Don’t make the same mistakes over and over.

Getting into shredded shape is no easy task. It requires dedication, the kind of single-minded dedication that separates the casual fitness fiend from the serious gym rat. But dedication isn’t the only element you need in order to be at your shredded best. Your diet also needs to be on point. Your macro nutrition needs to be balanced at just the right percentages (forty percent carbs, thirty percent fats, thirty percent protein). But that doesn’t mean you can just shove anything into your mouth because it fits your macros. You have to eat clean and make smart food choices.

Does that mean you’ll get shredded, just because you avoid the ice cream and cheese burgers? Not at all. You can eat as healthy as you want yet still see little to no results from all the hard work you put in at the gym. Getting shredded doesn’t just mean eating healthy, it means eating smart and in the right amounts. Knowledge is power in bodybuilding and if you want to look your best you’re going to need as much tips as possible to get you there. Follow these tips and you’ll see your gains sky rocket.

That’s Still Not Enough Protein

Many people who are trying to gain muscle will consume their fair share of protein, but if you intend to make some serious gains or if you want to just lose body fat then you’re going to have to consume a specific amount. Many people will eat 1 gram of protein per bodyweight, but an ideal amount would be 1.5 grams per bodyweight. Try it out and watch your muscle grow.

Eating Too Many Fast Burning Carbs

Carbs are a great source of energy and will get you moving in the gym. Many people may view a carb as a carb and this can be true depending on how hard and how often you’re training. For the average person looking to get lean, staying away from fast burning carbs is a great idea particularly before a workout session. Slow burning carbs like whole grains take a longer time to be digested and for that reason will keep you energized throughout a gym session if consumed right before.

Having Cheat Days

Indulging is something that most people can’t avoid and who can blame them. There’s only so much unseasoned chicken breast and sweet potato you can eat before losing your mind. That being said, it doesn’t mean you should chow down on a bunch of junk, even if you’re working hard in the gym. Having a cheat meal is always preferable to an entire day of indulgence.

Ignoring Nutrient Timing

Some people don’t believe in nutrient timing, but the fact of the matter is your body is going to react differently depending on way you’re consuming your meals. For instance, eating a meal with slow burning carbs before a workout is great to give you long lasting energy, while eating fast burning carbs after a workout is great for restoring your depleted glycogen levels. Having protein after a workout is also great for sustaining and building back the muscle you broke down during your training.
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Have you made any of these diet mistakes? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.