There are mainly two cycles in bodybuilding. One is the bulking phase, the other is the cutting phase. Bulking is putting muscle, cutting is removing fat. The reason for this is that it is difficult to put on muscle and take off fat at the same time.

Bulking:

If you’re trying to bulk up you need to eat a lot more than you’re eating now. Start a journal and write down everything you eat. You should be able to calculate a total for calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat. You should be eating around 1.5g x your weight in protein a day. This will ensure there is enough protein to meet the needs of muscle growth as well as some left over, just in case. Your carbohydrates should be above normal at this time to give you extended energy reserves for the gym.

Cutting:

If you’re trying to remove the fat off your body, while leaving the muscle on your body, you’re going to have to eat less. Start a journal and record the amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat. You should be eating around 0.9g x your weight in protein a day. During this time you’ll find that your carbohydrates will be lowered and you’ll find you tire easy at the gym. This is what happens when you cut fat.

These are the two different bodybuilding diets that you will cycle over time. Most people tend to bulk up, than cut fat. Really depends on your goals at the time.