Muscle strength, size, and endurance development result from a proper nutrition program and a regular workout regimen. The training programs of professional bodybuilders and athletes are usually segmented into different phases, with each phase having a different workout goal and nutritional diet. Most muscle gains take place during the off season phase. This is a time when an athlete should eat large amounts of protein spread throughout small meals in the course of a day.

There are other phases besides off-season and a transition from another phase requires changing the diet of a bodybuilder to match his or her objectives for each phase. It is crucial for every athlete to understand the dynamics of every training phase to come up with an effective training plan.

Off-Season Phase - As stated above, athletes in this phase are mainly concerned with building up muscles as much as possible. Luis Burke, author of the book "Practical Sports Nutrition", explains that high amounts of protein with healthy carbohydrates are essential to a bodybuilder during off season. Bodybuilders schedule their eating habits to monitor their protein intake and may even schedule their meals based on their training sessions for better results.

Hypertrophy - The main goal during this phase is to increase strength while maintaining weight. Athletes typically follow a strict diet eating every 2 to 3 hours. The diet consists of foods that support muscle growth and healthy carbohydrates for energy upkeep.

Competition Preparation - This phase starts 6 to 16 weeks before a competition. Calorie intake is restricted for a consistent weight loss leading up to the event. This is done to preserve all the muscle built up during off season while reducing body fat. This is easily achieved with a low-fat, high protein diet scheduled around each training session.

Cutting Phase - this phase typically occurs right before the competitive event, and involves severe calorie restriction to stimulate rapid fat loss. Many bodybuilders drastically reduce their calories and rely on supplements to achieve nutritional balance. This phase may also include intensive circuit training routines and getting more rest so that the body can recover easily.

Post Competition phase - Bodybuilders are often tempted to overindulge themselves in food after going through restricted diets for months. This practice is dangerous as it promotes rapid weight gain in a small span of time. Besides being a health hazard, most of the results that have been built up during previous phases are erased with rapid weight gain. It is highly recommended for bodybuilders to transition slowly into a healthy nutritional program after each competition.

Each phase requires changing from one diet to another that it is hard for most bodybuilders to keep up with their nutritional plans. Work with a dietitian or a nutritionist to help you in developing a sound nutritional program for a successful career.

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