How to Eat Before a Bodybuilding Competition

Bodybuilding requires a specific fitness and diet program. The goal is to put on muscle and develop that muscle so that your body looks balanced overall. Even if you follow the program to the letter, it's still crucial to learn how to eat before a body building competition.

Items Needed:

• Protein-rich foods


• Complex carbohydrate-rich foods


• Water


• Fruit

• Consume lean protein at every meal. Protein is the building block of muscle. Some examples of protein to eat before a bodybuilding competition include chicken, fish and whey protein shakes.


• Eat complex carbohydrates throughout the day. Pair the lean protein with these carbohydrates. Green vegetables, such as spinach and bok choy, are ideal. Other examples include small amounts of oatmeal and brown rice. On the day before your competition, eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, more than you would usually eat.


• Drink copious amounts of water. You are doing strenuous training and that taxes the body and can lead to dehydration. Drink at least eight glasses per day and more depending on your needs. Do not drink water the day of a bodybuilding competition to make your muscles look more defined.


• Eat small amounts of fruits. They are still valuable for health reasons, but limit the vegetables with the highest sugar and starch amounts, such as bananas. Stick with berries and high-fiber fruits.


• Eliminate refined sugar. This is crucial when learning how to eat before a bodybuilding competition. This means no sugar, packaged foods, cake, candy and a myriad of other foods. Treat yourself after the competition.