In this article we are going to cover the proportion of people who are vegetarian. Many of the bodybuilding articles and diet plans are based around meat but with this, we are going to look into the factors for those who enjoy being without meat.
If you’re looking to build more muscle mass but enjoy eating a vegetarian style of diet, you may often feel as though you might be defeated. You are informed about protein being the most important nutrient needed to build muscle and one that you should be consuming very large amounts of to achieve.
While it is true that protein is an extremely important nutrient to have in the diet, you don’t necessarily need copious amounts too make progress. There are plenty of ways for vegetarians to build the muscle they are after despite they are not consuming any meat products.
1. Obtain Sufficient Calories
The first thing you must do as a vegetarian bodybuilder is make sure that you obtain enough calories. If you don’t take in enough calories on a regular basis your body is likely to turn to incoming protein for fuel and you may see a deficit forming.
2. Consume Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables
Be sure that you are taking in plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are going to supply you with a high quality source of nutrients as well as all the antioxidant protection to keep your immune system feeling strong.
3. Chickpeas And Legumes
For vegetarians looking to build muscle, one of the key sources of protein are chickpeas and other legumes. These will also be a good low-fat source of carbohydrates as well and make for a great snack before a hard workout.
4. Swap Rice For Quinoa
If you always eat brown rice with your meals, swap for some quinoa instead. Quinoa tastes much like brown rice and is higher in overall protein content than the brown rice. Quinoa is actually a complete source of protein, whereas brown rice is not. This is important for the process of muscle building to take place.
5. Utilise Egg White Or Soy Protein Powders
It’s a very wise move to make use of egg white protein powders, if you eat animal by-products, or soy protein powders. These will dramatically help to boost your protein intake and are quick and convenient for when you need them. Make sure to mix them up with other sources of protein, they are definitely a ‘must-have’ for your daily diet.
6. Avoid Reliance On Processed Foods
One big mistake that many vegetarians make is relying a great deal on heavy, overly processed foods. Remember, being vegetarian doesn’t mean you get free range to eat as many high-carb snack foods as you want. You still definitely have to be eating healthy and making an effort to maintain a fresh diet that contains whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
7. Workout Short But Intense
When it comes to your workout, as a vegetarian you should aim for short but intense workouts. This will help prevent muscle mass loss from taking place and your body relying on protein to get through the workouts. If you were doing very long workout sessions, that’s when your protein needs will be elevated, this could become more difficult being on a vegetarian diet.
8. Vary Your Food Choices
Be sure that you’re taking the time to vary your foods in your diet. As a vegetarian you may find that it’s easy to gravitate to the same foods. Try to prevent this if you can. By taking in a higher variety you will prevent nutrient deficiencies and have better luck with your diet program.