I suppose I would say I am “adjusting” to the new norm. We’ve continued one heavy carb day a week on my heaviest lift for glutes and hamstrings.
Cardio increased from 25 min to 30 min at a higher incline but slower speed (10% / 3.0). This doesn’t seem like much of a difference but I am feeling it.
I was able to catch finals at Muscle Contest’s Fit World Show which is exactly what I needed to get me through the next 4 weeks. I am tired but I am motivated to bring my best. Again, I highly recommend attending shows to experience the flow, environment, posing, the difference between pre-judging and finals, etc. If you want to compete, this should be step one.
As of Monday, my weight was back to 130.8 which is slightly above my lowest weigh-in. My body continues to look leaner. My hip bones are more pronounced; 6 pack is out and glutes are firmer.
I did another posing lesson with Tamara and added my hair extensions to our dress rehearsal. It’s starting to feel so real. I am so happy of my progress. It feels so good to see myself walk confidently and pose with a genuine smile. I recognize that it takes time to get fully dolled up but I do highly recommend coming to posing lessons as “complete” as possible. It truly helped build my confidence and allowed me to channel the woman I want people to see.
Posing lesson 3/21/22
On 3/21, we dropped carbs another 25 grams. The first few days were hard but it got easier. This combined with the increased cardio really affected my energy. I am most productive in the morning (regardless if my workout is first thing or at lunch) and lose all steam by afternoon.
By Wednesday, 3/23 I had dropped to my lowest weight of 128.8 and remained in the 129 range for the rest of the week.
My workouts are now 3 hours because I am doing all of my to-do’s at once. I know for sure this isn’t how an IFBB pro would schedule their day but this is what is working for me. I start with lifting (1 hour or 1.25 hours), cardio at 30 minutes, abs and then 20 min of posing. It’s a long stretch and I’m starting to require snacks on the treadmill. (P.S. I don’t do fasted cardio “yet.” Not sure if it’s coming...)
Training was more difficult in the beginning of the week as I adjusted to lower carbs. Thursday was my best day and I could truly feel the energy from the prior day's carb loading. I felt amazing. Austin (my coach) makes adjustments depending on my strength and energy. We typically reduce reps to maintain the same weight.
The biggest change since reducing carbs is that I used to log food as I go however I now plan out my meals for most of the day to ensure I don’t exceed macros. If you were eating the same thing every day with no variation this wouldn’t be necessary however I require variety. I eat mostly the same things but do change up proteins and veggies.
I would also like to write about what I’m eating as I see other competitors’ diets and wonder if I’m doing it wrong. I’ve never been told exactly what to eat but follow my macros. My body has responded really well to Nic Durso's magical distribution of fats, carbs and protein. I see a lot of competitors eating white fish and asparagus as an example but I haven't been. One of my main staples the past few weeks has been English muffins. I have at least 2 a day and they are something I look forward to eating. I’ve also added MuscleEgg in as a meal because I’m so over chicken, beef, turkey and pork.
Here's a typical day from MyFitnessPal :
1650 calories dictated by macros
Nic always emphasized eating what you want your body to get used to and this is what I’ve followed for months. I’m certain my next prep will look differently but I choose to exercise grace when it comes to having a perfect diet. I’m working to eat as best as I can but my best today will likely look very different my next prep. I anticipate every prep will become more strict as we dial it in but hey, maybe I will be wrong!
Some people may call me out for my diet but I want provide transparency throughout my journey. I want you to know these are the results I had eating x, y and z. It’s important to remember that everyone's’ body is different so what works for me may not be the best for you and vice versa. This is why I don't provide my specific macros. I guarantee that yours are different so there is no reason to compare. It doesn’t make anyone wrong. No one is superior. I also think it’s important to see a first-time competitor experience versus a pro or someone who has been competing for years. I want you to know that I haven’t been 100% perfect but strive to be as good as I can. I have remained disciplined but make exceptions. For example, I took my son to Flower Child and had dinner on Friday night. I didn’t weigh everything but have a good eye at this point and ate within my macros. I also ate a 1/3 of his cookie. I took a bite and I couldn’t stop. I knew I shouldn’t but I did it. I could have chosen to make myself feel bad but instead I logged the cookie in MyFitnessPal and that was the end of it.
I am an “all or nothing” personality however prep is already the most difficult thing I’ve done to date. Being hungry and not being able to eat the food you want is torturous. I believe the goal should be 'as best as you can' versus being as 'extreme as possible.' My prep is going to look different than yours and that is okay. You may be far more disciplined or maybe make more exceptions. For me, extreme is not sustainable at this point and perhaps may never be. I honestly cannot say at this point in the journey.
There is 100% a correlation between hormones and cravings, ladies. The 'need for chocolate' has become quite intense this week. I suspect this is why I couldn't resist the cookie on Friday night. I do commend myself though for buying the best donuts around the past several weeks and not taking a bite. These are the small victories and why I choose not to shame myself when I slip up.
Here are the things that I want to eat post-show:
- Pizza
- Cookies
- Cake
- Delicious restaurant bread
- Fruit
- Fried chicken sandwich
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Ab Check Friday, 3/25/22
Well guys, it’s getting real because right before I published this, Nic changed my macros again. Tomorrow kicks off a reduction in carbs by another 25 grams (goodbye second English muffin of the day!) and -20 grams of fat. I guess I spoke too soon on the white fish and asparagus. Hahahaha! The macro puzzle definitely just graduated to the next level. I guess I'll be spending the rest of the day figuring out what I can eat. This week is going to be fun….
Up next: Did she survive week 4?
XOXO,
Bicep Blonde