Post Competition Rebound

For those of you who have competed a few times, you are probably well aware of the window of opportunity you have as a bodybuilder to add a great deal of muscle right after a show.  After remaining in a relative calorie deficit for weeks and months, your muscles are depleted and ready to absorb large amounts of glycogen and protein.  I like to picture a dried out sponge that is about to be held in a tub of water.  The tub of water, of course, being lots of food.  The sponge quickly absorbs the water and becomes heavy and full.

I have been in this rebounding state since my show last month, and it feels great.  My muscles are full and hard, I’m very strong, and I’ve gained about 25lbs.  In the past, I’ve overdone the rebound a bit and gone a little overboard with my eating, but I’ve controlled myself a bit better this time around.  I’ve also continued to do morning cardio for 30 minutes which I think has helped my body process the excess calories and has prevented too much water retention.  I’ve also kept my water intake relatively high (about 2 gallons per day).  As for my diet, I’m drinking three large protein shakes per day with 70 grams of protein per shake.  I’m also eating 3-4 whole food meals which consist of a meat (steak, fish, ground turkey) 1 cup rice, and some mixed vegetables.  I’m also eating peanuts and apples in between meals and I usually have my staple 10 egg whites at night before bed.  I’m eating some miscellaneous snacks at work also.

I’me going on my cruise this weekend.  Its a seven day cruise and I plan to eat a lot and relax.  I will not likely be posting until July as i will be traveling to a conference in Atlanta after my cruise.  I will try and get some photos to post when I get back.  Cheers!