One of the most important factors for MMA fighters is getting their nutrition right. This doesn't just mean eating healthily or taking supplements but eating the right foods and combination of foods to get the physical results you desire. You can pump all the iron you want in the gym and do all the cardio classes you want, the key is eating right. Even you run 5 miles every day, you won't get ripped unless you watch your diet. In fact it has been proven that to get your six pack abs you don't actually have to do ab exercises, you do have to burn fat and eat the right foods. Diet has been shown to be 90% of the battle in getting cut.
However most MMA fighters not only want to look good but are most concerned with getting bigger and packing on muscle and strength. There have been all kinds of fad diets and so called diet foods released over the past 10 years, but these have probably helped the creators of these by making their pockets fat more than they have helped the consumers get in shape. Not that science and technology haven't revolutionized the fitness industry and produced some great products but there are a few time tested principals that still should be the basis of your eating regimen.
These include consuming the right ratios of protein, carbs and fat. Obviously it may vary slightly on your body make up and your desired results but it is recommended to eat an approximate combination of 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat. Though those of you really trying to pack on muscle may want to increase the amount of protein intake. You should be eating at least a gram of protein for each pound you weigh each day, perhaps even more. You will also want to make sure you consume as much protein as possible in the 30 minutes directly after your workout.
Many people refuse to believe the idea that eating more often will actually help you look in better shape, but has been proven to be true. Eating at least 5-7 times per day will help your metabolism continue to work and burn fat throughout the day. These are not full meals, but combine your main meals and snacks. Trying to read food labels and figure out the nutrition information can be time consuming and frustration, but it is still essential to maintain the correct ratios and portion control. An easy trick to portion control for you main meals using the above formula would be to use your fists as a measuring tool. For example your closed fist should be about the size of your portion of protein and carbs. Utilizing even these basic rules should help you see the muscle growth you are looking for when combined with the right training program.
However most MMA fighters not only want to look good but are most concerned with getting bigger and packing on muscle and strength. There have been all kinds of fad diets and so called diet foods released over the past 10 years, but these have probably helped the creators of these by making their pockets fat more than they have helped the consumers get in shape. Not that science and technology haven't revolutionized the fitness industry and produced some great products but there are a few time tested principals that still should be the basis of your eating regimen.
These include consuming the right ratios of protein, carbs and fat. Obviously it may vary slightly on your body make up and your desired results but it is recommended to eat an approximate combination of 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat. Though those of you really trying to pack on muscle may want to increase the amount of protein intake. You should be eating at least a gram of protein for each pound you weigh each day, perhaps even more. You will also want to make sure you consume as much protein as possible in the 30 minutes directly after your workout.
Many people refuse to believe the idea that eating more often will actually help you look in better shape, but has been proven to be true. Eating at least 5-7 times per day will help your metabolism continue to work and burn fat throughout the day. These are not full meals, but combine your main meals and snacks. Trying to read food labels and figure out the nutrition information can be time consuming and frustration, but it is still essential to maintain the correct ratios and portion control. An easy trick to portion control for you main meals using the above formula would be to use your fists as a measuring tool. For example your closed fist should be about the size of your portion of protein and carbs. Utilizing even these basic rules should help you see the muscle growth you are looking for when combined with the right training program.