Complete 6 mo contest prep for beginners

[missmuscle]

Hey all you fitness gurus out there! I thought I might post for the whole 6 months from beginning to end of my prep for my very first competition. First, a little background on me:
My biggest goal in life is to enter a fitness competition. I had an eating disorder for 7 years and was a compulsive overexerciser. I am entering the biggest challenge of my life by going for this competition and I thought that not only would I be able to help some people with my mistakes and my knowledge gained from this process, but also glean a bit of team support to keep me motivated and not to give up along the way.
So far I need to work on keeping those cheats to only one small meal not the whole day. I am currently on a mass gain until July. I will post my supps and my diet here. I was taking Xenedrine for a long time, but had a very scary reaction to it 2 weeks ago and can no longer take it, so this prep is going to be even harder for me. Thanks to all who read and please post!! Comp is in Nov. and starting at 132 lbs, 14 % bf

supps: multi, vita-c, calc, glutamine (20-30g), ZMA, EFA, Magnesium

4/48/03
2/3 serving Quinoa pasta
1 ew + 2 oz grd chk + 1/8 c ff cheese + 1/2 T ff sour crm(scrambled)

whey shake w/ 1/2 T pb
1/2 cup dry oats

3 oz ground turkey cooked in tomato sauce
1 cup mixed veggies

3 oz ground chk cooked in salsa
1/2 c brown rice
1/2 T ff sour cream (all mixed together)

2 oz grd chk+1 ew+1/8 c ff chz + 1/2T ff s.crm(scrambled)
4 oz red potato

whey shake w/ 1/2 T pb
1/2 c brown rice

workout: heavy back + tris 4-5 sets 8-12 reps ; 30 min run @6.0mph

[TrishB]

Missmuscle....best of luck on your journey to the competition!!!
I look forward to watching your progress. :)

[E-Mann]

Miss Muscle

First gotta say that nickname "Miss Muscle" is one of the best around and my favorite name to say. Just rolls off the tongue.

Best Wishes To You and Your 1st competition!!!
Hope it will be the beginning of many to come!!

Was Curious,

What is the name of the competition??

And what was the reaction you got from Xenedrine?

Thanks!! God Bless!!

[cdmuscle]

Wish you all the best! My first competition was so exciting and I'm looking forward to doing another later this year or next. So look for my posting soon!

Like you, I also had a long history of weight problems, dieting, and eventually lead to an eating disorder. It was a very difficult cycle to overcome. Fortunately, bodybuilding has given me a new perspective on food and health.

God Bless.

[missmuscle]

Thanks guys! Believe me I'll need all the support I can get:)
Today I felt really good- I've been having some trouble retaining water and I'm not sure if its because I'm not on an ECA stack anymore or from some of the other supps I'm taking- I think the ZMA and my stomach don't agree so my trainer suggested that I stay off it for a few days and then take only one pill instead of two before bed. I took one ephed-free Xenedrine and felt normal- I started to feel really faint and my heart was pounding the last time I tried the reg. Xenedrine and it really scared me-

Workout: Chest-pushups/db flyes/db press/lo cable raises/db rotations/bi cable curl/olympic bar curl/conc. curl 30 min precor lvl 8 interval course

Meals:
shake + pasta(eggs didn't sound good & I was lazy)

shake+1/2 dry oats

3 oz grd turk+serv. quinoa pasta

3 oz grd chk + ew+ chz scrambled
apple + 1/2 T pb

3 oz grd turk + 1/2 br rice + ff s.crm (for texture)mixed

4 oz red potato+1 c veggies+scrmbled egg btrs+grd chk+ff chz

shake + pb
( I know too many shakes-usually 2 is my max)

[missmuscle]

E-mann:

In re: to Xenedrine reaction- I took it for years and never had a problem with it- then about 21/2 weeks ago I took my normal dose- 2 pills in the AM . My heart started to race and was pounding and then I couldn't breathe and almost passed out. I felt horrible all day and whenever I got up from a seated position, my heart would pound and I would get dizzy. I went to the Dr and he ran an EKG and it was ok. It really scared me and I don't know what suddenly caused me to react or if it was the combo of the ECA that did it. Some people are okay on straight ephed but not the combo of caff + ephed. Its not worth having a heart attack over. Believe me, if anybody used to be an advoacate of ECA it was me- I totally support those who do it, but I need to go off it for a long time or maybe even permanantly- I would recommend Charge over Xenedrine cause it has less caffiene and it has an herb that prevents jittery feelings. Hope this helped!

[E-Mann]

Miss Muscle

Yes you did help!!

Help me learn what could happen and why I should stay clear of Xenedrine.

One thing though - you forgot to mention the name of the contest you looking to compete in ?

Take Care & Stay Pumped!!

