What are the dos and don'ts of cheating (or TREATING, as I like to refer to it)? I'm still a WAYS out from my first competition in October, but I'm trying REALLY hard to gain as much lean muscle mass as possible. I'm pretty lean: 12.7% bodyfat and 119 lbs., this morning, so I don't know that I have to worry TOO much about gaining fat. I love cardio and my metabolism is HIGH, but I don't want to hinder my muscle gains, either. Is cheating ONLY bad if you're worried about gaining bodyfat or does one have to be cautious when trying to gain muscle, as well? What are some tips on treating myself? I just absolutely CRAVE my Coldstone and Ben & Jerry's...
Keeping or gaining muscle parallels a caloric surplus. You have a LOT of time until your contest and you have absolutely GOT to keep your muscle at this point!
"Treat" yourself once a week and stick to your regular diet and I don't see a problem with that at all. IF you have a "fast" metabolism, then maybe 2wice a week would be fine at this point, but they have to be calculated and accounted for if you know what I mean. Schedule the "treat-meals" every 3rd or 4th day and it should be just fine up until 12 weeks out.
Keep an eye on your bodyfat levels! ENJOY!
Vijay Rock Puri, D.C.
Posts: 699 | Location: Bettendorf, IA | Registered: Wed August 29 2007
if you are truly at 12.7%, thats VERY lean offseason for a female, Id have a cheat every few days.
I know when Im offseason I have a cheat every 3 days in order to be able to gain size and strength, but Im a classic hardgainer and can eat large quantities of food and stay fairly lean.
I wouldnt sweat it until 20 weeks out then cut to 1 per week......and progress that way.
