Cutting diets are typically used by bodybuilders to prepare for a competition. Many recreational diet and fitness fans are using these same techniques to achieve leaner more defined physiques.
Types
Many bodybuilders claim to have the ultimate cutting diet. There is no single diet that is the most popular or the best researched. Most are created through trial and error by professional bodybuilders and are specific to their own body types and caloric needs.
Function
Cutting diets followed by bodybuilders are designed to promote fat loss while maintaining muscle. Bodybuilders follow these extreme regimens in the weeks leading up to a competition with the purpose of getting their body fat percentage as low as possible.
Features
All cutting diets promote multiple small meals per day, a high percentage of protein, low carbohydrates and heart-healthy fat.
Protein
Protein is generally recommended in quantities of 1.5 to 2 grams per pound of lean mass. Lean mass is your total weight less your pounds of body fat.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are recommended as roughly 20 to 40 percent of calories and only in the form of fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as rice and oatmeal.
Water Balance
Water consumption is important as well as limited sodium intake to prevent bloating, although opinions on the method for this vary widely.
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