[missmuscle]

Hey guys- sorry I haven't posted in a while- I haven't been feeling too well so I went to the Dr Thurs and Fri to have some tests done- turns out that thermos did me in- I was suffering from adrenal failure. Your adrenal glands regulate quite a few systems in your body esp, heart rate and blood sugar levels- I am taking a lot of B-complex, l-tyrosine, royal jelly, and siberian ginsing. Hopefully I'll feel back to normal in a week or two- It's already been almost 3 weeks since I stopped taking them!! I also ate crappy this weekend and I am sure that I have gained like 5 pounds- all in my butt! But I am determined to do this and without ephed- SOMEHOW!!
Did chest/bi's/abs/40 min cardio
1 ew+2 oz grd beef+1/2 slice ff chz/1/2 T ff s. crm
3 protein oat "cookies" (homemade recipe)

shake+1/2 T pb+apple+ 1/2 "energy bar" bagel

3 oz grd beef + 1/2 c brown rice

3-4 oz bbq chicken brst + 1/2 rice

protein bar

2 chicken kabobs + 1 cup edamame

(not sure what I'l have after dinner- maybe another shake)

[missmuscle]

Okay so for some reason I've been really depressed about myself for a few days- I know most of this is in my mind, but I am convinced that I have gained body fat since going off the thermos 3 weeks ago! Arghhh! I'm driving myself nuts- hopefully its just a phase- so far(I know it's only been 1 day) this week I am on track. Didn't have the chk last night- too lazy- had edamame and ground beef and then a shake later on.

Cardio only today- stair mill / elliptical- could have been better, but my allergies were making my head explode with the pressure!

1 ew+ 1/2 slice chz+2 oz grd bf+s. crm + coffee+1/2 c brown rice

shake+1/2 T pb+1/2 apple+1/2 c dry oats

1/2 c brwn rice+3 oz grd bf(can you tell I make this in bulk?:)

4 oz red potato+3 oz grd bf

2 oat protein cookies

chk kabobs + edamame

shake or trail mix

[missmuscle]

Hopefully someone out there will post replies! J/K - even if no one reads this it will be good for me to get my thoughts out there!

Yesterday was good - I'm on a roll- Day # 3 of the good eating and working out- it's always the weekends that are the hardest part!
Did shoulders and cardio- ran for 30 min- I was supposed to do calves but didn't have enough time. Oh well!

1 ew+1/2 sl chz+2 oz bf
coffee
2 1/2 protein oat cookies

shake + pb
cinn rais eng muff
1/2 apple

3 oz bf
serv edamame

mesotech bar

3 oz grd bf
1/2 c br rice

not sure what for dinner...

[blonde_diva]

Originally posted by missmuscle
Hopefully someone out there will post replies! J/K - even if no one reads this it will be good for me to get my thoughts out there!


I read it! :) I'm just more of a lurker. I love all the journals on here and I'll probably start one in September when I need all the encouragement I can to eat more to put on mass so I can compete next year.

Just wanted you to know there's a silent cheerleader here hehe.

[missmuscle]

Thanks diva- whats your background in fitness? Just doing it for fun? Thanks for following- it's goo dto hear from a fellow workout diva!

[blonde_diva]

Well, I still consider myself quite new to the bodybuilding stuff.

Here is the first thread I posted:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=114275

As you can tell, I used to be slightly over weight and totally out of shape!

I've never worked out before the first picture. I've always been very lucky with maintaining my size and weight...even after I had my daughter. But then I hit close to 30 yrs old and gravity finally took it's toll! LOL

I had a good look at myself one day and I was shocked at what I saw. I guess when you don't pay attention all your life eventually it'll catch up to you.

In the last year I've been lifting a lot heavier and really concentrating on improving my strength and putting on some aesthetic muscle :D.

I am now working towards entering my first competition. I'm not sure what competitions will be around next year but that's when I hope to just do it!

For now I want to stay lean for the summer...enjoy bikini season and come September I will be trying to "bulk". I guess you can say I'm mentally preparing myself between now and then. After watching my bodyfat go down for so long it's going to be a transition to put on a little fat so that I can put on more muscle.

This past while I've been trying to work harder on my legs and I finally lost more fat on them. Those babies sure are stubborn! I was doing two leg days...one heavier....one lighter (Monday and Friday). But I'm back to one day so that I can do a little more isolating on the upper body (I only have a chance to do 3 weight days and 3 cardio days). I'll do that for one more week and for two weeks I'll shock my legs once again. They seem to respond to that quite well. My legs are relatively lean now but my butt...I've got baby fat butt cheeks just on the gluteus minimus area and some sagging just below the maximus where it meets the hamstrings haha.

Here's a pic I took today :)

http://209.242.3.36/photos/workout/may6.jpg

Anyway, I enjoy reading fitness logs...keeps me motivated and I learn quite a bit of different techniques in nutrition and weight training that way.

Take care!

[Gator]

Wow, nice transformation BD..
You look great !!

Gator

[missmuscle]

Well I totally ate horribly last night- yes- pizza ice cream and cookies- I was feeling down and thought it might make me feel better- but as always it made me feel worse- I didn't even do cardio Thurs and took today off completely- too tired this am. I am determined to keep going- before i would have given up- but I am getting back on track Sat and going to have a great workout and hi gear cardio and eat right all day! I need to take it one day at a time and think of ways to congratulate myself when I get through each day at a time. I must constantly remind myself that eating junk never has and never will make anyone really "feel" better. I need to focus on what I know does make me feel good- and that's working out hard and eating right- sometimes cheats are okay but all-out junkfood marathons just make me feel worse the next day- anyone have any thoughts or stories? Thanks for listening!

[missmuscle]

Diva- you look great ! What are you complaining about? You don't even look like you have any problem areas! Great job- keep up the good work!

