As the name suggests, natural bodybuilding is the natural way to build one's body.
This means that bodybuilders are dedicated against the use of steroids, growth hormones, insulin injections or any other banned supplements that non-natural bodybuilders use to build their muscles.
Nevertheless, natural bodybuilders do take supplements that consist of natural vitamins, minerals, protein and herbs.
It is a myth that bodybuilders do not take any supplement to enhance their performance and fitness.
Natural bodybuilders are very particular about their diet because they do not use performance enhancing drugs.
It is from their daily intake of food and natural supplements that they get the energy to work out and get ripped.
Natural bodybuilders believe that increasing protein, carbohydrates and fats in their diet will help them to gain greater muscle mass.
Therefore, it is important for them to eat a lot before they work out as well as throughout the day.
Their main source of protein is chicken, lean red meat, turkey and tuna.
Why carbohydrates? Many people do not understand why there is a need for high carbohydrate diet in bodybuilding.
The reason is that carbohydrates help to increase a bodybuilder's energy level.
High energy level means more strength.
As a result, you can work out more to keep your body in shape.
Natural bodybuilders only take low glycemic carbohydrates that are slowly digested by the body in order to keep the energy up.
Therefore, oatmeal, brown rice and sweet potatoes are their must-haves.
As for fats, they help to keep cell membranes together and produce hormones that are good for bodybuilding.
By fats, we mean unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.
This includes fish oils and olive oils as well.
Training is the most integral part of natural bodybuilding.
This is due to the fact that they do not depend on performance enhancing drugs, but solely rely on training.
Bodybuilders work out 3-4 times a week, for approximately one hour per workout.
In between their muscle training, natural bodybuilders continue with their cardio workouts for 2-4 times every week, 20-45 minutes per session.
Because of this vigorous and intensive training schedule, natural bodybuilders eat a lot to get energy.
You probably think that pro bodybuilders are healthy and fit people.
They should all be your role model.
Do not make this assumption so fast.
You'll be shocked to find out that most bodybuilders are not as healthy as they appear to be.
Why? They look very ripped and muscular.
How can they not be healthy? Well, surprise or no surprise, they gain muscles by using performance enhancing drugs.
Drugs, as far as I can recall, are sources of many health complications.
So, if you think they (bodybuilders) should be health and fitness role models, think again.