Regardless of what they're taking, at that size they require a ton of calories and eating less frequently would make it extremely difficult. I'm not against fewer meals at all if it works for the individual.
Those people on the IFBB Stage have a P-Ratio double those of a regular natural due to the amount of things they are injecting in their body.
You will not find a single natural individual needing 300g of protein at a 150-180lb range for maximum Muscle protein Synthesis or dietary needs. and there is plenty of research to show that. Those people demand more caloreis due to their bodyweight, while they could still get those calories in, it is just a personal preference. nobody is forcing them to eat every 30 minutes or every 90 minutes.
Many people can handle a larger load of calories. Some have small appetites and some do not. To say you do not need to eat as frequent is still not 100% true depending on supplement use and their P-Ratio turnover. Some people like smaller meals, some do not, some feel horrible eating more often and have less energy, and it is not "optimal" towards their performance, mood, energy, and workouts.
again there is plenty of individuals out there who may not eat as often as you and still have a lot of success on a bodybuilding stage. It just goes to show there are multiple ways to get the job done at the end of the day.This is why the human body is not a textbook, and why we have to find what works for us and utilize it to reach our goals.
Alan & Brad's recent NSCA's 2014 National Conference for example prove some good points:
Invalid Link Removed
Alan’s Stance:
- 45g Protein elevated Protein levels for upward to 2 hours post-workout to highest anabolic peak
- Addition of carbs did not change anabolic response
- 30-40g of protein was enough for elderly folks for resistance training
Resistance Training elevated MPS to a 2 fold increase (Kumar 2009)
Protein Timing from Alan:
- No difference in protein synthesis when given 1 hr vs 3 hr post-workout on trained subjects (2000)
- Endurance Cyclists showed increase in MPS when protein supplement given immediately post workout (2002)
Emark Study 2001:
- 13 untrained subjects given oral P+C supplement PWO and 2 hours Post-workout training 3x a week for 3 months
- Outcome?? Increased hypertrophy vs 2 hour group
** A future study of 28 elderly men found no strength or hypertrophy benefits of nutrient timing (2009)
Brad’s Stance:
6 week training protocol took 6g EAA within 1 and 2 hour post training were done on 23 studies with 525 subjects
Results?
- .2 increase in protein timing on hypertrophy and a 1.7 vs 1.3 increase when dosed post-workout compared to 2 hours post workout Protein timing on muscle hypertrophy is very minimal
- Novice lifters may show increased benefits waiting upward to several hours post-workout while serious lifters may have a very small benefits when consuming protein ASAP post-workout.
When are Carbs and Protein VERY Important Post-workout?
Carbs:
- During leg Training + HIIT Cardio or doing a 2-3 hour intense workout session
Protein:
-Resistance Training in a fasted state (no meal consumed at least 3-4 hours prior)
When are Carbs and Protein of lesser importance Post-workout?
Carbs:
- 1-2 hour training session after a pre-workout meal (Small or mixed 2-3 hours prior to session)
Protein:
- Training after a meal composed of 20-40g Protein at least 1-2 hours prior to a workout in a fed state.
Overall Cliffs:
- Nutrient Timing can be beneficial but window of opportunity is not as big as believed
- Provided protein rich meal 3-4 hours prior to training, there is no stress about immediate post-workout protein supplement or meal
- Consume .4-.5g/kg of LBM in a pre/post workout exercise window spaced 4-6 hours depending on meal size.
- Post workout carb intake does not meaningful increase aabolicsm unless doing a 2 a day workout session involving same muscle groups. Glycogen is not a limting factor if you can consume enough Carbohydrates daily in the 24 hour period.