[sweetbecky]

missmuscle I know what you mean with the cheats. I have to play mind games sometimes with myself. One thing I started and seems to help is when I have a craving or I see something while grocery shopping that I really want to eat but isn't on my diet.. I say, "I deserve better than that". It's different for everyone, but sometimes people see "bad" foods as a "reward" for doing well. You'll see someone eat chocolate cake and say, I deserve it, I've been good for a long time. So I flipped it around, and said, nope, I deserve BETTER than that... I deserve to have the body I want and that cake (or whatever) isn't going to bring me any closer to what I want.
I'm trying really hard to deal with the cycles of binging and dieting and I feel in control at the moment. I saw in another post that you're recovering from an eating disorder so I'm sure we can relate. I see a therapist and she sent me to a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders to be evaluated. Apparently I've been diagnosed with having one (I didn't even ask which one). I know it's a problem in my life because it controls other things. I feel very ready to tackle it though.
I'm glad we can all meet like this to support one another and be supported during some trying times :)

[blonde_diva]

Thanks for the compliments :)

haha I think we're our own worst critics!

But take notice that I don't show my butt LOL!!

pizza and icecream....*sigh*

Tomorrow is freeday!

Do you allow yourself a free day or kinda a cheat meal here and there during the week?

The only tips I have is if I crave something "treat" like during the week these are things I will allow myself to have if necessary:

:a few strawberries
:diet vanillia coke (1/2 the small bottle)
:licorice tea (sometimes this is enough)
:sugarfree strawberry jello

I do notice that the more flavours I have in my food the less I want other things. So I'll make one of my meals a cottagecheese treat!

I'll add things like vanilla extract, cinnamon, 1/2 thawed frozen strawberries (the slushiness taste like sorbet), fat free/sugar free butterscotch jello (1 tsp).

That USUALLY works for me.

I also make things like protein pancakes for breakfast.

I don't know about anyone else but I know when I crave pizza or nachos it usually means I haven't eaten enough. The icecream sounds like you're craving fat or maybe calcium?

[missmuscle]

Thanks- you are right! Its so funny- today (after eating whatever this weekend) my fiance was eating onion rings and I asked him if I could have just a little one and he said "well you can have it but you won't be satified" and last night he was eating icecream with reeses mixed in and he looked at me and said "you can have a little bite- but remember you have a goal and you're going to get to it" He knows that I may be mad for a second but since I have asked for his help, I know he is right and actually, afterwards I am glad that I didn't dive right in a eat it all. I am going to take your advice about deserving better than food- why does it seem that such an insignificant thing in life will make or break our mood- so far I am eating healthy for today - nothing special I am out of food and I am eating shakes and bars and some left overs so until I make more food tonight I won't post the fab diet. Workouts are pretty decent- cardio is getting better. I have a goal to drop 2 pounds by the end of the week or next week- I don't really watch the weight-more the bodyfat, but I still would like to be 2 lbs lighter- I know it will keep me motivated when I acheive that- PS my allergies have really been interfering with life!! Thanks for the posts lets keep it up!

[d-LiftStyles-b]

Thats so awsome he supports you like that. Usually when I crave those things I may let myself have a bit but it tastes gross anyway and then I wonder why I craved it to begin with. Have you ever just let ice cream melt? The store bought kind almost totally keeps its shape, it just dries a little. When I saw that it didnt fully liquify my ice cream cravings were gone and havent come back. I may have a fudgecicle now and then but rarely ever ice cream. That grossed me out so much. Like WTF do they put in that?? ew.

[missmuscle]

Hey guys!
Feeling much more positive- I've gotten my positive force back!
Workout was really good today- did biceps and 45 minutes on the elliptical with the arms. I have decided that I will do my best to get to my goal, but that I will also learn to love myself for the way I am- my new mantra is "I will be the best that I can be-not the best that everybody else can be"...

1 ew+1 oz turkey+1/2 sl chz
4 oz cooked pasta coffee

1 natural grn bgl w. raisins,apples,nuts
1 ew+1 oz turk+1/2 sl chz

1/2 c br rice+3 oz grd bf+1 T ff S. crm

edamame+chicken brst

2 oat protein cookies

shake + some kind of cabrs for tonight

[missmuscle]

Had a great leg workout last week and then the very same day, I got some sotmach virus that kicked my butt until Sunday- At least I couldn't binge right! Seriously though, I am getting my sights back on track, the only thing is that I always have something going on on the weekends- like friends b-days or weddings and they all have alcohol and food! I was good at a wedding I was at on Sat - I ate great and only had water, but I know that with all my friends next weekend I'll be partying- oh well I guess I'll have to be prepared! I am still not totally happy with myself, but the hardest part of preparation is the bulk phase- I can't get used ot seeing my cuts gone etc...I keep telling myself that I only have about 2 months to go and then I get to see those cuts start to come out again! I need to get back to eating my oatmeal in the morning- I've been slacking and having Kashi cereal- but since that stomach flu, I haven't thought that much of anything sounds good to eat.

Bi's and Tri's today - 35 minutes cardio

[missmuscle]

Hey all!
Been good so far! Workouts are good- I am regaining my strength after last week- I am no longer taking the ZMA- I think it was making me really moody since it was increasing my hormones. Oh well, hopefully I'll still increase my strength without it! Today I did back and ran for 40 minutes on the treadmill.
I tried a recipe for protein pancakes that worked out really well, so I'm stoked since I hate the taste of plain cooked oatmeal!

