Learn how to progress in bodybuilding and gain lean muscle mass if you decide to eliminate meat dishes and foods from your diet. Every builder knows that meat must be consumed for muscle growth. At the same time, this product is not the only source of protein compounds. However, the question of whether it is possible to gain weight without meat in bodybuilding cannot be unequivocally answered.
Vegetarianism is no longer considered a fad today as it was ten or a little more years ago. Scientists have found that meat has the ability to accumulate various toxins, and it should be remembered that various hormonal preparations are actively used in animal husbandry, which as a result enter the human body.
There is such a science as futurology, the task of which is scientifically based planning for the near future of mankind. Many futurists are sure that people will soon give up eating meat. The fact is that the population of the planet is constantly increasing and soon it will simply become impossible to feed all of humanity.
To produce one kilo of meat, it is necessary to spend more than 30 kilograms of plant materials. Let us also remember that animal waste is very toxic and contributes to the deterioration of the ecological situation, which today is already in a deplorable state.
However, even with all of the above, a very small number of bodybuilders decide to switch to a vegetarian diet, since they cannot say for sure whether it is possible to gain mass without meat in bodybuilding. Let's understand this issue from a scientific point of view.
Is bodybuilding possible without meat?
In the US, a lot of people are vegetarians, but there are only a few professional builders who have achieved great success. But the point here is not that it is impossible to win without meat, but in the absence of a desire to experiment. But already in the sixties there were athletes who preached vegetarianism and won. An example is Andreas Kalinga.
Perhaps, domestic bodybuilding fans have heard very little about this athlete, but the name of Bill Pearl should be more familiar to fans of "iron" sports. It was this person who at one time was Arnie's idol. Thus, we can safely say that it is very possible to gain weight without meat.
But not everything is as simple as it might seem. For muscle growth, it is necessary to consume about two grams of protein compounds for each kilogram of the athlete's weight. But plant sources are extremely low in protein with the exception of soy. Of course, all of this can and should be replenished with protein supplements. However, meat also contains a large amount of trace elements. If you decide to give up eating meat, then you must actively use vitamin and mineral complexes. Also, creatine enters the body only from their meat. Although today you probably will not find an athlete who would not use this type of sports nutrition. Everyone knows about the importance of creatine for the bodybuilder. You should also remember about the presence of a large amount of fiber in plant foods. On the one hand, this has a positive effect on the work of the intestinal tract, since fiber is practically not digested and has the ability to absorb all kinds of toxins. But in addition to harmful substances, plant fibers are taken from the body and amines, which are necessary for muscle growth.
Surely now many will say that you just need to eat more and the problem will be solved. However, a new problem arises here. Fiber significantly reduces appetite, which is good for drying cycles, but not acceptable during the bulking period.
On the other hand, you don't have to become a "pure" vegetarian at all. To begin with, every person's digestive system works in a certain way. There are vegetarian principles that prohibit eating only red meat, and white meat is allowed occasionally. But there are no restrictions on the use of fish, eggs and dairy products.
We do not urge you to switch to vegetarianism, but you can try and if this step does not seem effective to you, you can return to your usual diet at any time. Scientists have found that a vegetarian nutrition program can still provide an impetus for powerful mass growth. Since there are no heat-treated proteins in nature, evolution did not count on the possibility of its use by humans. Thus, these substances are not natural for us.
It is known for certain that processing meat requires a large amount of energy, which, when switching to a vegetarian diet, will be returned to the body. Scientists believe that this fact is the main reason for the high activity of vegetarians. In addition, we know that muscle growth also requires energy. It is logical to assume that by reducing the energy expenditure for processing food, we will be able to accelerate muscle growth.
For more information on gaining mass without meat, see this video:
