Natural bodybuilding is the practice of working the body to increase muscle size and strength without the use of performance-enhancing drugs or steroids. Natural bodybuilding places emphasis on a controlled diet and regimented weight and strength training combined with a moderate amount of cardiovascular exercise. The use of multivitamins and dietary supplements to boost levels of essential nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, and the B-complex vitamins are a recommended part of every natural bodybuilder’s diet. Professional natural bodybuilders who participate in competitions use supplements that have been approved by their bodybuilding association.
A natural bodybuilder's diet is one that is high in protein and abundant in complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, oatmeal and potatoes. It is recommended that carbohydrates be eaten earlier in the day. Protein should be eaten throughout the day, including enough whey protein to make sure the body gets a sufficient amount of amino acids.
Many natural bodybuilders begin their day with a whey protein shake to bring the body out of the catabolic fasting state it enters during sleep, when amino acids are depleted. Feeding the body protein upon awakening prevents it from feeding on muscle. Even natural bodybuilders need to consume enough omega-3 and monounsaturated fat in their diet, as well drinking no less than a minimum of eight glasses of water per day.
Natural bodybuilding is not for everyone. It requires patience. It takes longer to see results with natural bodybuilding than it does with drug-enhanced bodybuilding, but both require the same amount of dedication and discipline that is valuable in the long run.
Successful natural bodybuilders learn how to challenge their bodies with respect to the limitations of their bodies. They spend years learning different techniques, figuring out which ones work best for them and recognizing which ones work better for others. They also spend a lot of time learning outside of the gym, researching and keeping up with the current bodybuilding and diet trends using the Internet and library.
Probably the most difficult step is getting started. A novice might experience fear and intimidation the first time he or she steps inside a gym with more experienced bodybuilders. Natural bodybuilding is a long and difficult journey that can seem overwhelming at first and has its share of discouraging moments, but an aspiring bodybuilder who takes the time to become mentally and perhaps spiritually prepared will find the journey to be a rewarding one.