Natural Muscle June/July 2015 | Page 32

TRAINING ANDRE RZAZEWSKI As bodybuilders, we are forever having drilled into our heads the notion that proper nutrition is responsible for over 60 percent of the gains (and cuts) we’re likely to make, with training, recovery and other associated factors comprising around 30-40 percent. We get it. But do we really get it? Five Non-Negotiable Nutrition Tips to Get You Growing Again By: David Robson 1. Get Your Ratios Right Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition TOP 5 NUTRITION TIPS For most of us, training is the easy part; we hit the gym, work our muscles into submission, go home exhausted and satisfied after a job well done. Regular intensive training, combined with the fast-paced lives many of us lead, often leaves little time to properly prepare, and consume, a bodybuilding diet perfectly suited to our individual requirements. To be blunt, many bodybuilders are simply too busy to structure their nutrition in line with their bodybuilding requirements; rather, they’ll throw down what is most convenient and, as a consequence, their diet is lacking the nutritional quality their hungry muscles deserve. So, while we do know nutrition’s importance, and we do our best to eat enough to grow, we often neglect to fully prioritize this essential component that facilitates the majority of our muscle growth. Following the move to a more regimented nutrition program, most bodybuilders will rapidly add to their nutrient deprived physique 15-20 pounds of quality muscle. Has this captured you attention? Good. Now here are five non-negotiable nutritional tips to get you growing again. 32 Natural Muscle Magazine Whether off season or pre-competition, acquiring the right ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and fats is essential to supporting muscle growth and keeping unnecessary fat deposition at bay. So, just what are these perfect ratios and do they change in accordance with our training goals? The answer may surprise you. Protein Should be kept high, at 35% of our daily nutritional composition. More fatty sources of this nutrient such as red meat and the occasional pre-contest “off-limits” dish can be eaten at this time as well. Carbohydrates Can be maintained at 45%, primarily complex types, but simple sugars can be consumed post workout and as occ \