| Bodybuilders train most of the year to build muscle. But | | | | carbohydrate levels, in both type and number, is |
| for some reason, when they begin dieting for a show, | | | | essential. Alternating two high-carb days with one |
| some forget that they are bodybuilders. They stop | | | | low-carb day is effective for many, but that can |
| training to build muscle. Their sole focus is losing body | | | | change as show day approaches. Carb type |
| fat, at all costs, which often leads to excessive lost | | | | awareness, however, is essential every day. |
| muscle. Muscle is not an entity that one can "pause" - | | | | Carbohydrate consumption should revolve around |
| your muscles are always in a state of hypertrophy | | | | training time. Half of your daily carbs should be |
| (growth) or atrophy (shrinking). When bodybuilders | | | | consumed around workout time. One-sixth of your |
| neglect additional needs the body faces during a | | | | daily carbs should be consumed before training, and 2 |
| calories deficit time period (like a pre-contest diet), the | | | | 3 of your total daily carbs should be consumed after |
| end result is often unnecessary muscle loss. | | | | training. Post-training carbs should be of the simple |
| Manipulation of supplements, fats, and carbohydrates | | | | carb variety in order to spike insulin levels during that |
| can assist in countering the muscle loss, which often | | | | very small window when glycogen levels are at their |
| accompanies a pre-contest diet. | | | | lowest. The result is curbed cortisol levels in the |
| Supplements | | | | bloodstream during the most dangerous time of the |
| Creatine should be taken for the entire duration of the | | | | day for losing muscle! |
| pre-contest routine, and removed in the last week as | | | | Fat manipulation |
| sodium and water levels are manipulated in the | | | | In the last 3 weeks before the show, bump up healthy |
| drying-out process. EFA's (essential fatty acids) in the | | | | fat consumption by 30 grams on low-carb days. Fish, |
| form of Fish Oil should be consumed the entire time, at | | | | almonds, or olive oil are the best choices. |
| the dosage of 1 gram, three times per day with meals. | | | | Additionally, protein levels may need to be manipulated |
| Finally, a good thermogenic compound like Tridenosen | | | | higher or lower, depending upon current intake levels |
| H should be used for the duration of the pre-contest | | | | and overall caloric totals. Some bodybuilders find that |
| diet. It will assist in leaning effects with nearly the | | | | lowering protein and raising fat levels, while keeping |
| effectiveness of a clen or a t3, and its protein sparing | | | | total calories the same, yields terrific results. Above all, |
| effect will be of great assistance as protein grams are | | | | keep an observant eye on the mirror, on the scale, and |
| lowered in accordance with carbohydrate and fat | | | | on what your body is telling you. Use this information |
| manipulation, keeping the total caloric intake steady. | | | | as a guideline, but always strives to find the precise |
| Carbohydrate manipulation | | | | timing and macronutrient levels that suit you're dieting |
| In the last 5 weeks before the show, manipulating | | | | needs best. |