When it comes to achieving peak performance and building an impressive physique in bodybuilding, bodybuilders know that their training regimen is only one part of the equation. Alongside intense workouts, nutrition plays a crucial role in fueling their progress and maximizing results. A common approach that modern bodybuilders take during their peak weeks is a zero-carb diet or a keto diet. While this can be unhealthy after a certain point, carb manipulation helps the athletes to present a fuller, more vascular, and more muscular look on the stage.

However, golden-era bodybuilders were famous for practicing a safer and less-dangerous approach when it came to nutrition. 8x Mr. Olympia Lee Haney is one of the athletes who preached against consuming a low-carb diet. In a recent interview, he revealed why he did not rely on a zero-carb diet. He also suggested that modern bodybuilders shall have a positive approach towards food. Let’s take a look at Haney debunking the online coaches that recommend consuming a low-carb diet. 

Haney’s approach to diet 

The trophy shelf at Lee Haney’s house is evident in itself in the success that Haney has achieved over the years. Being the first person in history to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s record of most Olympia wins, Haney dedicates his time as a trainer, focusing on nutrition and training ever since his retirement. During a recent interview with Escape Fitness, Haney suggested “always stay within striking distance. Train around, no more than around 12-15 pounds over your competition weight.”

Trending

“Making Ur Dad Proud”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Lookalike Son Breaks the Internet With Fabulous Posing Routine

May 07, 2024 05:22 AM EDT

“Better Shape Than His 20s”: Reverse Aging Mike O’Hearn Shocks the Internet With Recent Arm Workout Clip

May 06, 2024 02:04 AM EDT

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Daughter Spreads Skin Cancer Awareness Amidst Maria Shriver’s Battle Against Alzheimer’s

May 07, 2024 12:15 PM EDT

“Back Double Is Lethal”: 250 Lbs Bodybuilding Icon Posts Physique Update, Fans Express Disbelief Over Current Condition

May 08, 2024 05:23 PM EDT

Still Pumping Iron at 76, This Is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Prescribed Workout to Become “Superager”

May 07, 2024 05:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Continuing further, he said, “If you’re 15 or 16 weeks out, if you’re 15% body fat, then guess what? You can drop a percentage every week until you bottom out at 3% or 3.5% you’re ready then.” Haney also explained that he himself never believed in the concept of cutting out carbs, as they are essential as well. “I was a carb monster. My carbs would be 4 to 500 grams of carbohydrates a day because I was never a fat boy,” said Haney.

“Even His Shadow Is Bigger Than Everyone!”: Despite Being in a Wheelchair, ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman Still Commands Unparalleled Respect From the Bodybuilding Community

Lee Haney continued by bashing the modern coaches as well, pointing out that they don’t have enough experience to back up their ‘scientific’ approach. 

Haney calls out online coaches

Lee Haney was famous back in the day for presenting a dry yet full look on the stage. Giving out the secret behind this, he disclosed that, unlike modern bodybuilders who carb up on bacon and cheese, the athletes back then used to carb up on “sunflower seeds,” “almonds” and “walnuts.” Pointing out the reason behind this, Haney said, “They have half-truths [people in fitness and bodybuilding], they don’t live and they haven’t lived what we lived.”

He continued by calling out the online coaches by saying, “We’re bodybuilders, that’s what we do. We understand the science of food. They don’t [online coaches]. They just read stuff and don’t get it right and get a lot of people hurt living off statins.” 

Haney stated that this unhealthy relationship that modern bodybuilders have with food is not right. He pointed out that eating raw and boiled food will not be necessary if athletes plan out a good diet with proper knowledge about nutrition.

Watch This Story–4 Pro Wrestler Who Equalled or Surpassed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Bench Press Record