The writer chose to compare and contrast the diets and supplemental schedules of two bodybuilders (Arnold Schwartzenegger and Jay Cutler) and two long-distance runners (Ryan Hall and Hal Higdon). The diet of Arnold is similar to that of Jay, as both have comparable nutritional needs. They both consume protein-rich meals, but Jay eats ten meals a day while Arnold only consumes six meals. Each meal contains about 50g of proteins derived from meat sources such as beef, fish, and chicken. Moreover, both diets contain 40% protein, 45% carbohydrates, and 15% fats. However, while Jay consumes an average of eight eggs daily, Arnold does not eat more than three eggs a day. Jay also takes carbohydrates before workouts and consumes energy-rich foods immediately after exercising.
With regard to the long-distance runners, Hal’s daily diet comprises carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the ratio of 5:3:2. In contrast, Ryan takes calorie-rich meals daily consisting of carbohydrates and proteins in the ratio of 4:1. However, they both consume an average of five light meals a day and take about three gallons of water during workouts. Besides carbohydrates and proteins, their diets contain electrolytes and vitamins.
The obvious difference between the two diets (aerobic and bodybuilder diets) is that the marathoners’ calorie (carbohydrate) intake is high, as they need more energy for endurance training. In contrast, bodybuilders take high amounts of proteins to build up their muscles. On average, the ratio of protein to carbohydrate consumption is 4:5 for a bodybuilder and 5:3 for an aerobic athlete. The only similarity between the two diets is that both consume about six meals a day to maintain optimal blood glucose levels.