How low do you guys go?

[str8cubano]

I know a lot of bro's on this board here compete.and we know the extra sacrafice weeks before competition it takes to shred. But to the non-competing bodybuilder that is going on a strict diet to cut, what is the lowest calorie count that you guys go on?

 

[muscleup]

There are different approaches...I know one guy who gains for contest...He loses bodyfat and gains muscle at the same time..{parillo method} VERY TAXING...2 hours of cardio per day and about 6000-7000 calories...Then the opposite of this is, I know a short guy who competes, and he gets his calories down to 1300 per day...SHREDDED!!!!

 

[str8cubano]

There are different approaches...I know one guy who gains for contest...He loses bodyfat and gains muscle at the same time..{parillo method}

I think thats everyone's goal



Whats the secret?...knowing that perfect caloric balance?

 

[Super Test 2004]

Thats crazy. I give mad props to those who compete and do the 2 hours cardio/low cal diet. It is such a form of discipline. Too often, people assume that because a drug may be used, that you do not have to work to get results.
My hat goes off to you guys and gals that compete.

 

[str8cubano]

bump

 

[Judo Tom]

hey bro,

i have gone under a 1000 cals no problems getting ready for a competition.. i just get most of those cals pre and post workout..


i also use the very long cardio approach at times too.. just do low intensity cardio for very very long periods of time.. like biking for a long distance or walking for long long distances .. the low intensity cardio wont burn up muscles but it also doesnt burn all that many cals so you have to go for loooooooong times or its not really worth it for me..

i also get about 8 hrs of cardio a week just from normal training so i dont really have a hard time staying at low bf %

 

[str8cubano]

wow..1000 cals...sweet...and what are you dropping from? how many calaories while bulking, and how long is the transition to 1000 calories?

 

[Judo Tom]

Im glad you mentioned transition.. if i dont do that i burn up everything.. if i slowly ramp down the cals i can do it.. its far from optimal for performance but at times you gotta do what you gotta do..

i also do the same when bulking.. i slowly add more and more complex carbs and protein until i start getting a bit to soft around the mid section..

i am really really "in tune" with my caloric needs after years of messing around and more importantly messing up in many ways...

when i am at my super low end of cals i try to get as many cals as i can from grilled chicken breasts and olive oil.. suppliements become key for me too.. vitamins.. minerals enzymes ALA and fish oils oh and taurine

i normally only do this if i can weigh in the nite before a tournament so i can then pig out over the next 12 hrs before i have to fight..

i know that insulin can really really help with this too but i dont use it for that purpose all to often..

and i always say the main key for me is meal planning.. i write down pretty much everything i am going to eat for a week in advance (give or take) and i keep a log of what i actually eat.. if i do not follow the meal and it becomes a bad meal i write down why.. did i not cook did i not bring food with me to work or to a business meeting.. and it kinda drills it into my head that i cant make that mistake again.. after a few mistakesi can stick to that diet for about 2 weeks before im totally burnt.. again insulin can really help with this or your general carb up meal or two will make a huge difference..

hope some of this helps.. if you have any questions feel free to PM/Email.

Good luck

 

[str8cubano]

good info judo..