Professional female bodybuilder Rene Campbell has 10% body fat, which by ordinary human standards is phenomenal.
But Campbell wants to get it down to 3% ahead of a show, and that requires some serious sacrifices.
"The food I eat and the way I eat is purely functional. You need to know exactly how many calories you are eating in a day. I see my meal times as fuel times."
So, what are judges looking for during a competition? "They want to see presentation, condition, fat percentage - is your vascularity coming through and they are looking for symmetry," she says in the video produced by Munchies
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What's pretty inspirational is that Campbell didn't take to bodybuilding until she was 32 - an age at which most people think it's too late to try new, intensive training.
"I went from someone who was 8-stone to someone who is 14-stone. I consume about 4,500 calories but that will go up depending on what gains I want to get."
There is a high price to pay for such body perfection though. She sometimes doesn't see family and friends at birthdays or holidays because she might be training for a show, and her love life suffers because she dedicates so much time to the gym.
Even on an off season she trains six days a week.
She does something called the 'big cook' when she cooks what she needs for two weeks. this can include five cabbages (lots of fibre, keeps you, ahem, regular) and 10 kilograms of chicken breasts. She also goes through five kilograms of rice and 150 eggs in a week. She uses egg whites - good source of protein - not the yolk.
"It does get boring but I see it as fuel."
Campbell has to see it as fuel because when she prepares her cabbage, chicken and rice, she whizzes it up in a chicken shake and drinks it.
"It tastes like chicken soup gone wrong," she says. We can only imagine.
Rene Campbell's Bodybuilding Diet
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SEE ALSO:
Meet The Student Bodybuilders Competing To Be Crowned The UK's Fittest
Meet 'Muscle Barbie', The Teen Bodybuilder Who Never Misses A Workout
(H/T: Munchies)
Student bodybuilders
Natalya Rose, 22(01 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Newcastle UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Dental Surgery BDSHobbies: Competing is my favourite hobbie! I think it’s a nice one to have because you get to work towards it 24 hours a day! I love waking up with something to work towards! I do also love yoga and Pilates. It’s such a nice feeling being able to accomplish a move you didn't think was possible, it feels like magic! I love brisk walks I do for my cardio too, it makes me feel healthy, keeps my fitness good which is important in anyone’s life and also the feeling you get after is great.Favourite exercise: Pull upsAdditional information: I am a sponsored athlete by Newcastle University with a place on the Elite Sports squad. (credit:MASS SPC)
Jay Younger, 20(02 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Athletic - QualifiersUniversity: Heriot-Watt UniversityCourse: 2nd Year Economics and Finance MAHobbies: My hobbies include gym and cooking food with my girlfriend.Favourite exercise: Pull UpBest way to relax: Spending time with my girlfriend Paige. We like to go to the movies and eat good food!Interesting Personal Fact: My Granddad played for Liverpool and was the captain of the Scotland football team. He played in goal. (credit:MASS SPC)
Brooke Wood, 20(03 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Sheffield Hallam UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Mental Health NursingHobbies: Training in the gym and Horse ridingFavourite exercise: SquatsInteresting Personal Fact: This is my second time entering the MASS SPC and i would love to be placed in the top 3. (credit:MASS SPC)
Alice Smith, 22(04 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Bournemouth UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Psychology BscHobbies: Alongside training 5 days a week, I also love to go running. Last year I completed both Tough Mudder and the Grim Challenge and have already signed up to do the Dirty Dozen in April! I've also been a keen skier since childhood.Favourite exercise: Leg pressInteresting Personal Fact: I'm related to Russell Brand! (credit:MASS SPC)
Tom Vessey, 19(05 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Athletic - QualifiersUniversity: Bournemouth UniversityCourse: 2nd Year Accounting and Finance BAHobbies: Ever since I brought those 10 kg dumbbells off amazon I was hooked on weight training! I can still remember my mum moaning at me for leaving them in the middle of the living room all the time (she wasn't mirin’). The gym has now become an integrated part of my life and I enjoy being active and meeting new people who have similar interests. I have enjoyed playing various sports over the past years. If I had to pick my favourites it would be judo and football. Since University, I have joined a football team, and I'm competing to fight in the BUCS judo competition. I also completed Tough Mudder back in 2014, which was a great achievement for me.Favourite exercise: Curls... ShockInteresting Personal Fact: I'm good at climbing trees. (credit:MASS SPC)
