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Last updated: November 17, 2022 6 min read  Bodybuilders who participate in the sport either for competition or as a hobby need to be especially careful about their nutritional plan. And the same goes for those who are just looking to build more muscle. While [weight-room activities](https://www.nike.com/a/dont-be-scared-of-strength) play the most significant role in whether or not you see results, diet follows closely behind. To build the best meal plan for bulking, you need to consider where you are in your training program, then choose the best foods for building muscle mass. You should also avoid certain foods that may derail your goals. ## Basic Bodybuilding Nutrition The ultimate goal for a bodybuilder is not only to facilitate muscle growth (hypertrophy), but to make sure that the muscles are well defined. To maximize muscle definition, you need to lose body fat. Sounds simple, right? While it may appear to be an uncomplicated concept, it can be tricky to accomplish if you try to take on both challenges at the same time. 1. # 1.Bulking vs. Cutting  Building muscle while losing fat can be difficult. Most bodybuilders (especially those who compete) achieve their goals by alternating between two different training phases. - __Bulking__ is a phase where the goal is to *gain* as much muscle mass as possible. This phase involves a calorie increase, so some fat gain is also possible. The bulking phase can last just 6-12 weeks (usually for beginners) but for many competitive bodybuilders, it will last for about 4-6 months. - __Cutting__ is a phase where the goal is to *maintain* muscle mass while losing fat. During this phase, you cut calories carefully to reach your goals, but continue to consume enough protein to preserve bulk. The cutting phase can last a few weeks if you are already lean but can last several months if you need to lose more fat to get the muscle definition you desire. 2. # 2.Caloric Intake  During the bulking phase, [researchers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15107010/) have traditionally estimated that you should increase your caloric intake by 15 percent. However, more recent research has suggested that this number may be too specific. In a [2019 research review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680710/), study authors suggested that a better range might be 10-20 percent above maintenance calories. But the authors also suggest that the exact number should depend on the athlete’s experience level, then adjusted based on their individual rate of weight gain and changes in body composition. They suggested that advanced bodybuilders should aim for the lower end of their recommendation. So what does that mean for you? You may already know [how many calories](https://www.nike.com) you need to consume to maintain your current muscle mass. If not, you can keep a detailed food journal for at least two weeks. If you have maintained your body weight and body composition, then the number of calories that you consumed during those two weeks would be your maintenance number. You can also use an [online calorie calculator](https://www.nasm.org/resources/calorie-calculator), like the one provided by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). But keep in mind that these calculators only provide an estimate. Some [peer-reviewed sources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680710/) suggest that a male bodybuilder might consume about 3,800 calories per day during the bulking phase while a female bodybuilder may consume about 2,400 per day. But these are just average estimates. Your goal should depend on your weight. As a general rule, sports physiologists [estimate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25926019/) that bodybuilders consume an average of 45 calories per kilogram of body weight per day during the bulking phase to achieve a target weight gain of about 0.25-0.5 percent of body weight per week. 3. # 3.Macronutrient Balance  The quality of calories you consume as well as the balance of macronutrients can make a big difference, too. Some [experts](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15107010/) advise a macronutrient balance of 55-60 percent carbohydrate, 25-30 percent protein, and 15-20 percent fat. But others suggest a more individualized approach. For instance, in one [published report](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24864135/), researchers suggest that you focus on building your macronutrient intake around protein first. In other words, you estimate what your optimal intake of protein is and then consume 15-30 percent of the remaining calories from fat. Then, whatever is left can be allotted to carbs. Keep in mind that protein intake is most important during the bulking phase. Your body needs amino acids to build and maintain lean mass. Amino acids are molecules that combine to form protein. There are 20 amino acids, most of which the body makes. But nine amino acids (called essential amino acids) must be consumed in the diet because your body doesn’t make them. The most updated nutritional guidance provided by the [International Society of Sports Nutrition](https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y) (ISSN) suggests that for building and maintaining muscle mass, an overall daily protein intake of 1.4-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is sufficient for most exercisers. But other sources recommend consuming 1.6-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day evenly distributed throughout the day during the bulking phase when you are consuming more calories than your body needs. It should be noted that most experts [recommend](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033492/) increasing protein intake (to 3.0 g/kg/day or more) during the cutting phase, or when calorie intake decreases. Don’t miss [The Best Time to Drink Your Protein Shake](https://www.nike.com/a/best-time-drink-protein-shakes)! 4. # 4.Best Foods for Bulking  So, what foods will help you meet your nutritional and training goals? Consider building your meals around these protein-rich and nutrient-dense options. - __Dairy products__ including milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese - __Dark green leafy vegetables__ such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, bok choy, arugula, Swiss chard - __Eggs__ ([whole and egg whites](https://www.nike.com)) - __Healthy fats__ such as avocado, nut butters, plant-based oils (such as olive oil, sunflower oil, etc) - __Lean meat and poultry__ such as beef (sirloin, filet, ground beef), poultry (chicken or turkey breast or thighs), pork (tenderloin or pork chops) - __Legumes__ such as kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans - __Plant-based protein__ including nuts, seeds, edamame, tofu - __Seafood__ including salmon, tuna, whitefish, scallops, shrimp, halibut, trout - __Starchy vegetables__ like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or squash - __Non starchy vegetables__ like broccoli, asparagus, or peppers, - __Whole fruit__ including bananas, berries, pomegranate, and citrus fruits - __Whole grains__ such as quinoa, barley, farro, and brown rice Your nutritional plan might also include some supplements such as whey protein powder and creatine. Whey protein is often preferred over other protein powders with regard to muscle hypertrophy because it contains essential amino acids that are easily absorbed by the body. [Researchers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615996/) have also found that creatine supplementation may enhance post-exercise recovery and injury prevention in athletes. Foods to avoid during the bulking phase would include any ones that are high in calories, but low in nutritional value. These foods tend to be high in saturated fat and sodium, but low in protein (think French fries, other fried foods). Other examples include foods and beverages that are loaded with added sugars,such as sweetened sodas,coffee drinks, and candy as well as [alcohol](https://www.nike.com/a/how-drinking-affects-recovery) (when consumed in excess).  [](https://niketrainingclub.sng.link/Ara19/3ocq/gnbq?pcn=OGC%20Articles%20HO21&_dl=niketrainingclub%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2Fworkout%2Ffeatured) ### Move Daily with Nike Training Club Get free guidance from trainers and experts to strengthen your body and mind. [Explore NTC](https://niketrainingclub.sng.link/Ara19/3ocq/gnbq?pcn=OGC%20Articles%20HO21&_dl=niketrainingclub%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2Fworkout%2Ffeatured) Originally published: February 11, 2022 ## Related Stories -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/best-time-drink-protein-shakes) # Nutrition # When Is the Best Time To Drink a Protein Shake? -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/how-to-rehydrate-fast) # Nutrition # How to Rehydrate After a Workout, According to Experts -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/does-creatine-help-build-muscle) # Nutrition # Does Creatine Help Build Muscle? Experts Explain -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/stretches-for-shin-splints) # Sports & Activity # The 7 Best Stretches for Shin Splints -  [](https://www.nike.com/a/cardio-before-after-weight-training) # Sports & Activity # Should You Do Cardio Before or After Weights? 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