Additionally, novel strategies such as weekly refeed days to enhance fat loss, and sodium and fluid manipulation, warrant further investigation to evaluate their efficacy and safety.Д¬ompetitive bodybuilders undergo strict dietary and training practices to achieve an extremely lean, muscular and symmetrical physique. Despite the common perception of extreme, non-evidence-based regimens, these bodybuilders reported predominantly using strategies which are recognized as evidence-based, developed over many years of experience. Other bodybuilders, coaches and the internet were significant sources of information. The rationale for weekly higher carbohydrate refeed days was to offset declines in metabolic rate and fatigue, while in the final вЂњpeak weekвЂќ before competition, the reasoning for fluid and sodium manipulation and carbohydrate loading was to enhance the appearance of leanness and vascularity. To create an energy deficit and loss of fat mass, energy intake was gradually and progressively reduced during the in-season via a reduction in carbohydrate and fat intake. There was a focus on high protein intake with adequate carbohydrate to permit high training loads. During the off-season, energy intake was higher and less restricted than during the in-season to aid in muscle hypertrophy.

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Participants were asked about training, dietary and supplement practices, and information resources for bodybuilding strategies. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven experienced (10.4 В± 3.4 years bodybuilding experience), male, natural bodybuilders. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe different dietary strategies used by bodybuilders, their rationale, and the sources of information from which these strategies are gathered.

Competitive bodybuilders undergo strict dietary and training practices to achieve an extremely lean and muscular physique.

Bodybuilders who have done time