Bodybuilding requires discipline, dedication, and a lot of hard work. However, building muscle and gaining strength is not only dependent on training. It also depends on the nutrition you provide your body.
It has been said that bodybuilding is 80% nutrition and 20% training.
Bodybuilders need to consume significantly more calories and protein than the average person. Therefore, it goes without saying.
But, how much do bodybuilders actually spend on food per month?
How much do bodybuilders spend on food per month?
When it comes to bodybuilding, nutrition is key. Bodybuilders need to eat a lot of nutrient-dense foods to fuel their workouts and achieve their goals. An average bodybuilder could spend anywhere from $300 to $1000 per month on food alone. This cost will depend on various factors such as location, dietary requirements, and individual goals.
To start with, a bodybuilder’s diet should consist of macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Ideally, bodybuilders should aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
For a bodybuilder weighing 200 pounds, this means consuming 200 grams of protein per day, which can be expensive. On average, a pound of chicken breast costs between $2 to $3, meaning a bodybuilder could spend around $150 to $225 a month on chicken alone.
Carbohydrates are also essential for a bodybuilder’s diet as they provide energy and aid in recovery. Complex carbohydrates include foods such as rice, pasta, and oats. A bodybuilder could easily spend $30 to $50 a month on rice and oats alone, depending on the quantity consumed.
Aside from protein and carbohydrates, healthy fats such as nuts and avocados are also important for a bodybuilder’s diet. However, these foods can be expensive, and a bodybuilder could spend $50 to $100 per month on healthy fats alone.
Considering all these factors, it is safe to say that a bodybuilder’s monthly food expenses can easily reach between $300 to $1000. The amount depends on factors like the ones mentioned earlier.
Tips For Saving Money On Food When Bodybuilding
Determining Your Budget
To determine your budget, you’ll first need to work out your daily caloric and macronutrient requirements. To do this, calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and daily caloric expenditure. You can use online calorie calculators to make this process easier. Once you have an idea of how many calories you need to consume, then you can work out how much you should spend on your grocery haul.
Investing in Cheaper Sources of Protein
Protein is one of the most expensive components of a bodybuilding diet. To cut costs, instead of relying on expensive meats and fish, try other proteins like eggs, cottage cheese, beans, and nuts. These options are not only high in protein but also provide essential minerals and vitamins that your body needs.
Buying in Bulk
Buying foods like rice, pasta, oats, and protein powder in bulk is an excellent way to save money. You can save money on your grocery bill, and it also saves you time from returning to the store every week. If you don’t like the idea of buying in bulk, you can try buying larger packages or family-sized packs. They offer more value compared to individual packs and save on packaging.
Cooking in Bulk
Meal prepping is a great way to save both time and money. Preparing meals in advance means you can shop for items in bulk and freeze meals that will last you throughout the week. This ensures that you are always stocked with healthy options whenever you need them.
Using Coupons and Sales
Coupon codes, weekly flyers, and shopping apps are excellent ways to save money for bodybuilders. Search for local supermarkets that have loyalty programs that offer discounts to frequent shoppers. Some apps also offer rebates and cashback on your purchases, which can save you even more money.
Conclusion
Bodybuilding is an expensive hobby, especially when it comes to the amount of food bodybuilders need to consume to make gains.
However, there are ways to cut costs, such as buying in bulk, meal prepping, and purchasing generic brands. Bodybuilders should also consider adding more affordable protein sources to their diets. For example, eggs, tuna, and beans are good options.
The cost of food for a bodybuilder will depend on various factors. It’s important to ensure that the necessary macronutrients are being consumed to fuel workouts and achieve goals.
Hi, I'm Dave Moffat the founder and Chief Editor of steroidsourcetalk.com and certified International Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist. My passion has always been bodybuilding but with 15 years' experience in weight loss programs too, it's hard not to mention all that when you're working at your fitness level fullest (I hope). When Im not in the gym or spending time away from my family i often think about what advice would help others achieve theirs goals just like these inspired mine.
