Carlos Thomas Jr. is inching toward his big return. On February 20, 2025, he broke down his protein requirements and best sources less than two weeks before competing at the 2025 Arnold Classic.
Mass monster Carlos Thomas Jr. has only competed in one IFBB Pro show, but he made it count. In 2023, he pushed Hunter Labrada and winner Andrew Jacked at the Texas Pro, solidifying his position as a top-tier talent in the Men’s Open class.
He’s been battling ulcerative colitis and took the entire 2024 bodybuilding season off to rectify the issue and improve his physique. Now, he intends to return at the 2025 Arnold Classic, where he’ll face off with stars of the Open division including reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda, former champions Derek Lunsford and Brandon Curry as well as other threats.
Fueling his physique remains a primary concern so he walked fans through his approach to protein both in the off-season and during contest prep, which you can find below.
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Carlos Thomas Jr. Reveals Best Protein Sources & Intake for ‘Putting on Quality Muscle’
In a recent YouTube video, Carlos Thomas Jr. discussed how his protein requirements differ from the off-season to contest prep.
“Currently I’m in my dieting phase getting ready for the Arnold Classic so my protein requirements are a little bit different and they vary from my off-season.”
He believes finding the right protein requirements is crucial for sustained gains. As for his best protein sources, he listed meats, red meats, eggs, egg whites, chicken, fish, yogurt, dairy, and whey isolate.
“We’re going to break down how I like to approach finding the right protein requirements.
Starting off with sources, your protein sources should come from direct sources. I like to count my meats, my red meats, my eggs, egg whites, chicken, fish, even yogurt or some type of dairy if you can tolerate it.”
He prefers to stay away from dairy but does incorporate whey isolate.
“I myself try to stay away from that except if it’s a quality whey isolate. I like to do those as well. Those are going to be your main sources and mainstays of finding your protein.”
He advised individuals to maintain one gram to two and a half grams of protein per pound of lean body weight.
“From there, how do you find the right number of protein you need for yourself and your goals, such as maintaining body mass, putting on weight, putting on quality muscle. I like to aim for one gram or up to two grams or sometimes 2.5 grams of protein per lean pound of body mass.”
Above all else, he says only consume what your body can absorb properly or you’ll risk bloating and discomfort.
“What you may notice is if you’re a younger guy, you may be able to tolerate higher amounts of protein to your digestion but as we get older, we may find some discomfort and we have to adjust that to not only fit our macronutrient requirements but to also fit the requirements of our digestion.”
“You can only take in what you can digest guys,” he adds. ”
Carlos Thomas Jr. has a unique opportunity in front of him. If he does push or defeat these juggernauts of the Open category, he’ll be in a prime position to pull off some big upsets at the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Should he claim gold in Ohio, he’ll earn a massive $500,000 cash prize. Don’t miss the 2025 Arnold Classic when the show returns from February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
To watch the full video, click the link below:
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