Natural Muscle June/July 2015 | Page 33

n Proper timing: an essential life component. Without it our days would be chaotic episodes of unbridled mismanagement; we would be late for meetings, say the wrong things at the wrong times, fail to meet deadlines, and wake late. With it, we are organized and efficient. To prevent nutritional disorganization, be sure to schedule your meals and prepare them in advance if you’re facing what is shaping up to be a hectic day. Each main feeding should include the aforementioned macronutrient ratios. A CONCENTRATED WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE SHAKE, SOMETHING LIKE ISOFLEX, WITH ADDED SIMPLE-SUGARS IN THE FORM OF WAXY MAIZE SHOULD BE CONSUMED DIRECTLY POST-WORKOUT. A high casein shake, like CASEIN-FX, should be taken directly before retiring for the night. Do not deviate from this schedule. No excuses. Enough said. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Don’t Neglect Your Greens As well as supplying an all-important compliment of various health-boosting vitamins and minerals, greens such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts contain a rich helping of dietary fiber. That being said, all whole-plant foods include a surplus of different types of dietary fiber, and the consumption of these, along with greens, are also encouraged. 4. Protein is Key While carbohydrates serve as our major fuel source, and fats form the building blocks of our hormonal and nervous systems, proteins are used primarily to build muscle. Without enough protein, and the nine essential amino acids it supplies for the repair and rebuilding of our battle weary muscles, we can kiss goodbye to ever building a championship physique. If, for whatever reason, we are unable to consume a particular macronutrient source, be sure it is NOT protein. Given protein often comes in the form of dry chicken breasts, tasteless egg whites, and high-fat steaks, many athletes under-emphasize this valuable nutrient in their diets. Fatty, carbohydrate-laden foods, tend to be more satisfying to the taste buds. SMART ATHLETES TRY DILIGENTLY TO CONSUME AT LEAST 1 G OF PROTEIN PER POUND OF BODY WEIGHT EVERY DAY, EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO SUPPLEMENT WITH HIGH BIOLOGICAL-VALUE WHEY PROTEIN. Whether we acquire it through whole foods alone, or whole foods and supplements, protein consumption, with its key role in protein synthesis, must never be neglected. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Consistency IN ADDITION TO KEEPING THE BODYBUILDER REGULAR, MAINTAINING OPTIMAL So far so good. You are now properly scheduling your nutrient intake, obtaining the critical nutrients needed to be healthy and to support positive muscle growth, time your daily feedings to optimize in-gym performance and recovery from arduous workouts, and prioritize the key muscle building nutrient, protein, in your quest for Coleman-like mass gains. But can you do all of these things consistently? METABOLIC EFFICIENCY, AND ENABLING PROPER MACRONUTRIENT ABSORPTION WHEN TRYING TO BUILD A CHISELED PHY- AND UTILIZATION, GREENS ALSO BOOST SIQUE, HIT OR MISS NUTRITION PRACTIC- TESTOSTERONE. ES WILL ONLY TAKE YOU SO FAR, AND NOT VERY FAR AT THAT. As an example, the fiber-dense cabbage (4g per one cup serving), contains roughly six times the zinc content of beef. Who said greens are for sissies? Further, the type of fiber found in greens – insoluble fiber – is comparatively low in carbohydrates, yet provides bulk and requires significant energy to process, making it perfect during the pre-contest phase when a lower calorie diet, and high satiety value, is preferred. Aim for three servings of fiber-rich foods per day (with lunch, afternoon snack and evening meals), both off season and when shaping up. Green leafy vegetables, and the fiber they contain, boost health and promote muscle building gains. Should your training be on point, yet your diet remain sub-optimal, diminishing returns are likely to characterize your mission to grow. Knowing and doing are two separate things – this articles has outlined the basics steps you need to succeed in your dietary regimen. The question is, can you consistently apply this knowledge? A CHAMPION IS DEFINED BY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO DO ALL OF THE REQUIRED WORK, ALL OF THE TIME. A failure to correctly apply this information each and every day of your bodybuilding life will have you constantly falling short of excellence. Now is the time to make the best gains of your life. And now you know exactly what to do to achieve them. www.NaturalMuscle.net 33