Q&A for How to Eat to Gain Muscle

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  • Question
    How do I balance my diet to gain muscle?
    Pete Cerqua
    Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist
    Pete Cerqua is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. Pete is also a five-time best-selling author of books including "The 90-Second Fitness Solution" and "High Intensity Fitness Revolution for Women/Men" published by Simon and Schuster and Skyhorse Publishing. Pete has over 20 years of personal training and nutrition coaching experience and operates the 90-Second Fitness flagship studio in New York City.
    Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist
    Expert Answer
    You should aim to get a lot of protein to help build your muscles. Have 1 gram of protein for every pound of lean body weight.
  • Question
    How do I gain muscles by eating correctly?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    When you supply your body the correct fuel: Carbohydrates: 45 – 65% of calories; Fat: 20 – 35% of calories; and Protein: 10 – 35% of calories, and you do hard physical work, such as weight lifting, your body naturally builds muscle to adapt to the work load you impose.
  • Question
    My son has a spinal cord injury and his leg muscles have atrophied already. He is starting to walk now and wants to build his muscles. What do you recommend?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Hiking or hill climbing would be great leg muscle building, if that is possible. A super clean diet with good protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains would also help. Best of luck to the both of you. Perseverance pays off, so hang in there!
  • Question
    What foods should I eat to bulk up?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    To gain muscle, you will need proteins found in fish, beans, milk, eggs, meat, poultry, nuts and seeds to name a few.
  • Question
    Do you need to eat to gain muscle?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Yes, men should consume no fewer than 1500 calories per day, and 1200 calories is a minimum for women.
  • Question
    What helps build muscle?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Any exercise, whether it's lifting, jumping, climbing or running, will build muscle. However, the exercise must be repeated at least twice a week for 20-30 minutes, and kept up for a minimum of 8 weeks to see results.
  • Question
    Which is best for building muscle-- a capsule or supplement powder?
    Community Answer
    A high quality supplement powder which has BCAAs and other ingredients such as Glutamic acid is generally better than a capsule.
  • Question
    Are fruits, coffee and alcohol out when trying to gain muscle mass?
    Community Answer
    Fruits are necessary. You can drink coffee but only 2 or less cups a day. Yes, alcohol is something you should avoid most of the time but on occasion, you could drink one glass of beer or a glass of wine, perhaps for someone's birthday or other special event.
  • Question
    Can it be possible to gain muscle without fat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can gain muscle by working out.
  • Question
    I work hard every day and I am tired when I get home, how can I gain muscle?
    Community Answer
    I work 12-18 hour days. It's hard as hell at first, but once you start going to the gym your body will start building more energy on its own. It took my body about 1 month to get used to it. Just make sure you maintain a healthy diet. A good multi vitamin plus another 1000 mg of vitamin C a day makes a huge difference. Just make a commitment and follow through.
  • Question
    Will smoking effect my ability to gain muscle?
    Community Answer
    Smoking affects your cardiovascular system negatively, and your cardiovascular system is what enables you to sustain intense exercise for long periods of time. So, in the long run, yes.
  • Question
    Can I use amino and protein shakes for muscles building if I have a kidney stone?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can, but don't drink them excessively and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Question
    Is it okay to take nutrition supplements the age of 17?
    Community Answer
    It should generally be okay, though it would be safest to ask your doctor if specific supplements are right for you.
  • Question
    I am 15 years old and very thin, weak and short. I need to gain muscle and fat without supplements and capsules.
    IPadchris
    Community Answer
    Try small weights first; when you get stronger, try heavier weights.
  • Question
    Is a protein supplement necessary for a vegetarian?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not necessary to supplement protein because you can still get your protein through the day. Just be sure to eat enough calories and you should be fine. Have about 30 percent protein, 10 to 20 percent fat and 60 to 50 percent carbs.
  • Question
    Would it be safe for me to use protein powder at the age of 15?
    Community Answer
    At this age it is not necessary to take protein supplements. Consume protein naturally by eating eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, spinach, etc.
  • Question
    How many calories should I intake in a day to gain muscle mass?
    Community Answer
    Anywhere from 3000-3600 calories per day, depending on how much you exercise. Exercising & cardio burn calories, so aim to eat around 3600+ calories per day for results of gaining a minimum of 1 pound per week.
  • Question
    Can I take whey protein isolate after doing bodyweight exercises at home?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course. You can consume whey throughout the day to up your protein intake as well as aid recovery.
  • Question
    Will it work if I'm 13 years old?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you put in the right amount of effort and the right diet. One thing everyone forgets is that it is 70% diet, 15% workout, and most importantly 25% dedication. So give it 110%.
  • Question
    How do I get a healthy body?
    Community Answer
    Eat a balanced diet and exercise. A balanced diet is, for example, eating rice with beans and chicken. Try to add more to make the food balanced, like bananas for example.
  • Question
    What are some food items that I can eat if I am a vegetarian?
    Community Answer
    You can eat soy, almonds, cereals, rice and peanuts.
  • Question
    Is it possible to gain muscle if I am 55?
    Community Answer
    Sylvester Stallone is 70 and he still gains muscle. You may want to look into getting a personal trainer who can help you reach your goals in a safe manner.
  • Question
    Can lifting weight affect the growth of height?
    Community Answer
    Lifting weight has nothing to do with height. All of these activities require heavy muscular effort.
  • Question
    Can gain huge muscles without taking any supplements?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will take time and dedication. The good thing about doing it naturally is that when we stop, we still will have the muscle and will not go fluffy like those who use supplements.
  • Question
    What can I eat to make my biceps bigger?
    Community Answer
    Eat clean, avoid canned food and limit your sugar intake. Healthy eating will only increase the size of your biceps when combined with exercises that target your bicep muscles.
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