Protein Intake

[VerbalKiller]

I am getting in my first bodybuilding competition 2Oct04. My friend who competes advised me to stop taking protien shakes a month out. He gave me some rather long scientific reason for doing so and, while he have been right about a lot of things he has also been wrong about. Is there any truth to what he is saying about not using protein shakes leading up to the competition?

 

[Grizzly]

I think some people are worried about the lactose in the whey powders. There is also the issue of satiety. That, to me, is the only really good reason.

Try this test. Eat two chicken breasts. Next meal, drink a protein shake mixed with water. Which one kept you full? Most likely it was the former. This will help you from cheating because you're so hungry.

I hope that made sense. I'm out of it right now.

 

[Tank01]

I think it has to do with what Grizz said and also with the fact that you need to start monitoring your water input at about that time if not earlier.. Protien shakes are just extra fluid... chicken breasts will allow you to monitor your level of fluids better... oh and trust me... when you are dieting like that... leading up to a show... food is all you think about... you will much rather enjoy some chicken than a protien shake ... trust me... i speak from expereince..

shit I remember having a dream about Velvetta Shells... you know... the mac'n'cheese that is like cement... that was on the second night of my carb depleation phaze leading up to my carb loading... anyway... im out of it too... hope that helped..

 

[buck]

Another reason may be that shakes digest sooner, as they are already a liquid. So they can be used as fuel instead of building muscle. And they can be stored as fat quicker due to there more rapid digestion.

 

[G-Head]

With my bbers it depends on how they look. I find that competitors tend to hold a bit more water when taking shakes, however it again depends on how you look. With this being your first show you will learn a great deal about how your body reacts to what and why. The best thing that you can do is get rid of some of the obvious variables (shakes, start skipping condiments, etc.) in your nutrition program.

Remember to have a set routine down for your 60 seconds if they are going to have you perform that in the morning show. Don't guess.

 

[j martini]

Its probably because they can cause a little water retention but i dont think cutting them 4 weeks out is necessary maybe 10 days or so.
Me personally i only have a protein shake during a contest diet post workout for the simple reason that i am desperate for some solid food.

 

[fegs]

I read somewehere that you should stop taking all powder protein and start eating chicken and turkey breast followed with 2 gallons or more per day. the meals should be spaced every 3 hours. this will help you get rid of water retention.