On July 13, 2024, pro Men’s Physique division bodybuilder Sadik Hadzovic published a video on his YouTube channel sharing his 2,200-calorie shredding diet for the final 10 days of prep leading up to the 2024 Chicago Pro on July 19-20, 2024.
Hadzovic revealed that this cutting diet constitutes nearly half his usual calorie consumption, prompting him to reduce his training volume by 50 percent to accommodate the drastic calorie deficit. Check out the video below:
[Related: Dr. Mike Israetel Critiques Jay Cutler’s Training During His Competitive Prime]
Sadik Hadzovic’s Grocery Haul
Here is Hadzovic’s complete shopping list:
Grapefruit
Lemons
Frozen tilapia
Chicken breast
Ground beef (93/7)
Frozen asparagus
While Hadzovic prefers fresh produce, his busy schedule prevents daily grocery shopping. Therefore, he opts for frozen vegetables, as the freezing process preserves the phytonutrients.
Meal One
Grapefruit or Oatmeal
In the final week of the prep, Hadzovic will replace oatmeal with grapefruit for his breakfast.
At 10 days out, Hadzovic drinks two gallons of water daily, enhanced with lemon for flavor. He avoids BCAAs, EAAs, or hydration formulas due to their artificial sweeteners.
Meal Two
Chicken breast — Seven ounces
Rice — Eight ounces
Hadzovic ate the second meal after training. Recognizing his body’s need for additional carbohydrates and fats, he negotiated with his nutritionist to add three more ounces of white rice to his post-workout meal to add more fullness and pop to his muscles.
During the final stretch of a prep, Hadzovic only uses sea salt and lemon to season his food, aiming to minimize water retention. The sole exception is Stevia, which he uses in his morning oatmeal.
Meal Three
Ground beef — Seven ounces
Asparagus — 110 grams
Rice — Five ounces
Hadzovic added three extra ounces of red meat over his prescribed intake to increase his fat consumption. Consuming healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can elevate HDL levels, the “good” cholesterol. This, in turn, can stimulate growth hormone production, promoting the utilization of amino acids — the fundamental building blocks of protein essential for muscle tissue development.
Hadzovic uses asparagus for its diuretic effects. It increases urine output, contributing to muscle definition. Asparagus mainly comprises fibrous carbs that support gut health and enhance satiety. They can also be helpful for blood sugar management, cholesterol reduction, and weight control.
Meal Four
Tilapia — Seven ounces
Rice — Five ounces
Meal Five (Cheat Meal)
Chicken Hibachi
White rice
Salad
Salmon sashimi — Six pieces
Hadzovic ate this ‘clean refeed meal’ at a restaurant, opting for dishes with minimal added oils and seasonings. He did not factor this meal into his 2,200-calorie daily goal.
Meal Six
Chicken breast — Seven ounces
Asparagus — Four ounces
Almond butter — 16 grams
Way Forward
Hadzovic ranked sixth in the Men’s Physique division at the 2024 Chicago Pro. He must win a pro show before the Sept. 15 deadline to qualify for the 2024 Olympia, which is scheduled for Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV.
Despite qualifying for the 2022 Olympia in the Men’s Physique division, Hadzovic withdrew from the competition one week prior. Per NPC News Online, Hadzovic last competed at the 2022 New York Pro, finishing third.
More Bodybuilding Content
Derek Lunsford Tackles a Punishing Back Workout as He Begins His 2024 Olympia Prep
Why 4X Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler’s Shoulder Training Prioritizes Joint Health at Age 50
The Chest Workout “Trick” Chris Bumstead Is Using To Win the 2024 Olympia
Featured image: @sadikhadzovic on Instagram
The post Sadik Hadzovic’s 2,200-Calorie Shredding Diet That Led To His 6th-Place Finish at the 2024 Chicago Pro appeared first on BarBend.