Weight Loss Diets That Go Along With Bodybuilding

Although an important component of bodybuilding is packing on large quantities of muscle, dieting to lose fat before bodybuilding shows is also essential. Bodybuilders engage in cycles known as "bulking" and "cutting," with the latter referring to the cutting down of fat to reveal muscle for competitions. The diet of a bodybuilder is different than the average person's weight loss program, as it focuses not only on fat loss but on muscle retention. The strategies bodybuilders use to lose weight provide many benefits, but have potential drawbacks as well.

Protein Intake

An essential component of a bodybuilder's weight loss diet is high protein intake. According to professional bodybuilder Vinny Galanti, high protein intake can help achieve a "bone dry" look, meaning well-defined muscles. Galanti explains his weight loss diet consists of a number of lean protein sources, including chicken breast, tilapia, whey protein and salmon, that contains protein and essential fats. In addition to maintaining muscle mass, protein may aid in fat loss. Dr. John Berardi notes that research indicates high protein diets may increase weight and fat loss compared to lower protein diets.

Carbohydrate Intake

Although carbohydrates provide fuel for your workouts, professional bodybuilder Layne Norton suggests restricting carbohydrates when dieting. Norton notes that reducing carbohydrate intake results in low insulin levels, which may improve fat oxidation, or fat burning. However, Norton also explains that carbohydrates can help spare your muscles by providing energy for workouts, so you may not want to eliminate carbohydrates completely. In the absence of carbohydrates, your body may break down muscle protein for energy, so having carbohydrates in your system prevents muscle breakdown.

Fat Intake

Although fat is high in calories, it is an essential nutrient involved in vitamin absorption and proper growth and development, according to the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. In addition, research from the March 2003 issue of the journal "Gut" found that protein and fatty acids helped build more lean muscle mass than protein alone.

Meal Frequency

According to fitness and nutrition expert Francesco Casillo, increasing your meal frequency is important for bodybuilding weight loss diet success. This is because your body burns calories when absorbing and digesting food. Eating frequently causes frequent boosts in your metabolic rate, which may increase overall calorie expenditure.

Dangers

A bodybuilding weight loss diet may help you lose weight, but it has the potential to be harmful. Restricting your calorie intake can lead to an unsafe rate of weight loss. In addition, the high protein intake may have negative effects. The Feminist Women's Health Center explains that high protein intake may put undue strain on your kidneys, and can lead to the loss of minerals such as calcium, which is important in sustaining bone mass. Consult a doctor before beginning any diet plan.