Bodybuilders take a systematic approach to nutrition in order to promote lean muscle development while minimizing body fat. Each macronutrient -- carbohydrates, fat and protein -- plays an important role to the overall nutrition plan, but protein is a major focus because the amino acids provide the building blocks for muscle development. To fulfill the daily protein requirements, bodybuilders consume various protein sources such as turkey burgers.
Recipes
Turkey burgers can be made with a variety of recipes and ingredients to match your individual bodybuilding and nutritional demands. For example, if you simply want a lean source of protein for lunch or dinner, you can use only ground turkey. You can also add a small amount of extra virgin olive oil or nuts such as almonds or walnuts as a healthy fat source. Other common ingredients used for turkey burgers include onions, breadcrumbs, barbecue sauce and spices. Each ingredient changes the overall nutritional content of the turkey burgers.
Calories
Turkey burgers contain primarily protein, but they also contain small amounts of fat and carbohydrates based on the additional ingredients. As a general rule, one 4-oz. turkey burger contains about 200 to 250 calories, including 30 g of protein. This calorie and protein content allows a bodybuilder to meet daily caloric and protein requirements to support lean muscle development and mass. Using ground turkey instead of ground beef for burgers saves about 200 calories per serving.
Nutrients
The additional nutrients in turkey burgers provide essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy muscle growth and body functions. For a bodybuilder, this helps to promote lean muscle mass while improving recovery between workouts and reducing the potential for injuries. The most common nutrients in turkey burgers include sodium, fiber, potassium and calcium. One 4-oz. turkey burger provides about 340 mg of sodium, 4 g of fiber, 324 mg of potassium and 98 mg of calcium.
Side Dishes
Combining the turkey burgers with specific side dishes creates a balanced meal of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Ideal foods for side dishes include fresh fruits and vegetables that supply a carbohydrate source along with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Example side dishes include baked sweet potato fries, fresh spinach salad and mixed fruit.
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