There are so many advantages to developing muscle, from strengthening your bones and improving your joint health, to just looking good and feeling strong. But if you are serious about building muscle it is going to take more than a good strength training exercise routine – you need to pay attention to your nutrition. It would help if you ate enough to fuel your body through your workout as well as eating the right food to allow you to recover from workouts and build muscle. So, here are our tips for how to eat right in order to build muscle.
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Eat Enough
One of the most crucial activities to do is to make sure that you are eating enough total calories every day. The major error that people make when attempting to build muscle is not to eat enough to fuel their workouts. When you do not eat enough calories, then during a workout, your body will run out of calories to burn and will start to break down muscle instead. Therefore, you should ensure that you are eating a little more calories than you would need to maintain your body if you want to see results.
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Hydration is Key
Your muscles are made up of almost 80% water, so staying hydrated is incredibly important for maintaining and building muscle. Make sure to remain hydrated before and during your workouts to avoid muscle fatigue that will stop you from reaching your goals.
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Protein, Protein, Protein
You have perhaps heard this one before, but do not underestimate the importance of protein for building muscle. Your body is breaking down protein into amino acids, which are very important for building and repairing muscle tissue. Finding a good balance of protein sources is important, and do not overlook plant-based options as they often contain fibre as an added bonus. However, please do not overdo it. There is no proof to show that eating extra protein will build more muscles – try to stick to a balanced diet that will support your exercise journey.
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Pre and Post Workout Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet is important and balance does not just refer to the food groups – it is also about eating throughout the day in balanced portions. Fuelling your body with enough carbohydrates and protein to complete a workout is just as important as eating another balanced meal of carbs and protein after you have finished working out. It is about making sure that your body has enough fuel and has the time to break it down properly. This is particularly important in terms of protein, and it is suggested that you spread your protein intake out over the whole day, instead of having it all in one meal, as this allows your body to break it down better.
In conclusion, to build muscle, you need to be eating for that process. Ensure that you are eating enough to maintain your body throughout a workout as well as during recovery. Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated and don’t skip meals, and you will be able to see the results of your hard work.
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