Page 44 - NGA NATURALmag 2017 WINTER Issue
P. 44
Winter 2017
5 Reasons to Reconsider
Cheat Days During Contest P PETER FITSCHEN
PHD NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES
CERTIFIED STRENGTH & CONDITIONING SPECIALIST NGA NATURAL PRO BODYBUILDER
FITBODY FITBODY AND PHYSIqUE PHYSIqUE LLC WWW FITBODYPHYSIqUE COM
Many successful competitors cycle calories and/or carbohydrate throughout the week in in some fash- ion This may occur through through having a a a a a a a a a high carbohydrate carbohydrate day day cheat days carbohydrate carbohydrate cycling or a a a a a a a a a a number of different approaches Looking at at the the scientific literature altering daily caloric intake throughout the the week may may provide a a a a a a a a a number of benefits It may may help to prevent decline in in in metabolic metabolic rate rate rate (although fit it should be be be noted the effect of a a a a a a a a a a a a a single high carbohydrate day on on metabolic metabolic rate rate rate may not be as as large as as once thought) A higher carbohydrate day prior to to a a a a a a a a hard workout workout may also help to to improve performance during the the workout workout and potentially increase muscle retention However the the the largest benefit to a a a a a a a a a a a a high calorie/carbohydrate day may be be the the the mental break it provides from the the daily grind of low low calories/low carbohydrates while dieting In an an an attempt to to achieve the benefits of a a a a a a a a a higher calorie and carbohydrate day day many competitors use cheat days where they they eat eat whatever they they want for a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a day day However this may not necessarily be be the the the best approach for a a a a a a a a a a a a competitor looking to to to step onstage at their best Below are 5 reasons you may want to to to consider
a a a a a a a a a a a a a controlled refeed day day with set nutrition numbers rather than an an all-out cheat day:
1 No Food Should Be Eliminated
There There is no evidence that any individual food will cause weight gain or or prevent fat loss Therefore 44 NGA NATURAL mag