Increasing muscle size, strength and endurance is the result of a consistent workout regimen and a sound nutrition program with the aid of a complete nutritional supplement. To ensure that they are meeting their performance goals and eating just enough to feed their muscles, most professional bodybuilders and athletes go through 'phases' during the course of their training programs. It's important to note that most of the muscle gaining takes place in the off season, a time when eating large amounts of protein, eating small meals, and taking supplements throughout the day is vital for you to attain your desired goals.

After going through the first phase, bodybuilders go through several other phases that neccesitates them to change the amount of carbohydrate-rich foods, lean proteins, and supplements like Stemulite to be able to support each stage of their rigorous training program. It is possible to create an effective training program that will help you attain your goals by understanding what is involved in each phase.

The Off Season - Your goal for this phase is to build as much muscle as you can. 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 Phase – A bodybuilder is required to follow a rigid eating plan that means eating every 2 or 3 hours and even throughout the night. To eat just enough food to maintain weight and to be able to allow the body to increase strength is your goal for this phase. This can be attained with a careful selection of foods that build up muscle and carbs that provide sustainable energy.

Competition Prep - Most bodybuilders begin their competition preparation between 6 to 16 weeks before the event. This period may involve severe calorie restriction to reduce body fat, and maintain a schedule of sustained weight loss up to the event. The primary goal here is to lose body fat and not muscle that was built up during the off-season. This can be achieved by eating low-fat, high protein meals, or replacing a meal with a complete nutritional supplement like Stemulite Fitness Formula, and coordinating meals with a consistent workout regimen.

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 - Many bodybuilders resort to binge eating immediately after the competition since they've been on a near starvation diet for up to 6 months prior to competition. This can be a health hazard for many, especially for those that end up gaining a lot of weight in a very short period of time. To avoid compromising their health in the during this stage and to maintain some of the results they have worked hard for, bodybuilders should ease themselves into a healthier diet program.

With the different phases most bodybuilder goes through, maintaining a steady nutrition program is difficult. Get to increase your chances of long term success with sound nutritional principles, using a supplement like Stemulite, and work with a nutritionist or dietitian throughout the training program.