‘Beef’ Stuart Sutherland is a breakout bodybuilding star from the 2023 season currently eying his next string of contests. In a recent IFBB AMA YouTube video, Sutherland offered a glimpse into his eight-meal 500-gram protein diet and announced his plans to compete at the 2024 New York Pro, Musclecontest California State Pro, and Toronto Pro Supershow.
As a Men’s Open newcomer, it didn’t take long for Sutherland to assert his name among the best of his category. In 2023, Sutherland’s dry conditioning and detailed back nearly won him gold at Steve Weinberger’s New York Pro. Still, he was denied in second place by Tonio Burton, who proved himself as the champion with Dexter Jackson-like muscle volume.
Embracing the momentum he gathered on the East Coast, ‘Beef’ Stu brought his talents to the 2023 California State Pro. Even though he wasn’t able to claim gold, Stu impressed in fourth place behind Sergio Olvia Jr., Tonio Burton, and champion, Ross Flanigan.
Taking extra time to add quality muscle in the off-season, ‘Beef’ Stu intends to make another statement on the horizon. He elaborated on his protein demands and imminent competition plans for 2024 below.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
‘Beef’ Stu Sutherland Talks Protein Diet, Announces 2024 Competition Plans for New York, California, and Toronto
Without a job holding him back, Stuart Sutherland revealed he will be preparing for three contests in 2024, which include the New York Pro, Musclecontest California State Pro, and the Toronto Pro Supershow in Canada. In addition, Stu hinted that he might attempt a few European shows.
“This year, like you said, I don’t have a job to stick – you know to come back to. So, I’m going to do the three – I’m going to do New York, California, and Toronto which I’m sure are like one or two weeks apart.
And I’m trying to figure out if I can go and do some European shows after that. There’s the Spain show and the Italy show next weekend after Toronto.”
As for Sutherland’s physique goals, he intends to improve his overall conditioning levels as he is less concerned with losing size throughout a given contest prep.
“I put on a lot of tissue in the recent past before I got ready for shows. We were concerned about me getting too flat and too stringy for too long. So, like on average, like once a week he would have me go to a big re-feed like a big sushi meal right? It worked pretty well for me.
I didn’t really lose any tissue throughout both of those preps but it also didn’t allow me to push down as hard and get to that next level of conditioning that I needed because I was worried about losing tissue. This year I’m not as worried about it because I’ve had the muscle on me longer. I’m not as worried about it falling off when I push as hard.”
‘Beef’ Stu revealed his protein intake stands at around 450-500 grams per day, spread across eight feedings, comprising 9-12 ounces of meat at each helping.
“No [not 9 feedings a day]. I actually have like five solid meals and then I have pre, intra, and post-workout shakes. I guess you could call each one of those shakes a feeding depending on how you want to look at it. Blu is also really big on workout nutrition. I’m probably taking in 230-250 grams of carbs right now between pre, intra, and post.”
“It’s anywhere with Blu it’s anywhere from like 9 up to 12 [ounces] typically for protein portions. That works out to like 450 grams to 500 something like that. He kind of takes after Hany. He worked with Hany for a long time, Hany is a high-protein guy. Chad, he’s also a huge fan of Chad [Nicholls].”
To retain enough size as a Men’s Open Pro, Stu admits to force-feeding himself, adding that he has ‘zero appetite.’
“There’s a couple of reasons why people don’t like high protein because it’s really fucking hard to eat 11 ounces of chicken breast, however many times a day. It sucks. It absolutely sucks. I have like zero appetite. I’m constantly forcing meals down with water, washing it down. I’ve been doing that for long it’s normal, it’s not that bad anymore,” said Stu Sutherland.
Given the level of conditioning and detail Stu has brought to shows in the past, fans couldn’t be more excited to see him back on stage. From dietary measures to intense training efforts, ‘Beef’ Stu has left no stone unturned as he sets his sights on the future.
Should Stu Sutherland secure a Pro show victory, he will have the opportunity to test himself at his first Mr. Olympia event. The organization will celebrate its 60th anniversary in Las Vegas, Nevada for 2024 Mr. Olympia inside the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 10-13.
RELATED: Fouad Abiad & Stu Sutherland Talk 2023 New York Pro and Hassan Mostafa’s Potential