Alright, on the OTHER SIDE of the eat pop tarts all day IIFYM perversion idea is the MUCH OLDER idea of magic bodybuilding foods. Theres even that one dumbass video on the five foods that WORK or whatever. This is beyond absurd. Here we go: 1.) Foods are judged individually in composition on the following 5 criteria: a.) Protein quality (eggs vs. wheat pasta) b.) Glycemic Index (gatorade vs. milk) c.) Fat types (olive oil vs trans fat residue) d.) Fiber content e.) Micronutrient content (vitamins and minerals) So far as I know, these are the only relevant criteria by which to judge foods for their use in altering body composition. 2.) All of these variables do matter a little bit for the alteration of physiques, and especially make a difference at the extremes, such as for contest prep. Thats a given, but... 3.) There are MANY, MANY foods which have the right profiles of the 5 categories above to fit into a contest prep diet. Eggs, chicken, beef, turkey, etc.... for protein. Brown rice, whole grain bread, pasta, etc... for carbs. Olive oil, canola oil, nut butters of all kinds, etc... for fats. And so on... 4.) If you are writing diets that say 6oz chicken and 2 cups white rice as opposed to 6oz lean meat of choice and 80g carbs from low GI carb of choice, you are NEEDLESSLY limiting your clients diets, and likely your own. Ive had bodybuilders ask me with a look of confusion why Im eating lean ground turkey and whole grain pasta leading up to a show instead of chicken and rice. If you have to ask that, your understanding of nutrition is HIGHLY LIMITED, to be polite. 5.) There is only ONE EXCEPTION to this I can think of: the final week or two out from a show even some of the right foods can have less than desirable effects on bloating, filling you out, vascularity, and so on. At this point, its likely a very good idea to restrict yourself and clients to foods that have been time-tested to be effective in putting you on stage with a precise look. This is especially a time to find foods that work for YOU personally. Just kidding, you guys. Gotta eat that chicken and rice, brother. Bodybuilders have been doing it for years. Same foods every day, brother. Its a war out there, brother, and do you have what it takes to suffer? To SACRIFICE? BROTHER?
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:49:19 +0000