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1 year ago

Dear Sumit Kumar, Thank you for the question

Muscle size increases when a person continually challenges the muscles to deal with higher levels of resistance or weight. This process is known as muscle hypertrophy. Certain factors like diet, genetics, stress level, hormones etc., also play a role in muscle growth and repair.

Gaining muscle mass requires specific exercise regimen given by a trained health or fitness coach, followed by appropriate dietary changes, especially in terms of good quality proteins balanced with appropriate calories, which should be done under professional guidance.
Some of the nutrients that support healthy muscles and bone include protein, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium etc. Some of the food sources rich in these nutrients include milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, lentils, soybean, nuts, etc. Include these foods in your daily balanced diet.
WHO has given different BMI (Body mass index) classifications to categorise adults into different weight categories. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height. It can be considered as a 2nd level indicator of overall health.
It can be calculated using a simple formula of BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)
Following is the WHO BMI Classification
18.5 to 24.9 - Normal
Less than 18.5 - Underweight
25 to 29 - Overweight
Above 30 - Obese

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d. Protein intake should ideally be considered as 0.8-1g per kg body weight per day.

Here are few guidelines that can be considered for nutrition management during workouts

Pre-workout –the role of nutrition is fuelling
• Carbohydrates are the preferential fuel for general exercise sources of carbohydrates are whole wheat, millets, multigrain, wheat bran, oats etc.
• Low fat and moderate protein should be consumed to reduce gastric disturbances
• Good Pre-workout food options include oatmeal, whole grains, fruits such as banana, apple etc coupled with dry fruits.
• Always start your workouts well hydrated.
During Workout- The role of nutrition is performance
• For shorter period of exercise carbohydrate intake is not necessary
• For longer periods consuming carbohydrate rich snacks like energy bars, sports drinks can prevent fatigue and delay hunger.
• During exercise water should be consumed every 15-20minutes to avoid early fatigue.
Post- workout – the role of nutrition is recovery
• Consuming protein is necessary to help gain recovery and prevent muscle loss
• Carbohydrates should be recovered to restore glycogen
• Post workout food options include egg whites, paneer, curd, fruits, smoothies, lean meat etc
• Rehydration with water or electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride help maintain electrolyte balance blood pressure of the body
It is very important to be well hydrated when beginning your workout.
Do contact your fitness expert do discuss your protein needs as per your exercise routine. It is recommended to practice regular workouts and exercise under professional guidance.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:
-Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
- Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommendable.
-Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
-Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
- Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
-Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
-Try to consume more of Whole grains and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
-Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
-Have your last meal at least 1-2 hours before sleep time.
-Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated.
-Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.
- Engage in light to moderate physical activity for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions and needs, please contact your Health care professional and/or fitness expert.
Hope we have answered your query.
Wishing you a great day ahead

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