Evaluation of Protein Content in the Diet of Amateur Male Bodybuilder

Abstract

Public gyms and fitness clubs promote active lifestyles. At the same time, numerous nutritional errors and the phenomenon of incorrect supplementation are being observed among the given study group. Behavior can lead to malaise, injury, or lack of progression. One of the most serious mistakes is the incorrect level of protein in the diet. The aim of the study is to assess the quantity and quality of protein consumed by men undertaking recreational strength training in Szczecin. The study involved 35 men aged 18–35, practicing amateur strength training, from Szczecin (Poland). The author’s questionnaire collected information on supplementation, physical activity, and subjective assessment of nutritional knowledge. The obtained test results were subjected to statistical analysis performed in the Statistica12 program. On average, respondents consumed 1.8 g of protein/kg, with the highest recorded conversion rate of 3.7 g of protein/kg of body weight, and the lowest of 0.9 g/kg of body weight. Total protein consumption ranged from 70.2 to 295.7 g, and the average value was 147.8 g (22%), which differs from the study group, that is, 129–133 g, which gives 14% energy proteins. It was found that the protein supplementation, on average, provided 31% of the total protein intake of the study group. The results show inappropriate dietary behavior regarding food supplementation among the examined group. Further education on the nutritional value of the food and a healthy and balanced diet is being recommended for the individuals practicing strength sports.

Completely Plant-Based Diets That Meet Energy Requirements for Resistance Training Can Supply Enough Protein and Leucine to Maximize Hypertrophy and Strength in Male Bodybuilders: A Modeling Study

“…More than one quarter of this demographic pursues this goal, frequently engaging in muscle-enhancing behaviors including lifting weights, eating more food, and eating specific foods [ 2 ]. The position of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) recommends animal-based protein sources for muscular hypertrophy [ 3 ], and this is reflected in the dietary habits of individuals undertaking resistance exercise training (RET) [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Poultry, dairy, eggs, and protein supplements constitute the main sources of protein in the diets of typical strength training gym users, and legumes may only be consumed rarely in this population [ 4 ].…”

“…Poultry, dairy, eggs, and protein supplements constitute the main sources of protein in the diets of typical strength training gym users, and legumes may only be consumed rarely in this population [ 4 ]. Bodybuilders also consume large quantities of dietary protein [ 8 ], sourced mainly from meat and eggs [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Animal-based protein-rich foods and supplements may displace key nutrient-rich foods in these dietary patterns, where insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables has been reported in nearly half of gym users [ 9 ].…”

Motivational Drivers behind the Consumption of Dietary Supplements by Leisure-Time Athletes

“…Moreover, the use of protein supplements is becoming an increasingly accepted lifestyle practice among amateur athletes. Many amateur users believe that protein supplements are essential to achieve their sporting goals, and they tend to make mistakes by incorporating an inappropriate (typically too large) amount of protein into their diets [ 7 ].…”

Eating habits and nutritional knowledge among amateur ultrarunners

“…Physical activity is associated with reduced unhealthy food intake, such as candy and fatty foods ( 34 ). However, amateur athletes are a particularly interesting group who do not always pay attention to choosing the right diet ( 35 ). This is because of their approach to sports, which they treat as a hobby rather than a profession.…”