Nutrition plays a vital role in both amateur and professional bodybuilders’ regimen. Like other people, bodybuilders should consume about 12 cups of water per day, but might need more to prevent dehydration while lifting weights. Some water additives can provide taste without the additional calories that could cause you to gain fat.
Identification
Your exact nutritional requirements will vary depending on your body type. If you only want to build muscles and do not need to lose fat, you might need to consume more carbohydrates, which could include fruit juices. For bodybuilders who need to lose fat, any additives to water should be calorie- and carbohydrate-free. Many bodybuilders need more protein than the average population to help build muscles. Bodybuilders also require other nutrients, such as minerals and vitamins.
Fruit
Add fresh citrus fruit to give your water a flavorful taste. Many people use lemons, or even lemon juice, in their water. However, you can add oranges, limes, strawberries or even raspberries to your water. Fresh fruit adds few calories and carbohydrates to your water while providing you with essential nutrients. The antioxidants found in fruit can help to prevent chronic diseases, while the other vitamins and minerals can help reduce injury and help speed up recovery time.
Sugar-free Drink Mixes
Several companies produce sugar-free flavoring to add to your water. Brands such as Crystal Light, Mio and Lipton all have powdered or liquid flavors that you can mix with water. The benefit of these water additives is that they do not contain sugar or calories while providing your water with a fruit taste. Some drink mixes contain protein, which can be beneficial if you are not receiving enough protein in your diet for bodybuilding. However, these sugar-free drink mixes do contain artificial sweeteners.
Other Flavoring
Some other natural flavoring options can help to spice up your water. Fresh cucumbers can add a hint of flavor to your water without any calories. Mint is another option to add to your water, providing a different taste without any calories or carbohydrates. You can also add a small amount of natural fruit juice to your water. This will add some flavor without overpowering the water. Herbal teas, essentially just flavored waters, can provide antioxidants without adding many calories and carbohydrates.
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