A lean muscular body is an object of admiration. People in every country spend millions of dollars to get their body in shape and not just to participate in bodybuilding competitions. It is not very easy to burn excess fat and add muscle. A great body is obtained as a result of proper training, proper rest and proper nutrition.
The demands on the body during body building are immense. The regular diet will definitely fall short of fulfilling those demands. Therefore, bodybuilders also consume body building supplements that help to build muscle mass and prevent muscle injuries from becoming serious. Normal supplementation includes amino acids, folic acids, calcium and creatine. However, a new class of supplements called the ‘Super Supplements’ provide essential Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation.
o Proteins: These are the most essential components in any bodybuilding program. Muscles are basically comprised of water and proteins. During workouts, muscles are stretched and sometimes the tissues are broken. Proteins help in the repair of damaged muscle tissues. Whey protein, milk protein and egg white protein are common sources of protein supplements. Soy proteins are an alternative used by vegetarians. Most over the counter protein supplements are available in powdered form.
o Essential fatty acids: Body builders tend to eat less fat in their diet as they have to reduce excess quantities. But in the bargain, they do not provide essential unsaturated fats to their bodies, which are useful to maintain optimal brain health. Supplementation of these fatty acids is done with fish oil and flaxseed oil supplements. Natural sources are walnuts and flaxseeds.
o Meal replacement: A normal meal will never be able to supply the nutritional needs of a body builder. He will need specially constituted meals that are high in protein, low in carbohydrates and also combine vitamins and antioxidants. Body building programs make it a must to replace at least one meal of the day with food supplements in the form of energy bars and powdered drink mixes.
o Glutamine: This is an amino acid that is found in large quantities in the muscles. During exercise, it gets depleted and therefore needs to be supplemented. Deficiency of the amino acid can cause adverse effects on the immune system and wasting of muscle tissues. This supplement is also available in water soluble powder form.
Taking body building supplements before, during and after the work-out is critical. Before the workout, the body needs to build an energy reserve and protein reserve that will build muscle mass. After the workout, repairing muscle tissues and reenergizing the body is a priority. In intense training sessions, body builders also consume energy drinks during the workouts. Usana Health Sciences offers a wide range of supplements including drink mixes and energy bars that can be effectively used for meal replacement during training.