Muscle Building Feel Good Foods, Have You Got it Cracked?
What you ingest in your muscle building plan will not only assist you in developing your muscles but will also affect your mental well being.
The more cholesterol that a bodybuilder consumes, the better the muscle gain is – proven by a study conducted by Texas A&M University. The researchers of the study believe that the cholesterol from eggs aids muscle repair so that every resting period between workouts enables the muscles recover faster and grow stronger quicker. Specifically it is the yellow part of the egg, having high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) that will assist you in your muscle building endeavors.
Hummus is high in protein and fibre, it provides a slow sustained release of energy into your blood stream and muscles helping you avoid blood sugar fluctuations. Snacking regularly on hummus topped rice cakes will give you a balanced mood and the determination to stick to your fitness plan.
Whilst oranges are well known for their vitamin properties, they also contain inositol. Inositol regulates and maintains the body’s insulin levels which will result in fewer mood swings and promotes a feeling of well being and peace. This fruit will also reduce blood cholesterol and breakdown the useless fats in your body which will assist in the development of your muscles.
Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C, which will give you a feeling of well being and feeds your muscles with energy boosting iron, be careful not to overcook all of the goodness out of your cauliflower or you will lose all of that muscle building goodness. Steam for a maximum of five minutes.
Butter beans contain dopamine which will give you a feeling of motivation and pleasure. Blend with a spoonful of mild mustard and some olive oil for a tasty dip.
Butternut squash is very high in zinc which promotes the healthy growth of nerve cells and fights depression. A great energy booster that is very tasty and easy to prepare. Peel, chop and roast just like a potato.
The liquorice root contains glycyrrhizin, often referred to as a natural steroid because it helps the body deal with stress. A bag of liquorice sweets can do wonders for your energy levels. Motivational sweets, what more could you ask for!
All of this doesn’t mean that sitting around scoffing liquorice and cauliflower omelets all day will give you huge muscles, the key is to maximize these feel good food tips with your muscle training.
Bernice Eker
April 28th, 2010 at 5:53 am
lower back cracking during sit ups?
I’m 20 years old, 5′6 and weigh 140 lbs. A few weeks ago I decided to try to build some muscle and lose some pudge I’ve been retaining (not fat, just out of shape) and hoping to get a flat stomach/six pack. I have free weights and have been working my arms and chest, but the only thing I can think to do for my stomach is sit ups.
The problem is, whenever I do a sit up, my lower back cracks in 1 place. It isn’t painful or anything like that, just feels weird. It makes it so I don’t actually want to DO my sit ups because I feel like that can’t be a good thing and its mildly uncomfortable.
Are there any other ways I can work my abs?
Also, about my diet, I’ve cut out High fructose corn syrup, all soda, fast food, and anything generally unhealthy. Like I said before, I’m not fat so an intense diet isn’t entirely necessary but I’ve been doing well I think with the foods I’m eating. My concern is that the foods I HAVE been eating (veggies, water, maybe some chicken, special k cereal) isnt really conducive to gaining muscle. I don’t work out hardcore (4 days a week) so I dont THINK that I should be drinking things like protein shakes as that will only make me gain fat. Does anybody also have diet suggestions for me?
Thank you for the answers. I appreciate it.
April 28th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Cant help you with the your lower back cracking, I actually came across this as i was trying to find out what it is! But there are many other ways to work your abs http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm some basic exercises there. If your anything like me only a full sit up will make your back crunch so different ab exercises like legs raises and flutter kicks wont cause any discomfort. If your after a flat belly, lower stomach exercises probably best as usually most ignored and that’s where the extra food and will show
As for your diet you seem to have the right idea, try not to eat anything with modified maize starch in as well as High fructose corn syrup. Aim for 5 to 8 portions of fruit and veg, 8 to 10 glasses of water and try and get your protein from the highest quality food. for example salmon has better quality protein than say beef. http://www.bodybuilding.com has allot of good articles about protein intake and diet in general when working out. Search the net for a copy of elite combat fitness, its an exercise dvd the best one I have come across. failing that run play basketball swim go rock climbing just do something that will work your core. An extremely hard ab exercise which requires no movement is the plank aim for 2 minutes at least, that will give you a solid core!
References :
http://exercise.about.com/od/abs/ss/abexercises_10.htm
http://www.bodybuilding.com