The XXX Factors for Building Muscle (Part 3)

In the last of my series on the top 3 X factors that I believe are the most important in helping to build muscle, the final piece of the jigsaw is arguably the most vital but is often the most over looked. The final X factor is nutrition. It's no good doing varied and intense work outs, allowing time for each muscle to recover fully before challenging them again, if the fuel you are consuming to help build them is not enough and/or is the wrong type of food. The body in order to repair the muscles that have been damaged during work outs, need Protein to help rebuild them and increase their size. The main source of protein comes from animal and diary products, such as chicken, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, butter and milk. They can also be found in non-animal products such as pulses, tofu, textured value protein, seeds and nuts but you have to consume a lot more in order to gain the same amount that you would get from animal sources. A lot of people prefer to now use protein shakes as they can be more convenient and you can consume a lot more protein in one go, rather than struggling to consume the same amount from chicken and eggs. Herbalife has recently brought out a whole new range of products to help both professional and keen athletes and sports people. The 24 range includes a pumped up version of Herbalife's leading protein shake, which is the world's number one meal replacement product, the Formula 1 shake. This shake is called Formula 1 Sport and contains Whey protein rather than soya, as it is transported quicker into the muscles, as its the body's preferred source of protein. It also has a unique blend of carbohydrate-protein and fibre with essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to repair itself fully. This comes in Vanilla Cream flavour and so lends itself well to adding other ingredients to it such as fruit or peanut butter to add further vitamins, fibre or protein. I would recommend consuming this after a work out, as this is when your body needs it the most. In addition to this you can have it as a snack between meals to help top up your protein needs. In the 24 range there is also the more advanced protein shake for those who are serious about packing on the muscle. Called Rebuild Strength, this is a high protein recovery shake that you consume after training. Packed with 25g of high quality whey protein and comes in a tasty chocolate flavour. Unlike a lot of other inferior protein shakes, there are no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners in this product. Herbalife also believes in the policy of 'from seed to feed', meaning that unlike a lot of cheaper protein shakes that can have other companies involved during the development stages, Herbalife uses no outside companies and vigorously checks the product at each key stage of development in order to ensure that it contains the highest level of quality of ingredients and is fully in control of what goes into each product. Also professional sports people who can get tested for performance enhancing drugs can be reassured that every product from every batch produced in the 24 range are screened for prohibited substances by an independent 3rd party. Water is also important for our bodies, as we are made up of about 70% of water and is used to help transport nutrients to cells and get rid of waste products. In order to function at our best we need to consume at least 2.5 litres per day, even more if we are working out or in a hot environment.