Body Building (Information supplied by Top Body Building and Body Shaping Nutritionist Mike Kerrisk)

Nutrition

Obviously the nutrition factor plays a major role, I don't need to explain to you how big a role it plays.

So you are asking, ."well, where is the nutrition programme then?" Nutrition for elite athletes is a science, with regard to Body building/Body shaping the steps taken with nutrition step outside of "normal" or "standard" nutrition practice.

This is an extremely demanding sport where individuals will push themselves to beyond normal limits. They will reduce their percentage of body fat below what is considered by experts to be functional or healthy. Nutritional requirements to ensure that these athletes remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible is not about guess work. Every one is different, each individual will start off with a different level of lean mass & body fat percentage to the next person. They will be at a different level as far as training experience, they will be of varying age, they will have different metabolic rates. All these factors must be considered when designing a nutrition programme. To give a generic example nutrition programme at this point would be like "giving a child a loaded gun, you're going to get hurt."

Unless you are well educated in nutrition sciences I suggest you seek the services of a Qualified Sports Nutrition Consultant or Dietician who has considerable experience with sporting athletes. They will design a purpose built programme for you. Do not rely on your "mate" who has done a competition before & is now the "resident expert"- all they adopt is the "well it worked for me attitude" Unfortunately, (until the rules/standards change), there are also many "practising nutritionists" out there with no formal qualifications whatsoever, these people are messing with your health & well being, you may be lucky enough to attain your short-term goal, but what happens long-term? You're investing in your body, invest wisely.

Article written by: Michael Kerrisk