Thread: Bodybuilder's diet vs healthy diet?

Is there a difference between a bodybuilder's diet and a diet to achieve optimal health?
If so, what are the differences?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Katia7

Is there a difference between a bodybuilder's diet and a diet to achieve optimal health?
If so, what are the differences?

Thanks

It depends on what type of BB diet you are talking about.

Competition BB diets are not healthy. The calories are too low, the carbs are too low, and the fats are often too low too... The diet is also too restricted which can limit the vitamins, minerals and other things that the body needs.

eg: there is often no fruits (vitamins and minerals), limited vegetable intake (for some diets anyway), limited fibre (so you don't bloat), very low levels of mono-unsaturated fats (such as olive oil and avocado), limited poly-unsaturated fats (nuts, seeds) and especially important in females, it often lacks calcium (usually due to no skim dairy).

However, at other times, the BB diet can (AND SHOULD) be very healthy. If done properly, it should be based around all the right types of things:
Vegetables
Lean proteins (seafood, poultry, eggs, game meats)
Fruits
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts/seeds
Skim dairy
WATER
With limited packaged or processed foods.

There should be abundant vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, adequate carbs from high fibre, wholesome sources (grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables), enough healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oils) and no/very small amounts of the detrimental 'human made' compounds such as trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup.

In my opinion BB is not just about 'looking good'. It is about the total health of your body - inside and out. So those people who scoff down nothing but protein bars, powders and dextrose are not really in-tune with what it is really about.