Protein pancake w/ sf syrup

shake w/ strwberries + 1 serv ww pasta

1/2 c brwn rice + 3 oz meat + 1 T ff S. crm

ww tortilla + 1/4 c ff beans + 2 oz grd bf + 1/8 c ff chz + 1/2 T s.crm

apple + 1 T pb

for dinner- who knows!

Hope everyone else out there is doing good on their workouts! I just read the transformation of the month on the article page and wow she is totally inspiring to me! If Kali can make that drastic of a change in 12 weeks then I sure as heck can too!

[missmuscle]

Okay - so I'm back- I had some horrible virus that side tracked me for a while and I was sort of in burnout phase so I took it easy for a week. Well, I am officially in my 20 week phase and now I really have to start getting serious- no more eat whatever I want all day once a week binges or Saturday nights at the bar with friends! I need to buckle down with my diet and only have one small healthy cheat a week. My trainer says that I really need to start pushing myself harder when I work out without her. Thank God I have my fiance to workout with! The cardio is killing me- intervals 5 days a week with 1 day of endurance. Thank goodness I don't have to do more than 45 min right now. I hope people are still out there- it would be cool to make some new internet buddies while I do this thing!

Legs w/ my competitive bodybuilder trainer-yuck;( HARD!!

ran 20 minutes - intervals 1 min
elliptical 10 minutes (I was drained after the leg day so I only did 30 min)

diet:
coffee
protein pancakes

shake w/ berries
sprouted wheat bagel

turkey casserole (very low fat and yummy recipe that I have)

chicken breast
apple
1/2 T pb

protein bar

not sure what for dinner?

Until tommorrow!

[cdmuscle]

Good to see how positive you are! You will do great! No matter what keep thinking how proud you will be to stand up there. It takes a LOT of work to get there so have fun with it.

I'll keep posting and really look forward to hearing from you! Don't forget to post pictures. I will try to find someone with a digital or scanner so I can do the same.

[Hibiscus09]

Hi, just noticed your journal. Sorry! Good luck with your plans for competing-- :D.

I had the same experience with the fatburners. I was fine taking them for several years (on and off) and then all of a sudden I couldn't take anything! Not even lighter fatburners like BetaLean or PhenFree. Everything I took sent me into heart palpitations. The last thing I took was a Phen Free (just 1) and my heart started fluttering, my vision blurred, and my arm went numb. The closest I get to a stimulant anymore is my morning coffee. LOL It does suck, though. I miss that rush & feeling like it was helping me to burn fat.

I too, went to the doctor and he said the heart was fine. I never had my adrenal glands checked though. Anyway, I'm fine now but that sure was some scary stuff!

[missmuscle]

Hi Hibiscus!
Yes, same thing here as far as the fatburners- However, if you are interested in raising your body temp (which is what causes the extra calorie burning) you can try gugglbolics like thyrolean. I will start those 14 weeks out - no stimulants in the, just makes thyroid go faster- I will cycle 2-3 weeks on 2 weeks off.

Today was a good workout- 40 minutes interval elliptical levl 5-12
and back

ww pasta
coffee
1 ew + grd bf + ff chz

shake w/ berries
sprouted wht bgl

ww tortilla
ex lean grd bf
ff chz

apple
1 T pb

turkey casserole leftovers

dinner?

Thanks for posting fellow workout fans! I'm not brave enough for pics yet, but when I'm closer in like 8 weeks and later I will post!

[missmuscle]

Hey all!

I had a mediocre chest day - I never like doing chest but I know I have to!
I did the stairmill today

my diet hasn't been on point today cause I didn't really like my breakfast and I haven't had time to eat at work cause I've been with customers all day!

ew+ ff chz+ ln grd bf
ww pasta
coffee

kashi cereal
nf milk
shake w/berries

mesotech bar

boca chx patty
apple

dinner ??? Hopefull I'll get to eat soon!!!

[missmuscle]

Hey everyone

well Monday and Tuesday were pretty unmotivating workouts and I was lacking energy. Granted, I could have eaten slightly better, and definitely drank more water. I am hoping that uping my water intake and keeping on with the diet will kick me into gear again by tommorrow's w/o.

I've come to the conclusion that I like to enjoy life with friends and my fiance way too much at least one night a week to stay super strict all the way thru these 19 weeks. I must resign myself to the fact that I just don't want to diet hard until I really really have to - 14 weeks out. So I will allow myself cheat days once a week until August- Besides, I have a trip planned in July for Vegas!Come on, we all know that calories don't count in Vegas! Ha ha -

[missmuscle]

I am determined! I did find out that I was off on the dates for the show which puts me 20 weeks out from this coming Sat. So I have decided that I will allow myself a little fun on Friday night and on my yearly trip to vegas in July for 2 days and then I'll be about 16 weeks out. My goal is to really get focused and stay on track. The hardest part is that I want to enjoy life with my friends and family on the weekends and I want to eat out and have a few drinks every now and then and 20 weeks sounds so long! But I just need to keep telling myself that this is something that I really want to do and how proud of myself I will be when I'm up on stage!

