Protein is the building blocks of muscle growth. Protein synthesis is the way muscles are formed. Atheletes the world over know this very simple concept. Protein=Muscle Growth.

Sports generally takes a toll on the body. Any sport will push the body to its max. Body building pushes the body past its max. A body building workout is intense.There are a few things that must occur for the body to heal and for muscles to increase.

Rest

For muscles to repair after a bout of weight lifting the body must rest. Without the proper intervals of rest between workout sessions the body can not produce the results that are requested of it. Forty eight hours is a good rule of thumb to follow. If on Monday the leg muscles are the primary focus of the workout than that group should be allowed a
recovery period until Wednesday. That does not mean that there should be no workouts between Monday and Wednesday but instead it means that the leg muscles should not be part of the workout.

Why rest? This is when the muscles repair themselves, and stores of glycogen is replenished. Muscles build through rest. They are tore down during the workout and replenished during the rest period. Protein synthesis can only occur when the muscle group is at rest.

Fuel

The body needs fuel to function. The majority of the bodies fuel comes from food. There are certain foods that are geared to assist in building muscle mass. A good rule to follow for body building is 1 gram of protein for every pound of weight and 1-4 grams of carbohydrates for every pound of body weight.

Proteins are found in the following food groups:

 Animal Products - Lean Meats,
 Dairy Products-Milk, Eggs, Fat Free Cheese
 Fish- Tuna, Salmon, Scallops
 Soy Products

Carbohydrates are found in the following food groups:

 Starches- Potatoes, Rice, Whole Grains
 Fruit- Apples, Bannana’s, Pears
 Vegetables- Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Peas

The above is an example of the foods from each group, there are many more foods that contain these nutrients.

Supplements

Supplements are used as dietary aids. There are protein supplements to add to the diet to insure adequate amounts of protein are available to the body. Carbohydrate supplements that are used to keep the energy level up during and after the workout. Protein supplements focus on assisting the body with building muscle. Carbohydrates provide fuel to the cells, these two supplements work hand and hand. Both supplements play roll in both weight gain and weight loss.

Supplements can come in several different forms. There are protein supplements available in powder forms (whey protein being the most popular) and liquid forms. Carbohydrates are available as drinks and energy bars.

A combination of weight training, diet and supplements will guarantee great results.