Most people work out to feel and look better. Some want to have a body that is lean and toned, while others choose to develop large bulk muscle. Either way you can work out until you are blue in the face, but you will not have a naturally sculpted body without paying close attention to your diet health.
What you eat can also positively or negatively affect your overall energy and muscle recovery levels. Follow the diets listed below, keep up your fitness routine and your body will develop into a perfect physical specimen.
Diet Health - Toning
For keeping your body lean, strong, and toned I would suggest a fitness diet of primarily organic fruits, vegetables, and some organic meat (for protein). If you don't eat meat I would suggest a high quality whey protein supplement that is taken right after you work out. Drink a lot of water and if you sweat excessively while exercising take salt tablets.
If you currently eat bread to get carbohydrates in your diet I would suggest eating organic milled oats instead. Bread is loaded with preservatives and refined sugar. This slows your metabolism and causes fatigue.
Diet Health - For Bulk
Muscle mass of great proportions cannot be built strictly through weight lifting. It is again the diet health or nutrition that plays just as much of a role in muscle size as working out.
Protein and calories are the diet keys for developing muscle mass. You should have a protein shake in the morning with bananas, oats, other fruit, and whole milk. You should have another shake within 45 minutes after your workout and one before you go to bed at night.
On top of this the rest of your meals should consist of organic fruits, vegetables, and some organic meat. Eat small meals, not bigger than the size of your fist, 5-7 times a day. This will keep your metabolism strong, and your stomach slim.
I see a lot of people at my gym with well developed shoulders and arms, but they have a pot belly. This is solely due to their diet. Most of these people eat meals that are too large, they eat processed food, or they drink too much beer.
Heavy lifting burns sugar from your body so I would also suggest drinking a high quality natural sports nutrition drink before, during, and after your work out.
You can find these high quality sports drinks on-line or at your local health food store. Staying hydrated this way will keep your glucose levels normal so you will have the energy to work out as long as you need to. A couple tablespoons of natural honey can also do the trick.
However, don't drink Gatorade or Powerade, they are virtually the same as soda. Pick up a bottle and read the ingredients. You will see what I mean. Your body needs natural glucose when you work out, not high fructose corn syrup. Sometimes they even will call it "glucose syrup," its still the same thing, complete junk.
Your diet and health plays a large role in developing the body you want. Don't overlook their importance and you probably won't have to work as hard in the gym, will feel better, and will be naturally healthier.