Sadik Hadzovic, a seasoned Men’s Physique class competitor, is gearing up for his next big showdown at the 2024 Tampa Pro. With the competition just days away, Sadik Hadzovic has pulled back the curtain on his strict diet regimen, revealing how he’s cutting down to a mere 1,800 calories per day to achieve a razor-sharp physique with single-digit body fat.
Known for his fierce rivalry with four-time Olympia champion Jeremy Buendia, Hadzovic is no stranger to the demands of high-level competition. Despite falling short of Olympia gold, his impressive runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2015 solidified his place as one of the sport’s top contenders.
Now, after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the 2024 Chicago Pro—a result he described as a ‘catastrophic miscalculation’—Sadik Hadzovic is on a mission for redemption, with his eyes firmly set on the Tampa Pro this weekend.
The Challenge of Cutting Calories for Competition
In preparation for the Tampa Pro, Hadzovic has significantly adjusted his diet, dropping his daily intake to 1,800 calories.
This drastic reduction is part of his strategy to bring his body fat down to a meager percentage, allowing him to showcase the kind of conditioning that could secure him a victory and a ticket to the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
At 206 pounds and approximately three percent body fat, Sadik Hadzovic’s current physique is a testament to the grueling demands of bodybuilding at the highest level.
Related: Sadik Hadzovic Diet Plan and Workout Routine
A Detailed Look at Sadik Hadzovic’s 1,800-Calorie Full Day of Eating
Meal 1: Grapefruit and Chicken Breast
Sadik Hadzovic kicks off his day with a breakfast that’s as simple as it is effective: six ounces of grapefruit and seven ounces of chicken breast. While it might not sound like the most exciting meal, it’s designed to fuel his morning without adding unnecessary calories.
“Meal one was pretty freakin boring. We did that at 6 a.m. It was six ounces of grapefruit and seven ounces of chicken breast. Very whack for breakfast,” Hadzovic admits, acknowledging the monotony but understanding its purpose in his meticulously planned diet.
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Meal 2: Jasmine Rice, Chicken Breast, and Salt
The second meal of the day is Sadik Hadzovic’s only real source of carbohydrates, consisting of six ounces of jasmine rice, seven ounces of chicken breast, and a pinch of salt. For someone on such a low-calorie diet, this meal is a moment to savor.
“We’re starting with the best meal. This is the only meal I have with real carbohydrates. I’m going to eat this meal as slow as I can because as the day progresses, I’m only going to have carb sources coming from asparagus,” Hadzovic says, highlighting the importance of pacing himself to maximize the satisfaction of this carb-laden dish.
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Meal 3: Ground Lean Beef and Asparagus
For his third meal, Sadik Hadzovic opts for seven ounces of ground lean beef paired with three ounces of asparagus.
This meal, rich in protein and fiber, is designed to support muscle retention while keeping calories low. Due to his travel schedule, beef replaced his usual choices of chicken or white fish.
“This preparation I’m eating more fish than chicken. Fish has less calories, very high in protein. I’m trying to keep my weight down,” Hadzovic explains.
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The inclusion of beef, albeit temporary, reflects the flexibility sometimes required in a strict diet regimen, particularly when balancing travel and competition prep.
Related: Sadik Hadzovic Talks about the ‘Dark Side’ of Steroid Use
Meal 4: White Fish and Asparagus
The fourth meal continues the trend of high-protein, low-carb eating with seven ounces of white fish and three ounces of asparagus.
Sadik Hadzovic notes that this meal is designed to speed up his metabolism, helping his body burn fat more efficiently as the competition approaches.
“Meal number four, which is actually going to speed up my metabolism even more because it’s high protein, high fiber, very little carbs, virtually no carbs, and virtually no fat,” Hadzovic says, emphasizing the metabolic benefits of this combination.
Meal 5: Asparagus and Chicken Breast
By the time meal five rolls around, Sadik Hadzovic’s diet is stripped down to its bare essentials: three ounces of asparagus and seven ounces of chicken breast.
He describes this meal as a ‘tiny meal,’ yet it serves an important role in maintaining his low-calorie intake while still providing the necessary nutrients to sustain his training. “It’s a tiny meal, something to enjoy here,” says Hadzovic, acknowledging the spartan nature of his diet as he pushes towards his goal.
Meal 6: Almond Butter and White Fish
Hadzovic wraps up his day with a meal that includes 40 grams of almond butter and seven ounces of white fish. This final meal combines a small amount of healthy fats with a substantial protein source, offering a satisfying end to a day of strict eating.
After completing his cardio routine—22 minutes on the Stairmaster followed by eight minutes on the stationary bike—Sadik Hadzovic looks forward to this final meal, which provides just enough fat and protein to support his recovery and muscle maintenance.
“I could definitely eat this whole jar but I’m only allowed 40 grams of almond butter and seven ounces of white fish, and that’s it,” Hadzovic says, highlighting the discipline required to stick to such a restrictive diet.
The Road to Redemption at the Tampa Pro
Hadzovic’s dedication to his diet is part of a larger strategy to come in lighter and sharper at the Tampa Pro, a competition that could propel him back into the upper echelons of bodybuilding.
Not only would a victory at the Tampa Pro earn him an impressive cash prize, but it would also guarantee him a spot at the 2024 Mr. Olympia—a stage he hasn’t graced since 2017 when he finished seventh.
With his sights set on redemption and a return to the Olympia, Hadzovic’s meticulous approach to his diet is a crucial component of his game plan.
Related: Sadik Hadzovic’s Training Split: The Path to Sculpting a Superhero Physique
Conclusion
As Sadik Hadzovic prepares to step on stage at the 2024 Tampa Pro, his 1,800-calorie full day of eating serves as a testament to the discipline and precision required to compete at the highest levels of bodybuilding.
Every meal, every calorie is carefully calculated to bring him to peak condition, with single-digit body fat and a physique that’s ready to impress the judges.
While the road to redemption is never easy, Hadzovic’s unwavering commitment to his diet and training shows that he’s ready to face the challenge head-on.
All eyes will be on him this weekend as he aims to secure his place at the 2024 Mr. Olympia and prove that he still has what it takes to compete with the best in the world.