What to and what not to eat?

[YZFRydn]

Regardless of how stupid some of you may think this question is I would like to get the best answer. I am 5'9, 18 years old, and I weigh 140lbs. I am going to the gym and lifting with a buddy of mine who has been lifting for about ten years now. He knows what he is doing as far as what lifts to do to build what muscle, but will any of that do any good if I don't eat properly? He told me he used to eat all kinds of food when he was my age and as long as he worked out he was fine. But, if I want to bulk up do I need to do away with fast food all together? What about soda? I am willing to do it I just need to know if that is a necessity or if it even makes a difference.

Also, can someone give me an idea of what to eat at what times during the day. I know I should be more like 5 times a day but I have no clue what to eat.

 

[Streamline]

Apart from the fact that i started at 16, your stats are just about exactly the same as mine when i started. Neways...It's not a stupid question at all, in fact it's pretty important.

Sure, if you don't eat properly, its gonna hinder gains but it depends what your definition of properly is. To start with, spread your meals out evenly (about 2 - 3 hours) throughout the day and eat small - medium sized meals. This will add up to 6 - 8 meals/day. You don't need to do away with fast food altogether, although some might think that you do. Same with soda, i mean, who wants to drink just water and milk their entire life? In my opinion, a take away meal once or twice a week is not going to have any negative effects on your gains. Make sure that after a workout you get some simple carbs into you and protein into you. I like to have a big steak and some milk after a workout.

Foods you want to eat (and you'll hear these mentioned alot im sure)
Chicken, fish, lean pork/beef/ham/steak (any meat basically, as long as its lean)...nuts, milk and i prefer wholemeal break over white bread.

 

[Firefighter]

You also don't want to forget your vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, beans. Try to eat a rainbow of colors with vegetables. They are high in fiber, and contain alot of nutrients.