One of the most overlooked aspects of bodybuilding is the importance of a bodybuilding diet plan. If you put junk in your body you can retard your overall progress. Having the right balance in your diet ensures that you get adequate nutrients to provide energy for training and recovery.

If you don't consume sufficient food you also run the risk of slowing down your metabolism which can cause your body to store fat reserves instead of burning them for energy. This article will investigate some of the keys to a healthy bodybuilding diet and provide some sample bodybuilding diet recipes.

On top of the list of essential foods to consume is protein. A good rule of thumb is to consume 1 1/2 grams of protein for each pound of your body weight. As you build muscle you burn fat and build muscle. Prime sources of protein include red meat, lamb, chicken, eggs and tofu. Consuming your protein with a green garden salad or green vegetables is a good combination. If you are on the run or want a meal replacement you can use a protein powder in raw milk. You can make some great shakes that are highly concentrated in protein and will help you get the necessary protein intake to build muscle.

Sample bodybuilding diet recipes:

Pan Broiled Fish

1 lb. Fish filets

One 14 oz. Can diced tomatoes w/ basil, garlic & oregano

Arrange fish filets in a single layer in skillet. Cover with tomatoes and liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-20 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork. Serve plain or accompanied with a side salad, green beans or broccoli.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

1 chopped onion

1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and dried

1 egg lightly beaten

8 oz. low fat ricotta cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, slice in half and flattened

Combine the onion, spinach, egg, and cheese mixture in a bowl. Put a dollop of the mixture into each chicken breast. Tie the chicken breasts together with butchers twine, or put toothpicks through them. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Optional: Garnish with lemon slices.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a body building diet plan because they are an essential source of glucose. Glucose is stored in you muscles and liver as glycogen. Glucose provides energy for your brain and for making blood in your body.

Slow burning carbs promote consistent blood sugar levels which help to offset fatigue. A good rule of thumb for a healthy bodybuilding is to consume your body weight multiplied by three. Great sources of nutritious carbohydrates include: sweet potatoes, potatoes, whole grain breads, oatmeal, pasta and brown rice.

Fats are also an essential part of a bodybuilding diet plan. Out bodies need fats to function correctly and to regulate bodily processes. It is important to distinguish between the different sources of fat. Some fats are considered good whilst others are considered bad. Unsaturated fats are considered the healthy fat forms.

They are found in flaxseed oil and olive oil. A great way to add fats to your bodybuilding diet nutrition plan is to use olive oil on your broccoli or salad in conjunction with a protein source.

Unsaturated fats are considered the detrimental fats. They are responsible for clogging your arteries which can lead to health problems. Animal lard and margarine are prime examples of saturated fats that you should steer clear of.

You should endeavor to work high concentrations of fresh fruit and vegetables into your bodybuilding diet plan. They contain essential vitamins and minerals which are essential to the vital functions of the body, assisting recovery and providing the necessary energy for training and your everyday life commitments.

A healthy bodybuilding diet should consist of five to six smaller bodybuilding diet meals eaten 2-3 hours apart. This helps to provide the energy and nutrients your body needs. Regular food intake stimulates your bodies metabolism which is essential for building muscle and burning fat.