You can only increase strength, endurance and muscle size by following a consistent training program and a proper nutritional plan. Training programs of pro bodybuilders and athletes are divided into several phases or stages with different performance objectives tied with specific nutritional requirements for each phase. The bulk of muscle development takes place during the off-season phase wherein a bodybuilder eats protein-packed small meals throughout a day.

After this phase, bodybuilders go through several phases that involve changing the amount of carbohydrate-rich foods, lean proteins and supplements that support the training program at each stage. Understanding what is involved in each of these phases can help you create an effective training program that gets the results you need.

The Off Season - the goal of this phase is to build as much muscle as possible. According to Louise Burke, author of the book "Practical Sports Nutrition", bodybuilders support their performance outcome by eating high amounts of protein and healthy carbs throughout the day. They typically follow a consistent schedule of these foods to make sure they're meeting their protein requirements and may design their eating plan around their workouts to further enhance results.

Hypertrophy stage - The objective for this phase is to increase strength without any increase in weight. A typical practice during this phase is to follow a restricted eating diet every 2 to 3 hours. Great care must be taken in selecting the right muscle-building foods combined with healthy carbohydrates for energy.

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.

After the Competition - It is ideal for an athlete to adjust smoothly to a healthier diet after the competition. This is a crucial phase as many bodybuilders go on an eating spree and gain weight rapidly after following a restricted diet for months. It is important for anyone to ease back to eating normally after a competition for health purposes and to maintain some of the results built up during the other phases.

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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