Ketogenic Diet for Bodybuilding

For all body building passions, diet forms the pinnacle of dedication. Among the various diets, the ketogenic diet for bodybuilding is fast claiming success and followers. Let us understand more on this diet on platter.

A healthy body has become a fashion statement. For the ones with intense hunger for bodybuilding, all that reaps benefits to their muscle building task gains importance. The thirst for perfect bodies and muscles with screaming chiseled cuts, does not end with intense workouts. The seeds that nourish the muscles to their perfect form, are in the diet that one follows during the workout. Depending on the body type and progress in the exercise regime, a diet is advised. Talking about bodybuilding alone. The most in demand diet that has grabbed some very intense results is the ketogenic diet. Most of those keen on building intense muscles with perfection are familiar with it. This bodybuilding diet is mainly designed to burn more of fats as energy than carbohydrates. This makes the body get rid of the unwanted fats and enhances the muscle production.

Explain a Ketogenic Diet
It is mainly a low carbohydrate diet and high fat diet that makes the body go through what is termed as ketosis. When the body uses fats for energy instead of carbohydrates, acids termed as ketones are produced. These help in using fat to burn fuel as carbohydrates are not present. Ketosis is known as protein sparing acid, so the protein that you consume will stalk up for more muscle building. There are three types of ketogenic diets.

• Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD):In this diet the intake of carbohydrate rich foods is restricted until the body has reached the desired fat loss mark. This kind of diet is suitable for a person alien to dieting. This can help his body react more normally to the sudden change in diet.
• Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD): In this diet, the intake of minimum amount of carbohydrates in followed in a cyclic pattern. One can eat a low carb diet for 2 days and then eat a carbohydrate diet again for 2 days, this repeats like a cycle. One can also restrict carbs in the first half of the day or before the workout, and intake carbs again post workout out or during the second half of the day. This kind of diet is the best for bodybuilders. It gives the body more flexibility as you cycle the intake of carbs. A combination of SKD and CKD is the one most followed by bodybuilders during the contest period. The on and off with carbohydrate intake triggers the metabolism for using the combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into pumped and full muscle building.
• Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD): In this type, carbs are restricted to be taken only at specific times, like before and after the workout. This helps burning carbs fast without allowing the carbs to break down in glucose. This diet is not appreciated by most as it allows you to consume carbs that will be burned in workout. A TKD will typically be followed during the pre-season and post season of body building.

The various benefits that this diet offers are the protein sparing quality of ketosis, burning more body fat, it also tends to make people less hungry. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels too. This diet has proved to reduce and tackle certain diseases and disorders too. The diet however may also have a low side. The initial stages of the diet will be tough and may leave one feeling low on energy and vigor, due to the sudden lack of carbohydrate in the body. However once the body gets used this diet, it starts responding in building the muscles of your body, burning fats and making you feel energetic and strong.

Whether you follow a ketogenic diet for weight gain to pump strong muscles or for cutting down weight with burning fat, it is important to fill your daily calorie intake with protein, fiber and fat. Eating small meals (try to eat at least 5 small meals) and in proper proportion is the key to make this diet work. Drink lots of water too. Some of the foods that one can have in this diet are:

A ketogenic diet not only works for bodybuilding but it also is beneficial for weight loss. This diet will work wonders if you combine it with proper workouts. At the same time make sure that you consume enough of calories and nutrients, you do not want to lose on those muscles you have been working so hard for. Bodybuilding is a sport, and for all those passionate about stretching the best of bone and muscle, a ketogenic platter is your best serve!