Tag: Old school bodybuilding

In the 1970s, during the golden era of bodybuilding, the approach to nutrition was vastly different than today, with a heavy emphasis on whole foods. This raises the question: what supplements did Franco Columbu take to achieve his incredible physique, especially compared to the complex regimens of modern bodybuilders?

According to a survey of fitness professionals, while most competitive bodybuilders track their intake, a significant minority and many recreational lifters achieve excellent physiques without meticulous calorie counting. This approach is often fueled by a deep understanding of one's body, consistent dietary habits, and adherence to foundational nutritional principles.

Back in the 'Golden Era' of bodybuilding, during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, athletes achieved remarkable physiques without the convenience of modern supplements. Instead of powders and shakes, the answer to what did bodybuilders eat before protein powder was a diet focused on huge quantities of wholesome, high-protein foods, demonstrating that dedication to whole foods can build impressive muscle mass.

During the Golden Era of bodybuilding, athletes relied on massive quantities of whole foods to fuel their physiques. So, what was Chuck Sipes diet, and how did this legendary strongman and natural competitor achieve his incredible size and strength?

Over 50 years ago, bodybuilding legends built their iconic physiques on a diet far different from today's modern approach, relying heavily on whole foods and high protein. The typical diet for the question, what did bodybuilders eat in the 1970s, revolved around real, unprocessed ingredients with minimal use of the advanced supplements common today. Their focus was on functional nutrition to fuel intense training and achieve a lean, aesthetic look.

A 1998 study found that humans absorb only about 50-60% of the protein from raw eggs, compared to roughly 90% from cooked eggs, dispelling a long-held belief. This scientific fact helps explain why bodybuilders drink raw eggs less frequently today, despite the practice’s iconic place in pop culture and bodybuilding history.

While modern dietary trends often demonize carbohydrates, the nutritional approach of golden era bodybuilders was far more nuanced. This was especially true during different phases of their training, debunking the myth that these athletes exclusively relied on protein and fats.

Reportedly consuming up to 5,000 calories daily in his prime, the question of **what was Arnolds diet** is a staple for bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts. This article explores the nutritional strategy that fueled his iconic Golden Era physique and details its dramatic evolution in his later years.