While there is no question that nutrition is an important part of your bodybuilding success or failure, there is a question as to just how important it is.

Some people say it is eighty percent responsible for your bodybuilding success.

Honestly, I have no idea what the percentage of importance is, but I will say this, if you are going to spend time working your butt off in the gym, why not work just as hard on your nutrition.

What follows is what I feel is the best things you can do nutrition wise to further your bodybuilding gains.

POST WORKOUT NUTRITION

Anyone who knows me knows that I harp on this a lot, but that is only because I feel it is vital to making gains in the gym.

You must eat some form of protein and carbs after your workouts if you want to maximize your gains.

The period after your workout is when most, if not all, of the food you take in will be used for muscle growth and repair-and not fat stores-so missing this chance just does not make sense.

Having said that, do not be fooled by the magazine advertisements for post-workout products.

While they are nice, plenty of muscle has been built with a nice big bowl of chicken and rice after workouts.

Yes, it is not fancy, but it works.

Up next…

SMALL FREQUENT MEALS

One thing you do not want to do when trying to gain muscle is to miss meals.

Eating every two-to-three hours is best.

By eating I am not referring to a twelve course sit down dinner, no, I am referring to small meals that focus on protein first, healthy carbs, and good fats.

For example, a high quality protein shake like Muscle Provider, which is put out by Beverly International Nutrition, and a serving of mixed nuts works well.

As do a couple of hard boiled eggs and a piece of fruit.

These meals do not have to be major, so please do not think that way.

Lastly…

NIGHTTIME NUTRITION

I know to some people eating before bed might seem like overkill in the quest to build massive muscles, but if it helps me along even a little bit, I will do it.

Having some cottage cheese an hour before bed works well here, provided it does not keep you up at night.

If it does, just skip this step, because eight hours of solid sleep trumps the cottage cheese in my opinion.

CONCLUSION

While eating every two or three hours might seem like a chore, it is a vital part of your bodybuilding success.

By planning a head and always carrying a quality source of nutrition with you, like your favorite protein in a shaker cup and maybe a couple of pieces of fruit, you will always be prepared to grab a quick meal.

NEVER STOP