Eat Carbs To Build Muscle

I'm going to preface this post with a little pacer test recap that I mentioned in this post here earlier in the week. 

Well, during my trial, I was the last girl to finish running which I was really proud of. I managed to get to about 62 and ultimately I am okay with that. I was a little angry afterwards, to be quite honest though. Why? Well, I knew I could've kept going but I just quit because I felt a little anxiety and pressure. I know. How stupid! But it's true. A girl who went in the trial before me did manage to break the record for the girls in the school at 85. Good for her! It was really cool to see her accomplish it.

Overall, I am proud of where I got. We get to retake the pacer once again in December and you better believe I am smashing my record. I'm going for 80 at least!

Anyways... let's jump into the main point of this post.

Recently, I have seen a lot more bloggers open up about their concern for other bloggers who seem to not be making the healthiest choices. Here are a few good ones:

The Unhealthy Side of "Healthy Living Blogs by One Fit Foodie

The Elephant in the Room by Squat Like A Lady

The 'In' Crowd by The Run Within

HLS--A Different Look by Amazing Asset

These all point out some very good points. It's true that not all 'healthy living bloggers' are living up to that title. I don't like to judge or point my finger out at circumstances that I just don't know. That is not my intention. I frequently (and will continue to) bring up the fact that some people looking to build muscle with try to find every way possible to not abide by the muscle-building rules for the sake of maintaining a 'skinny' frame. I'm sorry. But you just have to suck it up. What do you want to build muscle for? You're not going to meet that goal unless you stop the excuses and try. That means eating the necessary amounts of food and getting adequate amounts of rest.

More importantly, don't skip out on the carbs. I see this too much. Salads filled with tons of veggies are good healthy meals and there is absolutely no denying that. However, in terms of muscle building, that is simply NOT enough carbs to help you attain your goals. These meals will help people trying to lose fat but maintain muscle, like people who are in pre-competition.

I am by far NO expert on this subject and I certainly hope that I do not come across as being 'preach-y.' I'm simply sharing what I have learned through my own muscle-building journey. And here's a little secret: I used to do this 'veggie-loading' thing thinking that I was getting enough carbs from the veggies. WRONG. Unless you are eating 50g+ of carbs from veggies (which, let me tell you, would be A LOT of veggies), you're not going to be consuming enough carbs.

There is a misconception (that even I once believed) that protein is the most important part of building muscle. But alas, I have learned differently: it is the carbs that make the difference. Trust me. Now I know that's asking for a lot considering I'm asking people maybe a few years or more older than me. I'm only 16, what do I know?! But I've experienced enough to find out that it's true.

Carbs build muscle. End of story. Now, carbs alone don't build muscle, and the 'bad' carbs (A.K.A. the simple carbs like soda and candy) will certainly not help you. You must combine quality complex carbs and protein to build muscle. And you don't have to bulk up only on clean foods! I HAVE LEARNED THIS!!! Enjoy yourself. That could 1-3 times a week. And don't go for the safe options--if you're getting ice cream and your favorite candy is Butterfingers but you think adding walnuts would be healthier, ADD THE BUTTERFINGERS! "But I need to limit the sugar, fat, etc." No. It's a treat for a reason. I don't understand the notion of trying to make every treat meal 'somewhat' healthy. Just do it and enjoy! Don't deprive yourself and try to eat clean 24/7. I believe in eating healthy for a majority of my meals but sometimes I just want a giant bowl of fro-yo with every sugary candy on top. 

My favorite complex carb besides butter-flavored rice cakes. ;) (Source)

It's important to know too that if you're trying to build, don't limit your carbs at dinner or before bed. I may get a few disagreeing responses with this one but too often I see dinners lacking in the carb department, as well as before bed snacks. I believe that you should still add carbs to your dinners. If you're trying to maintain, maybe you will be told to limit the carbs at dinner, but for the sake of building muscle, you should still consume some carbs late at night. Before bed, if you add a little carbs in your snack, you will probably see increased muscle growth. Don't fear it. I used to, but it has helped me immensely.

One last thing, I know some people can't handle grains well, like oats, brown rice, barley, millet, sorghum, wheat berries, wheat, etc. But there are other ways to find good quality complex carbs, like consuming quinoa and sweet potatoes, as well as fruit. The lovely Sara always tells me do find what works for YOU. And it is so true. For the most part, I believe that it is necessary to up the carbs to put on the muscle, and this point is just ME explaining MY opinion, not me telling you all what's right and what's wrong. Some people don't do well with carbs, and I completely understand that. Don't fear, there's always a way to reach your goals.

I hope I opened some minds on this one, and that I didn't sound like I was trying to preach to anyone like I am some almighty knowing genius of nutrition and muscle-building. Far from it, friends. But I am good with observation.

As always, please e-mail me (my e-mail is found in the about me section of my blog) if anyone has any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to lend my two cents. Have a great day everyone!

Questions: Are you easily influenced by HLBs and what they tend to eat and do in terms of working out? Do you believe carbs are a stimulus to build muscle or are you more adamant on protein? Don't be afraid to share your opinion! I'm open about it!

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