Transitioning from a powerlifting split to a bodybuilding split training wise was never a huge deal for me. Of course the weights had to come down, I had to incorporate more variation and movements, and the volume went up a bit, but honestly the mindset of training will always be ingrained in me. No matter which path I choose, the over arching goals of progress—the idea of breaking my body down to build it up—will always be there.
The biggest transition for me was the dreaded D word: DIET.
But here I am, just months away from stepping back on stage for the second time. And before I know it, the stage will be here all too soon for me! My diet from here on out is only going to get more tedious, meticulous, and the only direction carbs are heading is down, down, down. Today, I’m here to give you three of my secrets that have kept me sane as well as fueled during my contest prep:
These are two products that I honestly wouldn’t give up for the world on my contest prep. The combination of Aminolytes and the convience of the BCAA caps allows my body to stay energized and in an anabolic state during the day. Flooding my body with amino acids and electrolytes to aid with recovery and energy especially when my carbs are low is essential.
- Zero Calorie Water Flavoring (ie. Myo, Crystal Light, etc.)
This is more of a sanity issue for me, but it helps cut the monotony of my water intake. I know there is a lot of debate out there about if the artificial flavors and sweetners will effect a bodybuilder, but I use it in moderation and will cut it out 6-8 weeks from my competition. For every packet of the water flavor I put in my 16.9 oz water bottle, I make sure I have had atleast 3 of just regular water. If I’m feeling particularly mental during a week (especially with finals and tests and papers and group project…oh college), I may even throw in a diet soda or two.
- No Sodium Seasoning (Mrs. Dash!) and Low Sodium Hot Sauce
Again, with the amount of chicken and egg whites that I’m consuming, I have to keep my taste buds happy too... and sometimes the bland poultry and fish just don’t cut it for me. I love Mrs. Dash and have my own little collection of all the flavors. I try to tone it back a bit with the hot sauce because of the sodium content, but hey, give me a break, I was born and raised in the south.
Now that I’ve given you my three secret weapons, what are some of your favorite ways to amp up the dieting of contest prep that can become monotonous? Leave me a comment below or send me a tweet (@DANIMAL_Beast).
Danny Quach is a senior at the University of Georgia and he’s studying Health Promotion and Behavior. He’s a powerlifter at heart and has done it for over six years. He just competed in his first bodybuilding show in Summer of 2011. For powerlifting, he holds some Georgia records. In his first bodybuilding competition, he placed 2nd in Novice in INBF Southern States. On his spare time he’s a part of the University of Georgia’s cheerleading co-ed squads; his favorite past-time? Throwing girls around and catching them.
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Transitioning from a powerlifting split to a bodybuilding split training wise was never a huge deal for me. Of course the weights had to come down, I had to incorporate more variation and movements, and the volume went up a bit, but honestly the mindset of training will always be ingrained in me. No matter which path I choose, the over arching goals of progress—the idea of breaking my body down to build it up—will always be there.
The biggest transition for me was the dreaded D word: DIET.
But here I am, just months away from stepping back on stage for the second time. And before I know it, the stage will be here all too soon for me! My diet from here on out is only going to get more tedious, meticulous, and the only direction carbs are heading is down, down, down. Today, I’m here to give you three of my secrets that have kept me sane as well as fueled during my contest prep: