Hi Guys, I am new to this board and very interested in doing above average in my up and coming contest the 24th of July. I am intrigued by the ideas used on this board to lower water retention. I have had trouble in the past eliminating water without going flat from diuretics. Can you really get paper thin (assuming bf% is low enough) with water, sodium manipulation and this beef grapefruit diet thurs and friday? Pup

This message has been edited. Last edited by: <Pup'nIrn>,

Pup--This is a tough one, and I am sure to get some naysayers with my opinion. Popular methods go the route of water restriction as the contest nears (48-72 hrs.) with a concomitant increase in potassium combined with decreased sodium. While this theory works (and has for me in the past), it can also give a "flattening" appearance to a person's physique if too much water is lost. I have looked my best when doing quite the opposite: Not reducing water at all, not reducing sodium at all, and wearing light to moderate clothing to utilize water loss under the skin only. On a side note, the water/sodium/potassium manipulation will only kick in if body fat levels are low (<5%) to begin with.

I understand what your saying and that is why I am asking for many peoples input. In the past, I have done the carb depletion with terrible results....looked better several days after contest. I am bigger and better than I have ever been this year. I just don't want to mess up. My plans up till now are

Sunday - Wed
Eat regular diet with 200g carbs, high protein, low fat, high sodium. Pump sessions w/posing practice 30-60min/day. No cardio...stop working legs 10 days out. Water intake at 3 gals per day.(easy for me)

Wed-Last 2-3 Carb meals--w/vanadyl sulfate

Thursday- 6-8 meals of 6-8oz beef with 1/2 grapefruit (no sodium added) and 3 gals of water. Herbal diuretics and potassium added to diet. Herbal Cleanout/Colon Cleanse throughout day.

Friday- 6-8 meals of 6-8oz beef w/grapefruit(no sodium added) 2-3 gals water(lemon juice added, herbal diuretics, potassium. Water cut-off at 5pm. Herbal Cleanout/Colon Cleanse throughout day.

Saturday- High Carb/low density meal, sip water till prejudge. Further meals are beef w/grapefruit, herbal diuretics, potassium. Herbal Cleanout?Colon Cleanse.

** Can anyone add anything or see anything they would change. I don't agree with tapering water.

Thanks, Pup