Are you finding that no matter how hard you lift in the gym you just can't grow? There is a good chance that your problem has to do with insufficient caloric intake. In order to grow bigger, you must take in more calories then you expend and many people fail to do this.

I know many of my readers expect me to say that the extra calories should come from protein. Well, not exactly. As strength trainers we do want to have a higher than average protein intake, but all nutrients are important to gain strength and size. We need to have more of everything than the average person, and that means carbohydrates and fat as well as protein.

BUT WAIT... aren't carbohydrates and fat bad? Well if you live a completely sedentary lifestyle then yes, but for healthy active trainers your body needs fuel of all kinds to perform at its maximum potential. Don't take this to extremes, but do understand that if you want to gain muscle you have to eat more than normal. Have an extra serving or two at dinner, drink a protein shake between means, eat some healthy snacks like rice cakes during the day. Just EAT SOMETHING!

Good eating + good training = good results!