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Diets for Contest Prep

Bodybuilders use a schedule of diets and exercise to prepare for fitness shows. According to nutritional expert and weight trainer Joe Klemczewski, the most important point in contest prep diets is managing carbohydrate intake. Consulting with a professional will help you design a diet that fits your specific needs since each person is metabolically and genetically different. Diet plans are designed to give general information but they have to be modified to suit each individual.

  1. Ketogenic Diet

    • Bodybuilders often follow diets in periodic cycles of high and low carbohydrate intake. A ketogenic diet puts the body into a ketosis mode by lowering the intake of carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are necessary to bulk up, a ketogenic diet manages the carbohydrate cycle appropriately according to each body type. By using proteins, a ketogenic diet forces the body to convert ketones, instead of glucose, into energy in the low presence of carbohydrates. When this diet is followed, the body uses fat as its fuel instead of glucose and it also reduces hunger pangs, allowing bodybuilders to reduce their caloric intake. Minimal amounts of carbohydrates, less than 30 grams a day, are ingested while following the ketogenic diet. This diet is usually followed closer to contest day.

    Vegan Diet

    • A vegan diet derives its high proteins from cereals, nuts, and legumes. Dry soya is also a primary source of good protein that can help manage caloric intake while lowering the intake of carbohydrates. Yeast is used as a supplement to enhance a bodybuilder's protein intake. A diet high in vitamin C is followed in the vegan diet to increase the absorption of iron while calcium, vitamin B12 and iodine are consumed to support body function. Eating healthy food regularly and consuming plenty of fluids is key to all contest prep diets.

    Diet for Muscles

    • Animal proteins are used in larger quantities than vegetable protein to build muscle. Bodybuilders eat their last meal at least three hours before the competition. A diet high in vitamins is used for contest day prep and training to supplement the other nutrition managed in the diet. Foods with pork, lamb, sausage, beef, beer or mushrooms are avoided to prevent ailments.

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