[sweetbecky]

Hey missmuscle,
I just came back from Las Vegas yesterday and it was surprisingly easy to stay on my diet. The only thing that messed me up was not being able to eat every 2-3 hours. At the buffet at the Bellagio, along with great turkey and vegetables, they had sugar free desserts! So I was able to have some cheesecake. I was there 4 nights and I told myself before I left to stay on my diet at least the first 2 days, then indulge if I really wanted to. I ended up staying fairly strict (with the exception of one krispy kreme donut, we don't have any around where I live so I had to try one!)
Of course if you're going with friends and you eat at a great Italian restaurant, it will be hard to resist, and since you're on vacation, you probably should indulge!

One more thing... it was my first time there and I'm not sure if you've been (sounds like you have)... the hotel fitness centers require a daily fee on top of your room rate. I wasn't happy about that :( I got 2 days for $36 but the gym was fairly well equipped, I was able to do my leg workout there.

Have a great time!

[name#8]

good luck ms. muscle!

[missmuscle]

Hey guys& gals

Been on my diet for 3 days including today, however I rushed out of the house today and forgot all my food so I had to go buy three meals - chicken brst salad, tukey breast salad- extra veggies no dressing and a balance bar.
Oh well- at least I'll still be eating healthy -
My workouts and diet were good Sat and Sun but I had lower energy today- I think b/c I lowered my cals by 100. Will try more carbs.

Back w/o today- easy cardio- jog 12 min- 25 min elliptical

1/2 c dry oats
shake
1/2 T ff sf Choc syr

4.5 oz ww pasta
shake

chicken breast salad

balance bar

turk brst salad

dinner- either homeade turk chili w/ broc
or chix w/ red potatoes

snack?

ps - hoping to stay on diet in Vegas- but I hardly ever have cocktails so I am planning on cheating with a few of those:)

[cdmuscle]

I think you're right, we are absolutely too much alike! :) Excel is an amazing tool!

One thing's for sure, dieting will definitely let you know who is willing to put up with you and who won't. My fiance has never seen me like this and at times he doesn't like it one bit! Great relationship tester.

Post some pictures when you have some available. I need to find someone with a digital camera. Then again, maybe not yet...

[Hibiscus09]

I was okay on my diet until I got to 9% (then I quit -- but don't follow my lead! LOL). I was soooo MEAN. I'm never mean. My husband thought I was losing my mind.

[missmuscle]

Yeah- My fiance saw me a little nutty last year when I did a diet- wasn't as strict as the one I am on now, but nevertheless.. He is prepared, but I have a funny feeling that I will be doing a lot of apologizing during those 12 weeks!

CD - as for the pics- yeah, I took some at 14% before I started my diet a few months ago- totally scary! I am not planning on taking any until 12 weeks and then every 2 weeks after that. I keep telling myself that it was the lighting! he he

[missmuscle]

OK- so I did remember to bring my food today! I'll admit, I picked an apple over my broccoli, but its still healthy!

Had much more energy today, but I was rushed- I work out with my finace 2-3 times a week and he has to go to work earlier than I do.

Diet
1/2 c oats
coffee
3 ew+1 oz chx

4 oz ww pasta
shake w/ pb

turkey chili (hmdmade)
apple

balance bar

3 oz chk
4 oz sweet potato

3 oz chx
4 oz red potato
veggies

shake w/ pb

[MrDumbbell]

I am also in Phoenix... getting back into lifting after a little hiatus. My advice, never stop, it sucks getting restarted! LOL

Anyway, I think I was planning to go to that show, but I wound up having plans to go to Disneyland that weekend! Anyway, good luck. Will be fun following your progress here.

Bryan

[missmuscle]

I had a really good lift day - shoulders, but when it came to cardio I was pooped!! I'm not sure if it the diet or what- I had carbs at my last meal the night before so maybe it was just an off day, or maybe I should have gone to bed a half hour earlier??? oh well!

diet:
1/2 c oats
coffee
shake

shake
4 oz ww pasta

3 oz tuna
ff mayo
1/2 c br rice
1/4 c beans

apple
3 oz chx

turk chili

3 oz chx
4 oz red potato


need to start eating more veggies- its hard to eat them at work- trying for fibrous carbs (no carrots etc) if you guys know of any recommendations let me know!I have been doing good on the water though, so at least that's okay!I got kind of snacky last night, but I think I waited too long to eat dinner. Will do better today!

[missmuscle]

Good morning! Well, I think I may have a solution to the veggie dilemma- I am going to check into V-8 veggie juice- It will be easy to bring to work and be better than nothing. I can also get it in lowsodium version.

Today I had a great workout- lots of energy to lift, but my legs were so dead after that I only did 30 minutes elliptical - no intervals...

diet:
ww pasta
coffee
3 ew + 1 oz chx

1/2 c dry oats
shake + pb

3 oz grd chx
1/2 c br rice

mesotech bar

3 oz tuna
ff mayo 1 T
apple

dinner??

Hope everyone else is doing great on there diets! I am getting more motivated now that I have been on track. I am working on visualisation right now- there is an article in BB.com article section that I am reading! Later!

[missmuscle]

Hey guys!

