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Got Veggies?

© Matt Danielson

There are few vegetarian bodybuilders. Tuna, chicken, and lean beef are staple foods in most bodybuilder's menus, and many would scoff at the very thought of giving up their high-quality animal protein, i.e. meat.

I'm a meat eater myself, and I know from my own experience that it is easy to lose track of the balance in your meals. While a can tuna adds a whopping 40 grams of cheap protein, the dull veggies turn bleak by comparison. And when you've got a steak that both tastes great and has a good load of protein, the peas and carrots next to it sort of blend into the background. Big mistake. You need veggies to reach your full potential as a bodybuilder!

Fiber
One of the main advantages of veggies is fiber, which fills you up, makes sure your intestines work properly, and - as an extension - ensuring optimum protein utilization. In addition, it decreases the risk of cancer, cardiac problems, and a wide array of good stuff that surely doesn't matter now that I've said the magic words: Optimum protein utilization. Some veggies boosts more fiber than others, but as a general rule, the chewier the vegetable, the more fiber it has.

Vitamins
So, you take your daily multivitamin/mineral cap every morning. That's good - but make sure to get some of the natural stuff as well. Antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, (C in particular) are good to have throughout the day.

Overall balance
The 5th week in a row on chicken and rice, varied with tuna and rice, isn't too exciting. Veggies, being relatively low-calorie and filling (thanks to the fiber and water content), can help you break out of your monotony without messing with your diet. You were probably traumatized as a kid by well-meaning parents who forced the nasty carrots and peas on you, but if you give the veggies a second chance, you might discover that they can taste almost good. ;-)

3 Tips on how to eat veggies
If the thought of veggies make you gag, here's some tips on how to bring them to a tolerable level.

1. Dip carrot sticks and celery in no-fat garlic dip as your TV snacks.
2. Drink juices. Carrot juice, apple juice, and so on is very convenient to have around!
3. Take the time to cook something you like, but never have the time to do during the weeks, and freeze it in serving-sized containers. A big pot of chunky veggie-soup can last for weeks!

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