The last 2 weeks I have been on a "moderate prep". I wanted to ease myself into the strict diet so that I do not burn out halfway through. Since I started last Monday, I am down 7 pounds. Sounds like a lot, but it is basically all "water weight" since I spent the few weeks prior to that "bulking". In just a short 2 weeks I have seen a significant difference in my definition already and it is getting me very excited for what I might be able to achieve this time around.
I have decided that I will weigh myself once a week, just to keep track, but will not look to deeply into the numbers. I realized, from last time, that the weight will come off. Progress will happen, however little it does, and will result in a great change. I don't plan on taking body fat measurements because there are too many variables that can alter those numbers. I'm not even sure I will be taking progress pictures. I know that last time that was the only thing that kept me motivated, but I think this time it might make me more nervous. I want to make this more of a lifestyle then a 12 week challenge so to keep measuring changes might make me anxious, especially if they don't happen like I hope. Last time I FELT the changes and that in itself is one of the best motivators. I know that when I work hard it will pay off and that eating the way I need to will make me FEEL so much better. That for me is going to keep me focused, how well I felt with the foods we were eating.
I also hope that because I will be in the process of moving back home to Vermont and finding new work that I will be kept busy enough that I won't even notice hunger. I'm pretty sure that most of my problem the last time was that because it was winter, and I had no outside of the gym obligations, that I was always thinking about food and sitting around waiting until my next meal. Summer time there are more things to do outside, my workouts can go outside, and I will again be keeping busy with the move. Being around my family is always a motivator because I love to help them promote healthy choices and lifestyle and for me the best way to do that is to be a good role model. I also see the move equally as a challenge. I will have to make sure I stay on top of food prep, to make sure all of my food is ready when I need it. Or I will have to recruit family members to do some cooking and preparing for me.
I have a slightly different approach to my plan for this prep. I know from last time what changes I need to make. Workouts will be more fat burning based instead of muscle maintenance and diet will be a little more lax since I am starting leaner for this prep than I did for the last one. I'm excited to start prep again. As difficult as it was, there was something rejuvenating about it. Digging down as deep as you could to pull out your inner warrior and test it in a battle against yourself.
I'm lucky enough that one of the ladies that did the show with me last time is up for another challenge. It will be difficult though because for the second half of prep we will be living 350 miles apart. If anyone else is interested in joining me for this experience, I would love to have someone in Vermont to keep me accountable!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
I'm Back!!!!
Its been about 6 weeks since I've updated my status so there's a few things to catch up on.
I've been in my "off season" since I finished the second show in April. This essentially means I've been working on gaining muscle, which obviously results in weight gain. Most people give themselves a restriction on how much weight they can gain on the off season..... I did not. I know myself well enough now that my body likes to maintain a certain weight, usually with no extensive effort on my part. I stuck with mostly healthy foods, but definitely got my share of other types of foods as well. What I've determined from reintroducing "off limit" foods back into my diet is that I either made myself very sensitive to certain foods, or I was sensitive to these foods before and was just used to the symptoms they gave me because I dealt with them daily. Although I missed eating my "prep" type foods and meals, I wanted to give myself a break from meal preparation and having such a strict eating schedule. I came off basically all of the supplements I was taking during prep like CLA and L-carnatine, but still am taking creatine and using protein powder.
The last 8 weeks I've been arguing with myself the pros and cons of doing competitions. I know I want to do another show, but am I willing to commit that much time and effort again. It was completely mentally, emotionally, and physically draining, but there was something invigorating about testing your limits to that extreme. The results were pretty cool too. I think that because the previous shows were my first attempt ever, I didn't have a coach to help me with anything, and I was also coaching the other ladies it was too much for me to actually enjoy the experience.
Also, I just found out a few days ago that my husband and I will be moving....again, however this time it is to a place I know I will enjoy. I'M MOVING HOME! That's right, we're headed back to Vermont!!! It is a bittersweet move though. Over the last 2 years I have made some wonderful friends and have had the most amazing job ever so it will definitely be difficult to leave.
So, with all that being said, I am aiming for my next show to be September 13th in Lexington MA (just north of Boston). This means that prep started Monday. I have reevaluated and redeveloped my competition prep program to allow more variation in food types, less heavy weight lifting and more plyometrics/cardio, and made sure I have a positive outlook on this experience by putting less pressure on myself. I've definitely picked a challenging time to partake in a competition prep with a long distance move, trying to find a new place of employment, and all the social gatherings of summer but I am up for the challenge and request the support of all those I see in the next 14 weeks.
I've been in my "off season" since I finished the second show in April. This essentially means I've been working on gaining muscle, which obviously results in weight gain. Most people give themselves a restriction on how much weight they can gain on the off season..... I did not. I know myself well enough now that my body likes to maintain a certain weight, usually with no extensive effort on my part. I stuck with mostly healthy foods, but definitely got my share of other types of foods as well. What I've determined from reintroducing "off limit" foods back into my diet is that I either made myself very sensitive to certain foods, or I was sensitive to these foods before and was just used to the symptoms they gave me because I dealt with them daily. Although I missed eating my "prep" type foods and meals, I wanted to give myself a break from meal preparation and having such a strict eating schedule. I came off basically all of the supplements I was taking during prep like CLA and L-carnatine, but still am taking creatine and using protein powder.
The last 8 weeks I've been arguing with myself the pros and cons of doing competitions. I know I want to do another show, but am I willing to commit that much time and effort again. It was completely mentally, emotionally, and physically draining, but there was something invigorating about testing your limits to that extreme. The results were pretty cool too. I think that because the previous shows were my first attempt ever, I didn't have a coach to help me with anything, and I was also coaching the other ladies it was too much for me to actually enjoy the experience.
Also, I just found out a few days ago that my husband and I will be moving....again, however this time it is to a place I know I will enjoy. I'M MOVING HOME! That's right, we're headed back to Vermont!!! It is a bittersweet move though. Over the last 2 years I have made some wonderful friends and have had the most amazing job ever so it will definitely be difficult to leave.
So, with all that being said, I am aiming for my next show to be September 13th in Lexington MA (just north of Boston). This means that prep started Monday. I have reevaluated and redeveloped my competition prep program to allow more variation in food types, less heavy weight lifting and more plyometrics/cardio, and made sure I have a positive outlook on this experience by putting less pressure on myself. I've definitely picked a challenging time to partake in a competition prep with a long distance move, trying to find a new place of employment, and all the social gatherings of summer but I am up for the challenge and request the support of all those I see in the next 14 weeks.
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