybuilders because it helps to flush out the toxins in their bodies.

Toxins can build up in the body and cause problems with muscle growth and recovery. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep the body free of toxins and allow bodybuilders to recover from their workouts more quickly.

Foods to Avoid While Bodybuilding

There are certain food items bodybuilders need to avoid while bodybuilding. These include:

  • Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices
  • Refined carbs such as white bread, pastries, cookies, and crackers
  • Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, ham, and deli meat
  • Fried foods
  • Foods high in saturated fat such as butter, coconut oil, and palm oil

Instead, bodybuilders should focus on eating whole foods that are nutrient-dense and will help them reach their goals. These include:

  • Lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, tofu, and legumes
  • Complex carbs such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats, brown rice, and vegetables

How Many Calories Do You Need?

The amount of calories you need as a bodybuilder depends on many factors, such as your body weight, body fat percentage, activity level, and muscle mass. A common goal for many bodybuilders is to consume around 20-25 calories per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would need approximately 4000-5000 calories per day to maintain your weight.

If you are looking to gain muscle mass, you may need to increase your calorie intake to 25-30 calories per pound of body weight. It is important to note that these numbers are only estimates and everyone’s bodies are different. The best way to find out how many calories you specifically need is by tracking your food intake and seeing how your body responds. If you are gaining body fat, you may need to cut back on your calories. If you are not gaining weight or muscle, you may need to increase your calories.

There is no one diet plan for muscle gain. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you eat in a way that supports your bodybuilding goals.

The Bottom Line

If bodybuilding is your goal, you can definitely eat intuitively and still make gains. The key is to be mindful of your body’s signals and to fuel it with the nutrients it needs to perform optimally. By doing so, you’ll not only reach your bodybuilding goals, but you’ll also enjoy the process a whole lot more.

We hope this article helped clear things up for those of you who were wondering whether or not you could bodybuild while eating intuitively.