Performance

Question
Hi there, I am 22 years old 5 ' 8 and 147 pounds. I eat fairly healthy. I will began training in the beginning of summer for my first MMA fight. My question is: What sort of foods should I eat that will help build muscle and help build good strong muscle and keep me overall healthier and in top shape. Thank you.

Answer
Thank you for contacting allexperts.com.  I hope that I can assist you with your question.

When you are in training you must increase both your carbohydrate intake to provide the much-needed fuel for your body as well as protein so that you can build muscle tissue.

Plant-based protein has been shown to be better suited for building strong muscle tissue than animal-based protein.  There are many sources of plant-based proteins out there, but dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and some vegetables are just a few.  You might also want to consider juicing wheat grass for its protein and nutritional benefits.  

Aside from that, you should increase your intake of natural, whole, unprocessed vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains and plant based oils.  The carbohydrates obtained from these sources will give you long-lasting stamina and energy during demanding period of physical activity.

Above all else, please try to avoid any simple carbohydrates such as sugars, processed grains, or any sugar-based "energy" drinks which may provide an immediate lift, but will ultimately cause more problems than they are worth.  Recently, there has been a lot written about adrenal exhaustion which is a result of not only stress, but consuming unhealthy foods.  You should avoid any energy type product (even if they are so-called "healthy" ones). The best way to ensure that you will have the stamina and energy you need when you need it is to eat a good diet of 75 percent raw, living foods.  There is a full article on living foods on my blog at http://everydayhealthandwellness.blogspot.com but basically, what it boils down to is that ALL physical activity (including respiration, heart function, brain function, etc.,) is a result of the electron activity that occurs on an atomic level in our cells.  If you do not PROVIDE this type of living, cellular charge by eating living foods, then, eventually your body will cease to function properly.  I encourage you to read my full blog which covers this in much greater detail, along with many other aspects of health and wellness.

Please be sure to also drink plenty of fresh water.  Not tap water, please.  Despite what the pro-tap water advocates would have you believe, there are MANY TRACE CHEMICALS in tap water as a result of being processed.  The amounts are not high enough to require that consumers be informed about them, but they are there nevertheless and can result in very negative influences on your health.  Also, if you do a great deal of perspiring, and replace it with plain water, you risk an electrolight imbalance.  Therefore, I suggest that you replace electrolights by adding TIBETAN LIVING SALT to your water.  Tibetan Living Salt contains the same ingredients IN THE SAME PROPORTIONS that is in our body.  There is a substance called Sole, which can be made from this salt and will ensure that your electrolights remain in perfect balance at all times.  (This is going to be an upcoming topic on my blog, if I can ever find the time to write it!!!!!!!)

Please feel free to contact me any time if you have any other questions.  Thanks and good luck in your training.

Tasha

1. Prev:gaining weight
2. Next:potatoes?