Weekend Q&A: Body Recomp vs. Bikini or Physique Competition Calories, Macros, and Metabolism

What nutrients are essential for life and can only be found in animal products? The question we're answering is: "Bikini competitions? What is your take on those? I had a coach who competes frequently on bikini competitions. I thought about doing one but then saw what she was doing. Two hours of fasted cardio a day. She also instructed to cut carbs to a minimum like 50g at the most. I think this would make miserable. She said there is no way I can recomp my body if I eat too many carbs. She said I can do five days no carbs then two with 150g or so. Why? She also recommended bunch of supplements. Like BCAAs and Fat Burners. I am not down for that. I only take creatine. My goal is to recomp my body. After having seven pregnancies and four kids, I feel this is a big challenge for me. It is my biggest goal and I want to do it in a sustainable way. Is she right? I can’t recomp my body without cutting carbs? Also, I was eating on a deficit for a too long at 1500 cals because that’s what my coach insisted. I am now eating 1900-2000 a day. I intent to stay here for at least six months before deciding to cut that low ever again." Find out in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode. Mentioned in the episode: MacroFactor app – use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to extend your free trial to two weeks (and support me and this show!) --- This is a special Weekend Q&A edition of the Wits & Weights podcast, where we supercharge your Saturdays with an answer to one burning question so YOU can put it into action this weekend. These questions are taken from the weekly #AskPhilip thread in our free Wits & Weights Facebook community . If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless amount of information and, let’s be honest, MISinformation online and just want a straight up answer without the jargon, that’s what this free service is for. With the weekly #AskPhilip thread, you can post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation that week and have it answered live by me on Friday. If you’d like to experience it yourself, I invite you to use the link in the show notes to join the Wits & Weights Facebook group . It’s totally free and you’ll quickly find out what a positive and supportive community it is. Join our FREE community here to get access to the #AskPhilip thread! Support the show 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN ). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance. 👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram