Ex Army Corporal Becomes Scotland’s Top Bodybuilder

Stuart Bateson transformed himself into Scotland’s top bodybuilder by scoffing SIX packs of turkey a day.

The former army corporal devoured the high protein food constantly for four months before securing the Mr Scotland title in Glenrothes.

The 40-year-old muscleman also put in punishing three-hour sessions in the gym every day to sculpt the perfect physique.

Since leaving the Army two years ago, Stuart missed the regimented way of life and planned his route to the title with military precision.

The dad-of-two, from Dumbarton, said: “It was 16 weeks of solid dieting and training.

“I cooked all my meals the night before and took them everywhere I went because I had to eat every three hours.

“It wasn’t much fun, especially when the wife and kids are munching a McDonald’s and I’m sitting there eating rice and turkey – with no sauce.

“I was basically living on turkey. I needed to take in 400g of protein per day so I would have six packets of turkey to give me 360 and then top it up with a protein shake.

“I would also have oats in the morning and rice cakes but I weighed everything so I knew exactly how many calories and grammes of protein and carbs I was taking in every day.

“You can get a wee bit grumpy living like that and my wife put up with a lot, but she supported me all the way.

“It is pretty hard going but I think that the discipline I learned in the Army helped me stick with it.”

Some of Stuart’s mates from Marinecraft Gym in Dumbarton cheered him on at the bodybuilding contest, along with his wife Paula and kids Mia, 14, and Alex, seven.

After his win, Stuart had a special celebration. He revealed: “I treated myself to a chicken korma.

“I allowed myself two days’ break but now I’m back on the diet and training again for the British title event in Southport on June 2.”