Powerlift diet Versus Bodybuilder

[SmallTownIron]

What is the big difference or is there? I am still young and new to this game and I read/hear about bodybuilders taking in a lot more protien than the average powerlifter. I just wanted to get some of your views on this topic. I am however more of a powerlifter and one thing I can not stand is how a lot of people seem to think that ALL powerlifters are on a I SEE, I EAT diet.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

Well, lots of powerlifters are on a see-food diet. I remember an article years ago where a powerlifter described his "PIP" diet approach. Lots of pizza, ice cream, and pepsi.

 

[SmallTownIron]

Yeah, I know a few like that. I guess my question is: Are the macronutrient requires as a bodybuilder for the most part the same as a powerlifter? If not, on average, how do they differ?

 

[Tom]

regardless

i would think you'd want your body to run optimally for a competetive sport no matter what. can't do that on pizza and soda. you'll go farther on clean wholesome foods but you don't need to be as low in bodyfat as bb'rs.

 

[doug1]

i dont see the needs between the two being any different. the only difference being the bodybuilder is much more concerned with the cosmetic effects of the food.

 

[doug1]

one could probably make a case for saying the bodybuilder is the one who needs more in an effort to create new tissue. as to where the powerlifter may not want more size, but rather strength increases predominantly and stay within a certain weightclass.

 

[The_Beast]

one could probably make a case for saying the bodybuilder is the one who needs more in an effort to create new tissue. as to where the powerlifter may not want more size, but rather strength increases predominantly and stay within a certain weightclass.

True. We can go a step further and say that the energetic demands of the off-season bodybuilder (pre-contest is another thing) are higher than that of the powerlifter because his type of training uses more glycogen for fuel... the bodybuilder relies mostly on sets of 8-12+ reps (some use even higher reps, a few go as low as 6) using a somewhat slower tempo... this type of contraction relies mostly on glycogen (stored carbs) for fuel.

The powerlifter trains using shorter efforts; sets of 1-5 reps with a faster tempo (when possible) so the phosphagens (ATP-CP) are the predominent energy system at work. They thus need less carbs than bodybuilders do, at least to fuel their training.

HOWEVER a high carbs intake can be beneficial for the powerlifter by increasing intramuscular water retention which improves strength leverage (a lot of powerlifters 'bloat up' on purpose for competition). For the same reason I could see a use for a high sodium intake for powerlifters (no specifically healthy, but conductive to heavy lifting).

IMHO a strength athlete (powerlifter, strongman competitior, olympic lifter, shot putter) will do best on a 'zone type diet' (roughly 40% protein, 30% carbs, 30% fat at most meals).

 

[loganb_football]

More and more powerlifters are starting to changes their diets. I believe Louie Simmons, has even changed his way of thinking on the subject. I know he used to not believe in nutrition...

 

[BigJB]

I would say the major difference is the condiments and liquids. The bodybuilders keep things clean, drinking water and tea and pushing away the additives. A BBer orders a steak and a sweet potato with water. A powerlifter gets the Triple cheeseburger with fries and a sweet tea.

 

[dgarr21]

sorry

 

[claymore]

What is the big difference or is there? I am still young and new to this game and I read/hear about bodybuilders taking in a lot more protien than the average powerlifter. I just wanted to get some of your views on this topic. I am however more of a powerlifter and one thing I can not stand is how a lot of people seem to think that ALL powerlifters are on a I SEE, I EAT diet.

The major difference is one word...CALORIES

 

[musicmann89]

depends I guess from person to person, the one I am friends with is a bench specialtist, he is 6ft around 340ish, pretty "lean" for his size, big arms chest ect, he eats everything in sight, wendys, bk, lots of fast food proteins and fats and carbs prob 6-9k calories day. not exactly healthy.

 

[walker11]

i would say the biggest difference is carbs and calories, especialy pre competition. i'm a powerlifter so when i get closer to a competition i increase my carbs, sodium, and calories to try to fill out a little more, but a bodybuilder wants to do the exact opposite, they want to drop all that water weight and bulk to look more cut.
and a lot of powerlifters are starting to take nutrition a lot more seriously now. most of the guys i train with spend just as much time talkin about their nutrition as they do talking about bench shirts and training methods.

 

[MikeRoss]

i would think you'd want your body to run optimally for a competetive sport no matter what. can't do that on pizza and soda. you'll go farther on clean wholesome foods but you don't need to be as low in bodyfat as bb'rs.

x2

 

[FRKNHUGE]

honestly im kind of offended here with the healthy aspect talk of BBr VS powerlifters, both are to the extreme, hence IMO not too healthy, regardless of diet. diet wise some BBR in the offseason eat shittier than anybody, and so do some powersports guys. if your talking precontest for both, your trying to compare an apple to a cinder block, one is dieting without regard to weight or power VS a diet to increase strength for one maximal lift on one day.
frk

 

[Diesel City]

Here are a couple of good articles about Dave Tate... Good info in these about your question.

**broken link removed**

Under The Bar with Dave Tate | Precision Nutrition

TMUSCLE.com | Dave Tate Project I

You DO NOT have to eat like a complete asshole to get strong...