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This meaty bodybuilding source of protein can be an even greater boost to your gains when you know these seven rules for choosing, preparing and consuming it.

Beef Rules
#333
Beef Rules - # 333

Beef is just as American as apple pie or hot dogs, but it’s considerably better for bodybuilders than the other cultural staples just mentioned. Beef is also the cornerstone of the traditional heartland diet: steak and potatoes. In the middle of the last century, this meal was considered healthy eating with the potatoes serving as the “vegetable.” More recently, however, this meal — and beef in particular — suffered a blow to its reputation based on escalating rates of obesity and heart problems that were associated with high level of fat found in people’s blood systems. The conclusion from the medical community was to blame beef — which can be high in saturated fats — for these increasing maladies. New guidelines at that time urged Americans to cut their beef consumption.

Luckily, though, more time and research has demonstrated that beef isn’t a demon wreaking havoc on the health of Americans. When consumed properly, beef is an excellent food that supports health for bodybuilders, other athletes and even sedentary people. Beef is also one of the best sources bodybuilders can use to facilitate muscle growth without adding excess bodyfat. The key is to know what type of beef to eat, how much to eat and how to prepare it. Use these guidelines to learn how to make beef one of the cornerstones of your bodybuilding diet.

 

Rule #1

Consume beef regularly.
Most bodybuilders like beef and include it in their nutrition programs at least a few times a week. Many bodybuilders eat this meat frequently in the offseason, but some cut back on it during their contest prep. Others, though, tout beef as an integral part of their year-round nutrition programs. “In the offseason, when I’m eating 4–5 meat meals a day, 2–3 of them will be a lean cut of steak such as eye of round or sirloin,” says IFBB pro Mike Van Wyck.

Rule #2

Choose lean cuts.
Not all cows are created equal — or at least not all parts of them are. Some cuts of beef are leaner than others, and most pro bodybuilders use this factor as the primary criteria for choosing their cuts, rather than cost. In fact, an 8-ounce lean cut of sirloin or eye of round can have just 11–13 grams of fat (4–5 saturated), while the same-size serving of prime rib can have a whopping 79 grams of fat (23 saturated), boosting calories from 437 to 935.

 

NEXT: Beef one of the cornerstones of your bodybuilding diet!

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