Okay so we had friends over for a bbq yesterday and did decent all day until everyone wanted to go out to our fav Mexican restuarant- yes I totally ate mexican food and chips!! I feel like I really blew it- I promised myself that I would stay on track these 19 weeks. I guess somehow I keep rationalizing to myself that I don't have to get Really strict until 14 weeks out, so then I tell myself that one cheat won't get me too bad. And I am going to Vegas next month and I know that I will have drinks and food. I'm wondering if it will be okay as long as I am good from now until then and then stay totally strict for the 14 week diet period. I am under the impression that competitors don't cheat for the entire 20 weeks....oh well, I know that I can give up my fav things and good times for 14 weeks, but 20 has been really pushing it. My goal for my next comp will be to really start 20 weeks out after developing my discipline that I need to get me through this contest's 14 weeks. I am back on track with my diet today, but I know that I'll still feel "big" for another day or two. Oh well, there's nothing that I can do about it now. I think that my first and foremost goal in doing this competition is to develop discipline and tell myself that competing and having a body to be proud of and strong will feel better in the long run than eating junk!! Thanks for listening!

[missmuscle]

Hey guys-

Well I am glad to announce that I am finally motivated again! I am so far on track with the diet and my trainer will be making some changes this week. I still can't get in those veggies like i would like to so I really need to make that one of my big goals.

As for the workouts, they are getting heavier and tougher as the days go by. I haven't really started lengthening my cardio sessions yet, and I am not looking forward to that either. I am trying to do more intervals when I do do cardio.

[missmuscle]

Good morning!

Another great workout today and my diet is still on point!

I am so proud! Today I did back and tris and then 30 min intervals on step mill- come on people- this machine is a killer isn't it???;)

Diet:
protein pancakes(3 egg wh+1/2 c oats+1/8 c cottage chse)
sf ff syrup
coffee

shake
1/2 T pb
1/2 c oats

1/2 c br rice
1/4 c ff refried beans
3 oz chx

3 ox chx
4 oz ww pasta

balance bar

shake

dinner?

I know that I need to start eating more veggie! I find it really hard to bring veggies to work that are dark- lettuce isn't very good- the only thing is broccoli and that totally can leave behind an unpleasant odor which is not good for the line of work i am in. I bought some V-8 thinking I might be able to get in a few more servings if I drank it really quick. Oh well, I will eventually force myself to bring veggies to work.

[missmuscle]

Hello!

Had a pretty good workout today- did shoulders and cardio

diet:
protein pancakes
coffee

shake + pb
1/2 c oats

3 oz chx
1/2 c br rice

apple
1/2 T pb

3 oz grd chx
4 oz ww pasta

3 oz chx
4 oz red potato
1 T ff sr. crm

shake + pb

[missmuscle]

Good afternoon to everyone out there-
Today I did legs and easy cardio- I had a little bit of a cheat today- a couple of crackers and some animal crackers- but I didn't go crazy like I usually do so I'm really proud of myself- on a sour note, my car totally died today and I have no money to fix it and I found out that my competition is 2 weeks earlier than we thought, so now I can't go to Vegas cause that would be right in the beginning of my diet! And I already bought tickets!AHHHHHH!!!
Okay- I'm not going to get negative- I'm sure I'll figure out the car thing and I know that being closer to comp just means I can get more excited about it (haha)

Diet:
same as usual- protein pancakes, chx, potato, rice salad, shakes etc.

ps - if anyone wants a good recipe for protein pancakes and really tasty ground chx let me know and I'll post them!

[sweetbecky]

If the only thing holding you back from your trip to Vegas is diet, I would reconsider. How many days were you planning to go? There has to be a way around it, you shouldn't miss out on Las Vegas :(
I'll admit I didn't eat every two hours like I normally do at home, but the food availability for my diet was good.
That really stinks about your car... a lot of cars can't handle this sudden heat :(. Keep your head up... challenges will always be there to try to stop you, but YOU are stronger! :)

[missmuscle]

Hey all!

Okay, having a major bad day!!!! I feel competely fat today and my trainer told me that I had to start my diet today so I ate crappy yesterday and today I think I'm paying for it - I feel so sick I couldn't even work out today which made me even more bummed out. My diet sounds pretty bad and to make matters worse, my trainer said that I haven't made much improvement!!! Great, just what I needed to hear!! I feel terrible today- It almost makes me want to forget it.....but I won't. I will keep going. The most important thing now, is that I stick to the diet exactly. I am hoping that I will see changes in 2 weeks and hopefully something significant in 4 weeks.

[Hibiscus09]

Keep plugging away! :) Those cheat binges can be so fun when you're doing them & man, do they suck the following day. LOL

[missmuscle]

Hey guys!

So tired today after the workout- and during the cardio! I can't wait until my body gets used to this new diet. 4 of the meals aren't bad- the other 3 will take some getting used to...
I am really trying to push myself in the gym and so far so good. I know that I have been a little easier on myself in the past, but I gotta get serious now!

diet - pretty much the same every day...

1. shake
1/4 T flax
1/4 c. oats

2. 3 egg wh
1 oz chx
veggies
2 slices multigrain bread
1/2 T pb

3.4 oz chx
1 c broc
1/2 apple
1/2 yam

4. 4 oz chx
1 kiwi
salad
2 T ff dressing
1 sl multigrn brd

5. shake
1/4 T flax
1/2 yam

6. 3 oz meat
2 c veggie
3 strawberries

7. shake

[missmuscle]

Omygod I never been so tired in my life! I think the combo of stepping up the workouts and the new diet have taken their toll. Hopefully, I will get used to the diet in another week so I won't be so dead tired! I am actually getting used to the food, except for the yams - if anyone has any good recipes or method of cooking yams so they don't taste like a** then PLEASE post them. Right now I am choking down a yam per day. Yesterday I just couldn't do it and I skipped it :(. I hope that I start seeing some results in 2 weeks. This being my first competition, I don't really know what to expect. I need to post some before pics and do a count down every 2 weeks. That will be my next goal.

