Bodybuilding techniques to gain muscle, build endurance, get strong, etc are really pretty straight forward. Lifting weights is basic, sure proper technique is important, but it's not to hard to master. Recovery is very easy just don't workout for about 48-72hours, catch a nap, be lazy and you're good. But the mistake I see most people make is nutrition and I don't mean micro analyzing your diet either. No, what I mean is most people have no idea how much to eat to grow bigger muscles.

The most recent data I've seen says you need to consume about 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight for optimal muscle growth. So a 200 pound man using typical body building techniques needs to eat 120-160 grams of protein daily. How much food does that equal? Well 4 ounces of chicken breast has about 22 grams of protein or 3 ounces of sirloin steak about 28 grams. So getting enough protein is possible but often takes a little focus.

Simple rule of thumb is to eat 5 times a day instead of just 3. Maybe break it up into 3 meals and 2 snacks. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, work in a couple of between meal snacks. Something like a protein shake, a fitness bar or even real food. Do some homework to find out what you like. Learn how many calories you need to maintain your weight. About.com has a pretty good page on calculating your calorie requirements, click here to see it.

Lately Ive been eating these prepared meals made by Hormel. I know, "processed food bad", but sometimes it's all I can manage, and the ones I've eaten have around 20 grams of protein. Which makes them a perfect snack or light meal for me. They keep at room temperature so I can carry them around in the car and have a snack on the go. Canned food works good to and if you get pop top cans you don't need to pack a can opener.

Also, don't shy away from carbs but do avoid too many sugary drinks and foods. Body building techniques burn calories so you need some carbs, because they are a more efficient fuel source than protein. If you don't get enough carbohydrates your body will convert protein from other sources within your body to fuel. Sources like your undigested food or worse your growing muscles. Your body also converts fat to fuel but, at the same time, you'll lose muscle.

Bottom line: make sure you eat enough to maintain your weight and grow muscle.