How Ditching Refined Carbs at Dinner for 3 Weeks Can Transform Your Physique

Plus, Nick Walker’s plotting a stealth attack for the 2025 Mr. Olympia crown while Arnold Schwarzenegger’s whipping up protein bars in his kitchen

Swearing off refined carbs after 3 PM sounds like a punishment reserved for people who enjoy kale too much, but a brave soul gave it a shot for three weeks. The result? His energy stabilized, bloating took a hike, and he dropped a few pounds without feeling like he was starving. It’s not all sunshine—cravings for late-night pizza hit hard, but swapping white rice for quinoa kept him full and smugly healthy. [Carb-free nights might just be my new jam.]

Nick Walker’s got big dreams and bigger biceps, predicting a top-three finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia if he hits his “true best.” He’s also throwing shade at commentator Bob Cicherillo’s jab about his “H” frame, insisting his physique’s ready to dominate. The bodybuilding world’s buzzing—can he back up the bravado after a rocky 2024? Confidence isn’t lacking, but the stage will tell the tale. [Walker’s betting on himself to flex past the haters.]

Bodybuilding legend Rich Gaspari pulled back the curtain on elite lifters’ gear habits, and it’s a messy scene. He says many abuse steroids without a clue, chasing gains at the cost of health, while a flood of counterfeit juice complicates the game. Decades in the iron trenches taught him to spot the fakes—today’s pros, not so much. Knowledge, not just needles, builds a champ, he argues. [Fake roids: the ultimate pump fake.]

The bodybuilding community mourns Jodi Vance, a 20-year-old talent gone too soon. A chilling 911 call revealed she was “throwing up all morning” before her death, a stark reminder of the fragility beneath the strength. Details are scarce, but her loss echoes deeply among fans and peers. Her passion for the sport won’t be forgotten. [Rest in peace, Jodi.]

Dave Richardson’s latest bench press PR attempt ended in nightmare fuel—a full-arm fracture that’ll haunt your gym dreams. The powerlifting vet was mid-lift when his arm gave way, snapping under the weight in a gruesome fashion. He’s down but not out, facing a long recovery with the grit that got him under the bar in the first place. [That’s one way to bench your ego.]

Chris Bumstead thinks Classic Physique is stealing Men’s Open thunder, but Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev aren’t buying it. They say Open’s raw mass still reigns supreme in fan hearts, even if Classic’s aesthetic is trending hard. The debate’s heating up—two legends versus a reigning champ’s bold claim. Looks like bodybuilding’s popularity crown is still up for grabs. [Classic vs. Open: the ultimate flex-off.]

Olivier Richters, aka ‘The Dutch Giant,’ spilled the beans on how he built his towering frame. His old-school training splits piled on mass, and now he’s crushing back and biceps with workouts that’d humble a forklift. At 7’2” and shredded, he’s proof size and strength can coexist. Eat big, lift big—simple, but effective. [Dutch engineering, but for muscles.]

For 30 days, a dieter traded burgers for olives and fish, testing the Mediterranean diet’s hype. Spoiler: his waistline shrank, energy soared, and his skin’s never looked better—turns out olive oil’s a wizard. It’s not cheap, and prepping fresh meals takes effort, but the payoff’s worth it. Heart health and a beach bod? Sign me up. [Opa! My arteries say thanks.]

Glass, the Godfather of Bodybuilding, dropped a chest routine that’s pure gold for size and strength. Think heavy presses, flyes, and angles most mortals skip—decades of coaching champs distilled into one brutal session. It’s not fancy, just effective, if your pecs can handle the heat. Time to ditch the excuses and build a barrel chest. [Glass’s blueprint: pecs that pop.]

Sam Sulek turned leg day into a horror movie—except the screams were from his quads. The IFBB pro’s latest heavy session piled plates high, chasing a pump that’d make tree trunks jealous. Intensity’s his game, and this workout’s a masterclass in grit. Legs like that don’t grow on trees—they’re forged. [Sulek’s quads called—they want a rematch.]

Arnold’s back, not with a movie, but with a homemade protein bar recipe that’s all muscle, no junk. Oats, protein powder, and a touch of honey make a snack that fuels gains without the sugar crash. It’s simple, cheap, and straight from the Terminator’s playbook. Who needs store-bought when the GOAT’s got your back? [Arnold’s bars: Hasta la vista, cravings.]

A physical therapist broke down how resistance bands can keep joint pain at bay—spoiler: they’re gentler than dumbbells but still pack a punch. Proper form and slow reps build strength without the wear-and-tear of heavy iron. It’s rehab and gains in one stretchy package. Your knees might just send a thank-you note. [Bands: the joint whisperer.]

James has a game plan for Nick Walker to snag the 2025 Mr. Olympia title: surprise the field. He says Walker’s got the tools—size, symmetry, grit—but needs to catch rivals napping with a peak no one sees coming. Timing’s everything in this muscle chess match. Can Walker checkmate the champs? [Stealth mode: engaged.]

Want to know why your cheat day didn’t torch your gains? FitnessVolt’s TDEE Calculator crunches your Total Daily Energy Expenditure—factoring in age, weight, height, and activity level—to spit out the magic number of calories you burn daily. It’s stupidly simple: plug in your stats, and boom, you’ve got a roadmap for bulking, cutting, or maintaining without the guesswork. No more wondering if that extra protein shake was overkill—science has your back. [Calculate your way to gainsville.]

Nick Walker shares a 9 weeks out update📹💪

Lunch Recipe of the Day: This Wrap’s a Green Goddess Flex

Craving a lunch that’s fresh, fast, and won’t undo your gains? Grab a rotisserie chicken, shred ¾ cup, and toss it with ¼ cup diced cucumber and a creamy trio of 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp herbs (think dill or parsley). Slather this green goddess mix onto a whole-wheat tortilla, pile on some spinach, and roll it tight. It’s a 10-minute protein-packed win that tastes like spa day vibes—cucumber crunch included.

The Strength Bulletin

  • Check out who crushed it at the 2025 San Diego Championships with the latest results and scorecard. [See the champs flex their glory.]

  • IFBB Pro Kyle Kirvay hoisted an insane 800-lb squat for six reps at the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival—beast mode activated! [Witness the iron titan.]

  • The 2025 CrossFit Open Workout 25.2 just dropped, and it’s a sweat-soaked challenge you’ll want to tackle. [Get ready to grind.]

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