The One Most Important Principle of Fast Muscle Gain

The One Most Important Principle of Fast Muscle Gain
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Fast muscle gain can make you feel more confident and it can also improve your performance in certain sports. This takes a high degree of daily discipline and numerous sacrifices. Although lifting weights is an important part of building fast muscle, the number one most important principle takes place outside of the gym.

Identification

When you lift weights, you break down muscle fibers and you also expend a lot of energy. The muscle fibers then heal and you gain size and strength. The most important principle behind this is nutrition. If you do not eat the right way, you will compromise your recoveries and feel fatigued during your workouts.

Function

Food consists of either protein, carbohydrates or fat. All three of these macronutrients are important to fast muscle gain. Protein is directly related to muscle repair and carbohydrates are used for immediate energy or stored as glycogen and used for energy at a later time frame. Fat helps stimulate testosterone hikes, according to the Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Nutrition Station website. Testosterone is an important hormone for muscle building.

Types

The types of foods you choose have a direct impact on your muscle gains. Instead of resorting to fast food, commercial baked goods and processed meats, rely on nutrient-dense options. Eggs, low-fat dairy products, fish, chicken breasts and venison are quality sources of protein. Oatmeal, beans, brown rice, quinoa, fruits and vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates. Nuts, seeds, oils, avocados and olives are healthy fats.

Effects

Alcohol is known for the damage it can cause to the liver and nervous system. High amounts of alcohol also reduce blood flow to the muscles, causing weakness and deterioration, according to the American Council on Exercise. To make matters worse, it also causes dehydration, and the muscles are highly composed of water. If you want fast muscle gain, stick to water as your main beverage and restrict your intake of alcohol to moderate levels.

Time Frame

When you are trying to build fast muscle, you need a constant supply of nutrients going through your body. This does not happen when you eat two or three meals a day and space them many hours apart. Instead of following this plan, aim for six meals a day. With small meals, there is greater opportunity for nutrient absorption, according to the Build Muscle and Gain Weight Fast Guide. Consume your first meal upon waking and space the rest of your meals two to three hours apart. Make sure that each meal is balanced with protein and complex carbs. A bison burger on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup is a meal, for example.

Considerations

After you finish a hard workout, you have torn muscle fibers and depleted your glycogen storage. It is at this time that your body is in need of fast nutrients to begin the rebuilding process. Mix up a shake that contains whey or egg protein powder and add grape juice. These ingredients are digested easily and can kick-start your recoveries.

References

Article reviewed by Julie Mendenhall Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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