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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MUJ chapter.

People who are new to the world of bodybuilding often have a lot of doubts and questions regarding the entire process of eating. The universal truth about building muscle and a good physique is a proper diet. What you intake or consume on a daily basis is what either makes you or breaks you. But that’s the beauty behind the entire process. Your determination and patience count every minute. It might sound a lot intense but with the proper guidance and a strong mindset, it’s never difficult to achieve your goal. No matter what your goal is (muscle gain, fat loss, strength gain), you will make excellent progress if you stick to a well-balanced nutrition plan and a well-structured workout routine. Supplements are not necessary for everyone and are NOT compulsory. People interested in fitness and improving their physique may opt for supplements. They help to enhance muscle growth when combined with exercise, such as weightlifting. The role of supplements is exactly what the word suggests: to SUPPLEMENT your nutrition plan. Supplements can never replace a proper nutrition plan but what it can do is make you reach your goal faster. Which here is not a bad thing, nor is it going to harm your body until and unless it is not taken properly. Supplements help you to cover the nutrition gap that is caused when your body is not able to consume the necessary nutrients naturally.

1. Protein The first step for anyone willing to devote their hours to fitness should be to consume the maximum amount of protein through FOOD ITEMS. However, eating around 8- 10 boiled eggs or consuming 200 g of protein through natural food items is not suitable or feasible for all. That’s where protein supplementation factors in. Therefore, people who cannot inculcate the natural food items in their diet can make use of supplements for peak performance in the gym. At times, especially after a workout, protein supplements may even be more efficient than food items. The sole reason behind this is that Whey protein digests quickly and easily. A guide into protein supplementation:  Whey Protein  Casein Protein  Soy Protein  Egg Protein  Plant Protein

2. Fish Oil Fish oil has numerous benefits that originate from the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-3s are considered “essential fatty acids,” which means they’re necessary for human health, but aren’t made by the body.Omega-3 fats are found most abundantly in oily fish, eggs, grass-fed beef, and wild animals. These fatty acids also help in reducing pain and swelling. Therefore, it helps in muscle recovery and enhances cognitive function.

3. BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) Branched Chained Amino Acids, are a very common supplement that is taken by almost everyone who hits the gym regularly. BCAA is a supplement that is taken during training. It helps to improve prolonged performance and promotes recovery. It gives a boost to your muscles during workouts and prevents them from breaking down; potentially leading to more muscle growth. They’re also useful on non-training days to help maintain lean body mass.

4. Glutamine Glutamine is a supplement beneficial after your workouts. It has the ability to resynthesize muscle glycogen and glutamine levels lost during exercise without the release of insulin. This is a great supplement and is recommended for people who work out several days a week.

5. Creatine Creatine has been in the market for a very long time. It has been tried and tested by athletes and professionals over the years and has become one of the most trusted supplements along with whey protein. It stands to be one of the well-studied supplements in the market. It helps to boost maximal strength end enhances energy output during any kind of workout. It helps to store water in your muscles making it easier to lift heavier and longer. While there are multiple forms of creatine available, creatine monohydrate has been around longest and is the best-tested. “If you don’t find the time, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the results.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

ECE Major, Content Writer, Graphic Designer.