Hattie Moran, 20(06 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of WestminsterCourse: 2nd Year Commercial Music Performance BMusHobbies: I'm currently studying a degree in Commercial Music Performance whilst working as a Personal Trainer. I'm a multi-instrumentalist and composer, specialising in electric guitar. Both music and fitness have played a huge part in my life and from the age of 15 I have also worked as a chef, working in restaurants where correct nutrition and healthy eating is their primary focus. Despite it being a job, training is still very much an enjoyable and rewarding part of my spare time that I thoroughly enjoy. The contrast in my hobbies means that I am always kept on my toes, discovering new and exciting ways to challenge myself.Favourite exercise: Chin-UpsInteresting Personal Fact: I own 5 pairs of family guy pyjamas. (credit:MASS SPC)
Cerith Evans, 18(07 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Fresher - QualifiersUniversity: University of Wales Trinity Saint DavidCourse: 1st Year Personal Training (Health & Exercise) BScHobbies: Going to the gym, researching into nutrition and different training methods, socialising, watching films.Favourite exercise: Bench PressTraining goal: To get as big as possible with a tight small waist with big detailed legs and very large arms.Interesting Personal Fact: Back in 2011 I was a skinny 9st at 6ft 2 15 year old and decided I wanted to change, so I started to lift weights and gained 5 stone in 2 and a half years. And when I started to see results; that was me hooked. (credit:MASS SPC)
Sarah Barron, 20(08 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of NottinghamCourse: 1st year Neuroscience MSciHobbies: Besides training at the gym, i love to experiment in the kitchen and create new dishes! I'm also currently teaching myself to play the guitar. In the evenings, if I’m staying in, nothing beats a good book! Otherwise i am just spending time with my friends smile emoticonFavourite exercise: Seated cable rowInteresting Personal Fact: My knee has been reconstructed using part of my hamstring! (credit:MASS SPC)
Emelie Molin, 21(09 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Bournemouth UniversityCourse: 4th Year Psychology BSc HonsHobbies: I have always enjoyed being active and have participated in a range of sports over the years such as basketball, netball and volleyball. Since I started University, my main focus has been on weight training. I am a qualified personal trainer and have been blessed enough to work with some amazing clients that I am proud to call my friends.Favourite exercise: If I have to choose one, shoulder press!Interesting Personal Fact: I am originally from Sweden but lived in Australia for 6 years before moving to England! (credit:MASS SPC)
Sharon Shergill, 20(10 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Loughborough UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Physics and Mathematics MphysHobbies: Powerlifting where competed in my first competition with MASS in November 2014. Kickboxing, I competed in my first fight night in December 2014. Going to festivals and gigs. Spending time with friends and family. Travelling.Favourite exercise: Arnold PressInteresting Personal Fact: I am terrified of planes but decided to do a skydive which I enjoyed as I was more than happy to get out of the plane. (credit:MASS SPC)
Holly Couzens, 20(11 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of LeicesterCourse: 2nd Year Physiotherapy BscHobbies: As a country pumpkin from West Wales, I am a lover of the outdoors where I enjoy horse riding, country walks and often go surfing whenever the opportunity arrives. I have a keen interest in fitness ranging from bodybuilding to hiking!Favourite exercise: Anything that involves Interesting Personal Fact: As random as it sounds, I have really long arms. (credit:MASS SPC)
Ben Citak, 18(12 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Fresher - QualifiersUniversity: University of SalfordCourse: 1st Year Exercise, physical activity and health BScHobbies: Going to the gymFavourite exercise: DeadliftInteresting Personal Fact: Have a black belt in karate (credit:MASS SPC)
Nikita Marie-Scholes, 22(13 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Northumbria UniversityCourse: 2nd Year Sports Development with coaching BA (HONS)Hobbies: Gymnastics, gymnastics has been such a massive part of my life and i now coach and have a small development group myself which is amazing and also a challenge. im looking forward to the next few years and seeing what we can do!Favourite exercise: Weights, All of them!Interesting Personal Fact: I have dropped 3 clothes sizes since starting training in 2013. (credit:MASS SPC)
