Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body

by Michael Matthews

As you know, I recommend that you stick to nutritious foods, but beyond that, there are no rules besides hit your numbers every day. Do you like starchy carbs? Great, eat them every day. How about whole grains? Awesome, me too. Dairy products? They’re a staple in my diet. Red meat every day? Why not. A little bit of dessert after dinner? I recommend it. Now, some people abuse this dietary freedom and try to eat as much junk food as possible while staying within their numbers. While this technically “works” for the sole purpose of building muscle and losing fat, the inevitable micronutrient deficiencies get in the way of your performance and thus your long-term gains (not to mention your health). Just because you can eat a box of Pop Tarts every day and lose weight doesn’t mean you should. Sure, our bodies can use McDonald’s burger patties to build muscle (to some degree, at least), and we could use flexible dieting to eat them every day, but is it worth the potential health risks associated with regular consumption of low-quality meat?11 I don’t think so. Being shredded doesn’t matter if your hormone profile is whacked, your immune system is overwhelmed, and your body is starving for nutrients.