[sweetbecky]

I slice them thinly and pan fry them in some non-fat cooking spray. I could think of no other way of doing, it, had never even tasted a yam before!

[missmuscle]

Thanks Sweet- I can't wait to try that- I had been baking them and the texture was very mushy and too sweet. I hope this will work!

[Hibiscus09]

Sorry, missmuscle -- I can't help you with the yams. I choke those down also! Maybe some splenda & cinnamon?

[missmuscle]

Well, I haven't tried the pan fry method yet, but will soon- I forgot to make any chicken last night cause I was so tired from work so I'm stuck with plain tuna- we'll see how that goes!! I have been having dull headaches and pressure in my head all week, so my workout today totally sucked- oh well, at least I went right- and now that I'm on this diet I feel slightly better when I don't get a great workout in the gym. I am going off my pill this week, so hopefully I will start seeing some more bodyfat loss in the next few weeks- I told my fiance to watch out- no carbs + no hormones= BITCH!!! I hope I won't get to bad! I cheated last night - I had fat free ice cream sandwich and some pb- at least it was nothing like my old cheat days! I expect that I may have another cheat or two between now and the show- I think those people who say they never cheat the whole 18 weeks are crazy or lying!!! Its human nature- I am definitely going to have to give my all to stay pretty on track for this prep time!

[missmuscle]

I sure hope there are other competitors out there who are cheating once in a while on their diets too! Come on fess up. please?! It would make me feel a whole lot better! So from those of you who have competed for a while- does it get easier the longer you have been doing competitions? I sure hope so, b/c this first show is to see how it really is and the second will be to win! Ha ha- please post so I can make myself feel less like a failure!

[cdmuscle]

Don't worry, there are VERY few people who can stick with a diet for 3 months or more and not splurge. My weekend was a total bust - banana cream pie, ice cream, M&Ms, you name it - I ate it. Anyway, back on track! It will come off again.

I try to work extra hard in the gym when I splurge because my muscles are full again and I can hit it REALLY hard!

[missmuscle]

Thanks Cd- glad to hear I have a fellow cheater out there! I am back on track with the diet and I met with my trainer today so I feel better. I know that it's only been a week, but I haven't noticed anything yet, but I hope that by Aug I will see some real improvement. I am planning on posting pics tonight so go easy on me poeple! remember I'm 17 weeks out and this is my first time!

Back and tris today with cardio intervals on the horrid stepmill.

Heres what the diet is looking like each day:

shake
2 multi grain brd
1/2 T pb
coffee

3 egg wh
1 oz chz
pico de gallo
1/4 c oats

4 oz ln meat
veggie or salad
1/2 yam
1/2 apple

4 oz ln meat
veggie
berries

shake
1.4 T flax
1/2 yam or 1/4 c oats

3 oz meat
double veggie

shake
1/4 T flax

[missmuscle]

Well, I am posting pics tonight- I took them last night. Ugh, looking at yourself in pics is never a pretty sight- I can't believe I am actually going to post them, but I am hoping that by the end of this thing there will be a marked improvement! There has to be with the diet I am on! Thanks to sweetbecky, I am npw looking forward to eating my yams! Its amazing how cooking something in a diff way can change your outlook on it completely! Please be kind when critiquing my pics- remember this is my first figure competition and I have a long way to go!

chest /bis/abs cardio- 30 min int. elliptical, 5 min bike cooldown

shake
mutligrn brd
1/2 T pb
coffee

4 ew
1 oz chz
3 oz yam

4 oz chz
salad w/ ff drss
4 oz yam
1/2 apple


4 oz chx
veggies
1 kiwi

shake
1/4 T flax
1/4 c oats

dinner???

[missmuscle]

hey guys - okay be nice, remember this is my first comp I just came off of 6 mos bulking and I am 17 weeks out, 16 as of this Sat. so please be nice or don't say anything at all!
ps I'm doing figure

[missmuscle]

pic#2 17.5 weeks

[missmuscle]

pic #3 17.5 weeks

[missmuscle]

last one 17.5 weeks

[Hibiscus09]

You look fantastic! You'll do great -- :). You have beautiful eyes (I don't think they judge you on that -- not sure! LOL), Your lats look great & you have beautiful legs -- can't wait to hear how your contest goes!

[cdmuscle]

You look great! How far out are you now????? Love the lat spread. Keep up the great work, at your body fat level, I don't think you have to worry about the splurge days at all!

[sweetbecky]

You look great, getting very lean!

[missmuscle]

Thanks guys- I needed to hear that! I feel so big after that 6 mo bulk thing- I am at least 4% higher than I like to be at normally, but I am going to wait and see what happens. Its pretty hard to lose bf when I am not on any thermos at all. I am thinking about taking gugglebolics but I am nervous about fooling with my thyroid. It probably doensn't work anyway.

