Which Diets Work Best with Various SARMs: A Comprehensive Guide

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance muscle growth, fat loss, and overall physical performance. However, SARMs alone are not a magic solution. To maximize their benefits and minimize side effects, pairing SARMs with an appropriate diet is crucial. Different SARMs target various goals like bulking, cutting, or re-composition, and the ideal diet will vary depending on which SARM you use.

In this article, we’ll explore the best dietary approaches to pair with common SARMs, highlighting how specific nutritional plans can optimize results.

1. Ostarine (MK-2866) – Best with a Re-comp Diet

Goal: Recomp (simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss)
Diet Strategy: Moderate-calorie, high-protein

Ostarine, one of the mildest SARMs, is great for re-composition, allowing users to gain muscle and burn fat simultaneously. To complement Ostarine’s effects, a re-comp diet should be well-balanced with moderate caloric intake and a high emphasis on protein.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: Aim for 1.0-1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. High-protein intake supports muscle growth and recovery.
• Carbohydrates: Opt for complex carbs such as whole grains, brown rice, and oats. They provide sustained energy during workouts.
• Fats: Healthy fats, like those from avocados, nuts, and olive oil, should make up about 20-25% of your daily intake to support hormonal function.
• Caloric Intake: Eat around maintenance calories or slightly above. Aim to fine-tune your intake based on body fat percentage and physical activity.

2. Ligandrol (LGD-4033) – Best with a Bulking Diet

Goal: Bulking (muscle gain)
Diet Strategy: High-calorie, high-protein, moderate-carb

Ligandrol is a potent SARM for bulking phases, promoting significant muscle mass increases when paired with proper nutrition. It’s critical to focus on a calorie surplus to fuel muscle growth.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: Aim for 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight to maximize muscle synthesis.
• Carbohydrates: Carbs should be abundant, particularly around workouts. Complex carbs and simple carbs post-workout will replenish glycogen stores and fuel muscle growth.
• Fats: Include healthy fats to support joint health and recovery. Focus on omega-3-rich sources like fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.
• Caloric Intake: Eat at a surplus, typically 300-500 calories above your maintenance level to ensure you’re in an anabolic state.

3. Cardarine (GW-501516) – Best with a Cutting Diet

Goal: Cutting (fat loss)
Diet Strategy: Caloric deficit, high-protein, low-moderate carbs

Cardarine isn’t technically a SARM, but it’s often grouped with them due to its popularity in fat loss cycles. It improves endurance and promotes fat loss without muscle depletion, making it ideal for cutting phases. A caloric deficit combined with adequate protein is key to shedding fat while preserving muscle mass.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. This will prevent muscle breakdown during a deficit.
• Carbohydrates: Keep carbohydrates moderate to low, focusing on fibrous veggies, whole grains, and some fruit. Carbs should be timed strategically around workouts for optimal performance.
• Fats: Include healthy fats, around 20-25% of your daily intake. Fats support metabolic function during a cut.
• Caloric Intake: Maintain a 300-500 calorie deficit to promote fat loss. Avoid going too low, which may lead to muscle loss.

4. Andarine (S4) – Best with a Re-comp or Cutting Diet

Goal: Cutting or re-composition
Diet Strategy: Caloric deficit, high-protein, moderate fats, low carbs

Andarine is highly effective during cutting and re-composition phases, known for its ability to improve muscle definition and reduce body fat. For users looking to maintain muscle mass while cutting fat, a diet lower in carbohydrates but high in protein is essential.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Andarine will help retain lean muscle mass during a deficit.
• Carbohydrates: Keep carbs moderate to low, focusing on complex carbs like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Fats: Include healthy fats to aid in recovery and hormonal health.
• Caloric Intake: For a cutting phase, aim for a 200-400 calorie deficit. If re-comping, keep calories closer to maintenance.

5. RAD-140 (Testolone) – Best with a Bulking or Re-comp Diet

Goal: Bulking or Re-comp
Diet Strategy: Moderate-to-high calorie, high-protein, balanced macros

RAD-140 is one of the strongest SARMs, promoting significant muscle mass and strength gains. It can be used for bulking or re-composition, depending on diet and training intensity.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: At least 1.2-1.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight to capitalize on RAD-140’s muscle-building potential.
• Carbohydrates: Keep carbs moderate to high, especially around workouts. Choose slow-digesting carbs throughout the day and simple carbs post-workout.
• Fats: Include fats from healthy sources to support joint health and recovery.
• Caloric Intake: For bulking, aim for a surplus of 300-500 calories. For re-composition, eat at maintenance or slightly above.

6. YK-11 – Best with a Bulking Diet

Goal: Bulking (extreme muscle growth)
Diet Strategy: High-calorie, high-protein

YK-11 acts similarly to a myostatin inhibitor, promoting rapid muscle growth. To maximize its muscle-building effects, a high-calorie diet with a surplus is crucial.

Diet Recommendations:

• Protein: Aim for 1.4-1.6 grams of protein per pound of body weight. YK-11 can yield extreme muscle gains, and ample protein intake is vital.
• Carbohydrates: Emphasize high-carb intake to fuel intense training sessions and support growth.
• Fats: Include plenty of healthy fats for overall health and hormonal support.
• Caloric Intake: Aim for a surplus of 400-600 calories above maintenance to ensure the anabolic process is fully supported.

Key Takeaways

• Protein intake: Across the board, high protein is essential to support muscle growth and recovery when using SARMs.
• Carbohydrates and fats: Adjust according to your goal (cutting, bulking, or re-comp). Carbs fuel workouts and recovery, while fats support hormone production and overall health.
• Caloric intake: Bulking requires a surplus, cutting requires a deficit, and re-comping typically needs maintenance-level calories.

By pairing the right diet with the right SARM, you can maximize your gains, reduce body fat, and achieve the desired physique more efficiently. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or SARM cycle to ensure it aligns with your health goals and needs.