Dr. Mike introduces the topic of choosing between bulking, maintaining, or cutting phases.

• Poses the question of selecting the right dietary phase for muscle gain and fat loss.
• Emphasizes the importance of timing diet phases with training for the best results.

The muscle gain phase is analyzed, detailing its goals, costs, and prerequisites.

• The goal is muscle gain which may come with some temporary fat and increased training fatigue.
• Requires a good body image and low training fatigue to start.
• Recommended duration is between 12 to 20 weeks.

The maintenance phase is highlighted for its recovery benefits and distinct objectives.

• Aim is to recover from diet and training fatigue to prepare for subsequent phases.
• No significant body changes occur, and it's recommended to last 2 to 12 weeks.
• Requires some level of fatigue from previous phases to be beneficial.

The fat loss phase is dissected, explaining its purpose, challenges, and ideal starting point.

• Targets fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.
• Increases diet and training fatigue, and is best started with low levels of both.
• Ideally pursued for 8 to 12 weeks under uninterrupted conditions.

Guidance is provided on how to select the dietary phase that aligns with personal goals and readiness.

• Choose based on which phase's goal appeals most and if the conditions are met.
• Consider personal circumstances and readiness for the chosen dietary phase.
• Uses examples to illustrate how to make the right choice.