Eating in Phases for Improved Muscle Strength and Endurance

You can get better results from your consistent workout regimen and with a sound nutrition program with the aid of a complete nutritional supplement, and have the increase in muscle size, strength and endurance that you want. Almost all professional bodybuilders and athletes go through 'phases' during their training programs to ensure they are meeting their performance goals and eating just enough to feed their muscles. It's important to note that most of the muscle gaining takes place in the off season, a time when eating large amounts of protein, eating small meals, and taking supplements throughout the day is vital for success.

After going through the first phase, bodybuilders go through several phases that neccesitates them to change their intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, lean proteins, and supplements like Stemulite to be able to support each stage of their rigorous training program. Understanding what is involved in each of these phases can help you create an effective training program that gets the results you need.

The Off Season - The goal of this phase is to build as much muscle as possible. Bodybuilders support their performance outcome by eating healthy carbs and high amounts of protein through the course of the day, according to Louise Burke, the expert author of “Practical Sports Nutrition”. They typically follow a consistent schedule of these foods to make sure they're meeting their protein requirements and may design their eating plan around their workouts to further enhance results.

Hypertrophy Phase - During this phase, it is common practice to follow a very rigid eating plan that means eating every 2-3 hours - even overnight. The goal here is to eat just enough food to maintain weight and allow the body to increase strength. This is done with careful selection of muscle-building foods and healthy carbs that provide sustainable energy.

Competition Prep - Most bodybuilders begin their competition preparation between 6 to 16 weeks before the event. This period may involve severe calorie restriction to reduce body fat, and maintain a schedule of sustained weight loss up to the event. The primary goal here is to lose body fat and not muscle that was built up during the off-season. To be able to achieve this, consuming low-fat, high protein meals, or replacing a meal with a complete nutritional supplement like Stemulite Fitness Formula, and coordinate meals with a consistent workout regimen.

Cutting Phase - This involves severe calorie restriction to stimulate rapid fat loss, and typically occurs before the competitive event. Many bodybuilders drastically reduce their calories and rely on supplements to achieve nutritional balance. This phase may also include intensive circuit training routines and getting more rest so that the body can recover easily.

Post Competition - Many bodybuilders resort to binge eating immediately after the competition since they've been on a near starvation diet for up to 6 months prior to competition. This can be a health hazard for many, especially for those that end up gaining a lot of weight in a very short period of time. To avoid compromising their health in the during this stage and to maintain some of the results they have worked hard for, bodybuilders should ease themselves into a healthier diet program.

Maintaining a steady nutrition program is difficult with the different phases that most bodybuilders go through. Increase your chances of long term success with sound nutritional principles, using a supplement like Stemulite, and work with a nutritionist or dietitian throughout training.