Last Updated on January 18, 2018 by marcypro17cybertegic
You’re working hard to build up muscle. You’re using the best home exercise equipment. You’ve diligently followed your gym schedule to the letter. You make sure you get enough rest and sleep. But without the right diet, you’re going to make your goal of a ripped body longer to achieve.
A well-balanced diet is an important factor in reaching your fitness goals. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. If you’re going on a healthier diet, here are some of the foods that you’ll need to avoid and the alternatives or cutbacks you may want to consider:
Alcoholic Drinks
If you enjoy opening a cold one with friends after work or when you’re watching the big game, it may be time to stop or significantly reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol can increase the stress in your body by increasing the demand for antioxidants. Instead of being used for muscle repair, they are used to metabolize the alcohol in your body. If you still choose to drink, keep it to just two or fewer servings a day.
All-Purpose Flour
A lot of cookies, cakes, and bread make use of all-purpose flour. The downside is that these foods are filled with empty calories. If you want to have a cookie, you better make sure that it’s baked using a high-fibrous flour.
Sausages
Processed meats are filled with sodium, calories, and saturated fat. Plus it contains preservatives like nitrites that can lead to the formation of a chemical called nitrosamines that is a known carcinogen.
Instead of eating processed meat like sausages, consider consuming leaner meat such as chicken breast in your diet. If you want to enjoy a sausage every now and then, find ones that are nitrite-free.
Soda
To simply put it, soda is basically sugar water with no known benefit to your body. The caffeine intake from sodas can also weaken your bones. Instead of this beverage, consider low-fat milk or lots of water.
Pizza
Your average pizza slice contains about 400 or more calories. Topped with processed meat, the calorie count rises by a few hundred. Toppings like pepperoni can contain high sodium content and saturated fat that can be detrimental to your muscle building goals.
Consider making your own pizza at home using a whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, homemade tomato sauce, and lots of veggies.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known to be good for you, but if you put a little too much of it in your meals, then it becomes bad. Coconut oil contains 120 calories per tablespoon, and that can make an otherwise healthy meal bad for you if you put an excess amount. Stick to oil that is high in omega-3 like canola oil instead. Another recommendation is that you keep your oil use to one to two tablespoons for your meals.
Following the right diet is key in producing sufficient energy to perform your exercise routines. Now that you have an idea of what foods not to eat and beneficial alternatives, you can focus on developing your muscles and seeing those results. If you’re in need of exercise tips or fitness equipment, check out MarcyPro.com!