| KEY TERMS Amino acids—A group of organic acids that are constituents of protein. Carbohydrates—An organic compound that is an important source of food and energy. Cardiovascular—Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. Cholesterol—A solid compound found in blood and a number of foods, including eggs and fats. Epidemiologist—A scientist or medical specialist who studies the origins and spread of diseases in populations. Glycemic index (GI)—A method of ranking of carbohydrates by the way they affect blood glucose levels. Glycemic load (GL)—A more practical ranking of how an amount of a particular food will affect blood glucose levels. The glycemic index (GI) is part of the equation for determining ranking. Glycogen—A compound stored in the liver and muscles that is easily converted to glucose as an energy source. Insulin—A hormone that regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Monounsaturated fat—A type of fat found in vegetable oils such as olive, peanut, and canola. Pancreas—A digestive gland of the endocrine system that regulates several hormones, including insulin. Polyunsaturated fat—A type of fat found in some vegetable oils, such as sunflower, safflower, and corn. Saturated fat—A type of fat generally found in meat products with visible fat and dairy products. Trans fat—A type of fat generally found in butter, whole milk products, fried foods, shortening, and coconut, palm, and other tropical oils. |
Description
Function
Benefits
Precautions
Risks
Research and general acceptance
Questions to ask your doctor
Resources
What is the Bodybuilding diet?
The bodybuilding diet is designed to build muscle and reduce body fat. It emphasizes foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, pasta, and cereal. There are many variations of the bodybuilding diet but an essential component remains the same throughout, a regular strength-building exercise building program.
What are the Origins of the Bodybuilding diet?
Many scholars believe bodybuilding diets began with the ancient Greeks, whose gods, like Hercules and Apollo, were often portrayed as quite muscular. This influenced ancient Greek society to emulate the concept of a perfect physique. The same desire for physical perfection is found in ancient Rome and Egypt. The modern era of bodybuilding began in the late 1800s in England; German strongman Eugen Sandow is credited with being the first professional bodybuilder of the modern era. He was a featured attraction at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago for his feats of strength. He opened a chain of 20 weight training studios in England and published a magazine that included tips on diet. Sandow’s own diet was high in calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets © 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
