Improving Performance with Nutrition

You can only increase strength, endurance and muscle size by following a consistent training program and a proper nutritional plan. Training programs of pro bodybuilders and athletes are divided into several phases or stages with different performance objectives tied with specific nutritional requirements for each phase. The bulk of muscle development takes place during the off-season phase wherein a bodybuilder eats protein-packed small meals throughout a day. 

There are other phases besides off season. Each phase requires an athlete to alter his or her nutritional program in terms of the amount of carbohydrates, protein and supplements in support of his or her training regimen for the specific phase. Knowledge of these phases can help you maximize the results you get out of all the effort you put in training. 

The Off Season - the goal of this phase is to build as much muscle as possible. According to Louise Burke, author of the book "Practical Sports Nutrition", bodybuilders support their performance outcome by eating high amounts of protein and healthy carbs throughout the day. 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 stage - The objective for this phase is to increase strength without any increase in weight. A typical practice during this phase is to follow a restricted eating diet every 2 to 3 hours. Great care must be taken in selecting the right muscle-building foods combined with healthy carbohydrates for 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. This can be achieved by eating low-fat, high protein meals and coordinating meals with a consistent workout regimen.

Cutting stage - Swift fat loss is the main objective here. Bodybuilders severely reduce their caloric intake and take supplements to meet nutritional requirements. This phase is normally done right before a competition event. Bodybuilders also do circuit training and increase their resting time to aid body recovery.

Post Competition phase - Bodybuilders are often tempted to overindulge themselves in food after going through restricted diets for months. This practice is dangerous as it promotes rapid weight gain in a small span of time. Besides being a health hazard, most of the results that have been built up during previous phases are erased with rapid weight gain. It is highly recommended for bodybuilders to transition slowly into a healthy nutritional program after each competition.

Maintaining a steady nutrition program is difficult with the different phases that most bodybuilders go through. However, sound nutritional principles and working with a nutritionist or dietitian throughout training can help you increase your chances of long-term success.

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