Bodybuilder Sodium Depletion
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For bodybuilders, one of the most crucial aspects to success has to be their nutritional program. The right diet can make or break your success as a bodybuilder. There are many techniques and special diets that bodybuilders use to achieve optimum results. This is especially true prior to competitions. Techniques like bodybuilder sodium depletion, caloric cycling and potassium loading are all special methods that bodybuilders use when they're preparing for a competition. Let's take a brief look at some of these methods:
Carb Cycling
Carb cycling is a technique where you eat high carb foods for a few days, then switch to low carb foods. By switching between carb loading and carb depletion, you can achieve a more sculpted look. Carb cycling should be started approximately two weeks prior to competing.
Sodium Depletion
Several days before your competition, you'll want to practice bodybuilder sodium depletion. This technique involves dramatically decreasing your sodium intake to less than 500mg per day. This will cause your muscles to hold more water. It's important not to practice sodium depletion for more than three days, because adverse effects can result.
Caloric Cycling
Similar to carb cycling, caloric cycling is a process where you switch between eating a high calorie diet and a low calorie diet. This keeps your metabolism functioning effectively and allows you to build muscle and burn fat.
In addition to the techniques described above, there are a variety of other ways that your diet can contribute to your success as a bodybuilder. It's important to eat equal amounts of healthy carbs and protein, with a little fat. Carbs are what provides you with fuel, and protein is the source of muscle growth. It's also crucial to drink plenty of water. However, prior to competition, you'll want to drink sodium free water, especially if you're in the midst of practicing bodybuilder sodium depletion.
There are other ways you'll be preparing for competitions also. Choosing your music, practicing your poses until they're perfect, and ensuring you have a perfect tan are all important parts of competition preparation. After all, have you ever seen a bodybuilder without a tan? These aspects may seem minor compared to your diet and workout plan, but they are still very important to your success in competition.
Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved
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