Lean muscle building is a very tricky subject. It is difficult to achieve the goal of gaining lean muscle without letting the body sneak some fat in there too. The best way to make it work is to follow a very strict diet plan that takes into account your training, workout plan, and physical needs.

Carbs are important in building lean muscle mass. It is important to get enough of them when they are needed and not too much of them when they are not. The balance must be fine tuned because it is critical to gaining without adding body fat. A good rule of thumb is to look for diet plans with about 2.5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight on training days.

The carbs should be eaten, for the most part, at two times. Breakfast is a time to take in a large amount of carbs to revive the body after sleep and to start the day with full energy. The other time carbs are important is after a workout. In this case, the carbs are needed to replenish muscles and start them on the road to recovery.

Morning carbs should include whole grains. After workout carbs need to include some juice or power drink to get the nourishment to the muscles quickly. Read diet plans for lean muscle building carefully to make sure they include high carbs at breakfast and after workouts, but low carbs on rest days.

Fats in the diet of a bodybuilder should be kept extremely low. The only fats a lean muscle building diet plan should contain are the healthy fats such as fish with Omega-3 oils, olive oil, and nuts. Any diet that allows fatty foods such as bacon, sausage or fried foods is not doing the bodybuilder any favors. Instead of gaining lean muscle, he may gain so much fat that any muscle gain will be barely noticeable.

Sugary treats should be kept to a minimum as well. Most people will not stay on a diet if they do not have a treat now and then. Perhaps a diet with a once-a-week small dessert would help the dieter keep on track without gaining fat. The key is to make the dessert very small, just a taste, and to have it no more than once a week.

Protein is the real star in diet plans for building lean body mass. After getting a large dose of carbohydrates at breakfast, the body still needs fuel for the rest of the day. Protein provides that fuel without adding body fat. A bodybuilder should get about 40-60 grams of protein every day, regardless of whether it is a workout day or not. Protein keeps the body going and helps build lean muscles. Since building lean muscle mass is the goal, having the correct and precise diet plan is essential.