In order to build your body, you must know what the materials for your new temple will be. Each nutrient performs a specific function and you must know what that is. Here is a brief look at each nutrient and what it does. Later we will get into how to use these and make your own eating plan.
Carbohydrates – The fuel for your fire. Carbs are the preferred source of energy for the body. When you eat carbs your body converts them to blood sugar or glucose. This glucose is stored in your muscle cells and liver for use when needed (like training!). When weight lifting, it is mostly this stored energy that your muscles use for contraction fuel. As with any calories you eat, any excess carbs that can’t be utilized are stored as fat.
Some sugars are more conducive to a good-looking physique than others. There are three kinds of carbohydrates:
Monosaccharides (one-sugar molecule) Disaccharides (two-sugar molecules) Polysaccharides (three or more sugar molecules)
Protein – Building blocks! These are the bricks in the building we call the body. Protein is responsible for the repair and growth of your hair, skin, nails, and most of all your muscles! A deficiency in protein can result in reduced energy, weakness, lowered resistance to infections, and prolonged recovery time after your workouts. The basic suggestion for the intake of protein is 1-2 grams per pound of body weight per day. Modulate this up or down depending on how intense your training is, but start at a gram. The Protein contains 4 calories per gram.
Fat – Fat is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also acts as transport for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. The deal with fat is that it contains 9 calories per gram, and this is why fat foods are considered high calorie. Despite its bad reputation, you do need between 15-20% of your diet to be comprised of fats to maintain health. Most of this will come indirectly through your regular eating and it’s a fat chance (pun intended) that you’re not getting enough already!
These are the cornerstones of creating any diet or nutrition plan. Using these macronutrients properly will ensure optimum performance and health.