Jonathan Lai, 18(14 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Fresher - QualifiersUniversity: University of East AngliaCourse: 1st Year Medicine MBBSHobbies: I really enjoy a good day out with friends whether it be hiking or throwing the frisbee around. I also play guitar, tennis and sail in my free time. However, there's just something immensely satisfying and exciting about pulling massive weight in a deadlift or moving big weight in the gym which is why that is my main hobby.Favourite exercise: DeadliftInteresting Personal Fact: I'm the only "oriental" Asian guy in my year. I work in pounds for weight but everything else in metric. (credit:MASS SPC)
Megan Coldicott, 21(15 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: De Montfort UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Adult Nursing BScHobbies: My days are filled to the brim with health and fitness. Whether I'm studying the electrical pathways of the heart in a lecture, observing a hip replacement in theatre or going through the science behind my diet with my nutritionist, I am obsessed! The human body is an amazing thing, what better hobby is there than taking care of it?Favourite exercise: A heavy squats session!Additional information: I've lost 10kg since Christmas 2013 and I cannot believe how much of a difference lifting weights has made! (credit:MASS SPC)
Hannah Walker, 20(16 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Bournemouth UniversityCourse: 3rd Year Psychology BSc HonsHobbies: I enjoy skiing and ice skating and look forward to improving upon my ice skating skills in the near future as i aim to learn how to freestyle skate. In my down time I enjoy playing video games, both modern and retro; I would love a full collection of all of the old consoles. I occasionally partake in photo shoots for local photographers; I get a rush from being in front of the camera. A hobby that I spend a great deal of time on however is training; I thoroughly enjoy weight lifting and get a great sense of satisfaction when I get new personal bests. I train for myself and no one else.Favourite exercise: DeadliftsInteresting Personal Fact: I received a Blue Peter badge when I was 11 (credit:MASS SPC)
Chandni Ravalia, 21(17 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of WolverhamptonCourse: 2nd Year Sports Coaching Practice BScHobbies: Weight training is my main interest and is where a lot of my time is spent, alongside this I play basketball for my university team. I also enjoy my food, that is eating it! Music and dance are also an interest.Favourite exercise: T-bar rowInteresting Personal Fact: I was born in Kenya and I hate vegetables! (credit:MASS SPC)
Rosie Williams, 23(18 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: Swansea UniversityCourse: Dendroclimatology MResHobbies: Healthy baking - I've always loved baking, and since I really started taking my fitness seriously I like trying out new recipes which mean I can enjoy old favourites guilt free. My favourite recipe is my protein flapjacks.Favourite exercise: Glute thrustInteresting Personal Fact: I have three degrees and hopefully will be entering medicine this year (credit:MASS SPC)
Oliver Robey, 19(19 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Men's Fresher - QualifiersUniversity: University of BrightonCourse: 1st Year geology BscHobbies: Bodybuilding, Cycling, SwimmingFavourite exercise: bent over rowInteresting Personal Fact: I am type 1 diabetic (credit:MASS SPC)
Liberty Pullen, 19(20 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of BathCourse: 2nd Year Chemistry BSc with Year in IndustryHobbies: I guess the most obvious of course would be my health and fitness. I love to train & compete against myself on a daily basis. Aside from this my main hobbies are cooking related. I am an avid cupcake maker...despite the fact I can’t actually eat them whilst on prep I love making them and trying new combo's...my flatmates and boyfriend love this! I also love sourcing new things to add into my prep, I like to keep it varied and shake things up so that my body doesn't become used to what I eat whilst cuttingFavourite exercise: Shoulder shrugsInteresting Personal Fact: A few years back I was the only competitor in a hurdles race and all I had to do was finish to claim the title...I false started and got disqualified. That was a bad day! (credit:MASS SPC)
Serife Ustuner, 22(21 of21)
Category: 2015 MASS SPC Women's Bikini - QualifiersUniversity: University of BathCourse: 4th Year Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEngHobbies: Lifting weights for most of the time / Sprinting / Yoga / And I am a typical Cypriot who loves cooking and feeding people around her.Favourite exercise: Pull-upsInteresting Personal Fact: I am a really short girl originating from a small island. (credit:MASS SPC)