Despite the popularity of gyms around the world, most people do not know how to lose weight and keep it off. The same goes for building muscle - most people have no idea how to correct their diet in order to maximize lean muscular gains.
You needn't worry, though. Learning how to do this is not very complex at all.
You would be shocked to see how many individuals seem happy to toil away for hours each week in the gym only to sacrifice their results by eating a terrible diet packed with alcohol and junk food. You don't need to stop eating your favorite foods by any means, but you do need to learn a few facts. The first fact is that in order to lose weight you need to lower your daily calorie total.
However, when it comes to building lean mass we need to look at something a little bit more in depth. That is because we don't simply want to add some size, we want to ensure it is the right kind of size. In order to do this, we need to see where those calories are actually coming from. []
Don't worry, though, working out your daily intake of calories is not rocket science - although it is needlessly over complicated by many in the fitness industry. In order to establish not only how many calories you should be eating per day, but also where those calories should be coming from, then try the following equation:
* Total daily calories = target body weight in pounds x 15.
So for someone who wanted to be 180 lbs, they would multiply 180 x 15. This will give that individual a daily calorie target of 2700.
* Your protein intake = Total calories x 30%, divided by four.
The individual here, who wants to weigh 180 lbs, would need to eat 202g protein each day. That's because 30% of his calories is 810, we then divide this by 4 which is the number of calories in one single gram of protein. That's how we get our answer.
* Total daily carbohydrate intake = 55% of overall calories divided by 4.
For our daily intake of carbohydrates, we need to do a similar equation with some slightly larger figures. 55% of 2700 is, of course, 1485. Divide this by four and we get 371 grams of carbohydrates.
* Total daily fat intake = 15% of overall calories divided by 9.
Our body still needs to consume fats if we are going to achieve our fitness goals. It is a vital macronutrient. So to establish your fat intake, we need 15% of our calorie goal. This is 405. We then divide this by 9, which is the number of calories in one gram of fat, and we can see that our daily intake of fats should be around 45 grams.
The difference between bulking up safely and cleanly, as opposed to simply eating everything in sight, is the fine line which separates those who add good size from those who simply add a ton of fat. You don't want to gain size on your arms at the expense of your gut, of course. Learning the science behind how to lose weight and build lean muscle can be a confusing affair, so playing around with the principles is a key factor in striking a balance which suits your individual body.
You needn't worry, though. Learning how to do this is not very complex at all.
You would be shocked to see how many individuals seem happy to toil away for hours each week in the gym only to sacrifice their results by eating a terrible diet packed with alcohol and junk food. You don't need to stop eating your favorite foods by any means, but you do need to learn a few facts. The first fact is that in order to lose weight you need to lower your daily calorie total.
However, when it comes to building lean mass we need to look at something a little bit more in depth. That is because we don't simply want to add some size, we want to ensure it is the right kind of size. In order to do this, we need to see where those calories are actually coming from. []
Don't worry, though, working out your daily intake of calories is not rocket science - although it is needlessly over complicated by many in the fitness industry. In order to establish not only how many calories you should be eating per day, but also where those calories should be coming from, then try the following equation:
* Total daily calories = target body weight in pounds x 15.
So for someone who wanted to be 180 lbs, they would multiply 180 x 15. This will give that individual a daily calorie target of 2700.
* Your protein intake = Total calories x 30%, divided by four.
The individual here, who wants to weigh 180 lbs, would need to eat 202g protein each day. That's because 30% of his calories is 810, we then divide this by 4 which is the number of calories in one single gram of protein. That's how we get our answer.
* Total daily carbohydrate intake = 55% of overall calories divided by 4.
For our daily intake of carbohydrates, we need to do a similar equation with some slightly larger figures. 55% of 2700 is, of course, 1485. Divide this by four and we get 371 grams of carbohydrates.
* Total daily fat intake = 15% of overall calories divided by 9.
Our body still needs to consume fats if we are going to achieve our fitness goals. It is a vital macronutrient. So to establish your fat intake, we need 15% of our calorie goal. This is 405. We then divide this by 9, which is the number of calories in one gram of fat, and we can see that our daily intake of fats should be around 45 grams.
The difference between bulking up safely and cleanly, as opposed to simply eating everything in sight, is the fine line which separates those who add good size from those who simply add a ton of fat. You don't want to gain size on your arms at the expense of your gut, of course. Learning the science behind how to lose weight and build lean muscle can be a confusing affair, so playing around with the principles is a key factor in striking a balance which suits your individual body.
About the Author:
Your coach: Learn the truth about how to build muscle with Russ Howe PTI. Russ is a leading personal trainer, showing people facts on how to lose weight freely each day via his fitness blog.