Last night I got to enjoy a 1/2 c ww pasta so I was really excited! And we have a great restuarant out here that makes clean food and all the bodybuilders go there- so I am planning on getting steak stir fry (no rice) tonight so I am exited. I also found some great protein popsicles in chocolate flavor at my local health food grocery and they are awesome- 140 cal 10 g protein- not great, but I am keeping them in the freezer in case of an emergency- I don't want to cheat, but I'd rather be prepared so I don't head for the peanut butter jar!

Good workout today- had to go alone- fiance is stressed at work and couldn't get out of bed! Did shoulder and my long day for cardio. Diet is the same pretty much!

I found some really great protein powder that tastes great is really cheap, good quality, and mixes totally in water which is great for on the run. I can't remember the name, but it's by ISS and I'll post it later.

Thanks again guys!

[Hibiscus09]

I am thinking about taking gugglebolics but I am nervous about fooling with my thyroid. It probably doensn't work anyway.

I took them but also took Adipo back when both were available from Syntrax. They did not sit well with me at all. I had to stop. I'm not real good with stimulants anyway, except for caffeine -- which I can't live without. :D Anyway, you're so lean -- you probably won't need to take anything anyway!

[missmuscle]

Hey guys-

Legs today!!!! Argghhh- they suck- I love it:)
I was so wiped out I only did a measly 20 minutes of cardio. My trainer says my diet is looking pretty good and I should notice differences in another week or two, or we'll have to change it again.

I was crazy busy at work today so I admit that I slacked on my veggies today, I missed one serving so I need to make up for that later!
I had great energy today and I am so glad that this diet isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be in the beginning. I feel so much better when I am eating clean, especially mentally, But I can't wait for mexican food and pizza and cocktails!!!

[bufchk]

It's really nice to see pics of other ladies on here working hard and on the same level as me. I feel so alone sometimes when it comes to confidance. You look very good and have a great start and of course the only way is up. You are very pretty also. I hope you (and CD muscle) do well and you can be some of my inspiration too. I will be watching both of your journals.

[missmuscle]

Hey all! The July show was this weekend- I didn't get to make it though! I was late at work and would have missed the first half. I guess it was good b/c I wouldn't want to psych myself out from seeing all those great bods!

Anyway- I cheated a little and had soms bread and pb the other night, but otherwise I have stayed on track. I will have been on the diet for 2 weeks so by next Tues I hope that I will see a bit of a diff-

same diet- I am changing my workouts so I'll let you know what I am up to in that dept.

I am craving salt so I hope that I can keep even my little cheats under control!!! I can't make any mistakes 12 weeks out!

It's been hard trying to get all my meals in and all the veggies while I am at work seeing as I am so busy( I am a realtor so I am busy) so that has been very hard to get used to. I am looking forward to Mon- I have the day off so I can cook and clean and workout late!!!

[missmuscle]

Hi guys- I've been crazy busy with work so I apologize for not posting.

I only have 3 more weeks of really heavy lifting before I trade over into endurance training. I can't wait! I have been pressed for time today and will be tommorrow as well and this morning the ceiling guys taped of my whole kitchen while I was working out (they were supposed to be done by 8) and I couldn't cook any breakfast so I was stuck with a shake and oats- I know it could have been worse, but when you are in a routine and upset, especially to your diet can really make you cranky!!

I can't beleive I am down to 16 weeks already!

My split changed to 3 on 1 off with chest/tris, back/bis/delts, legs
I am still doing my regular cardio, but the past 2 days I had to rush thru 30 minutes and I would have liked to do 45.

More Pics next week- I don't see any changes yet.....

[savarrajane]

I have been reading your journals. They are an inspiration.
I like how you post what you eat. It gives me good meal ideas.
So you are doing figure???

[missmuscle]

Thanks- I am hoping that the slipups I have during this process will let beginners know that you don't have to be perfect to do a competition.

I am doing figure and I pretty much eat the same thing each day, but tommorrow I will be starting a cycle of no complex carbs, 3 days normal, only complex carbs at meals 1 and 2, 3 days normal etc.

During the off season I have lots of great healthy recipes but believe me I take my cheat day and ENJOY it!!!

[Gator]

Youll do great, keep at it..And remember to HAVE FUN !!!!!!!

Gator

[missmuscle]

Hi all!

Just wanted to check in - So far the diet has been on point and the workouts have been good- yesterday I felt like I couldn't lift as heavy as I ususally do and this morning I was in a rush and had to go to a diff gym than the one I usually go to so it wasn't very motivating....

As for the diet, I have decided that if I am going to cheat a tiny bit I will allow myself a few options which has seemed to help. I really only have a little if I am really craving and it's all healthy at least. I will allow myself a T of pb or a cup of flax cereal or a protein fudgesicle that I get from the health store- so far it's been working and I feel like I will be able to do this diet thing!!

I am now under 15 weeks out and only have about 3 more weeks of this hard lifting, but I have a sneaky feeling that when I start my endurance program I will be wishing for those heavy days to come back!

Talk to you guys soon!

[Hibiscus09]

Sounds like everything is going great! :)

[TrishB]

I was just going thru your past month on your journal....you have done super! The pictures are great. You have some nice muscle there.
It is always good to see when someone recovers after a "bad" day and just keeps moving on. You have done well and will continue to do so.
Keep up the great work!

[missmuscle]

Hi there!

Today is my low carb day - at least its not no carb day!
I only get a serving of yam and serving of brd in the AM and the rest of the day its veggies and fruit.

I do have to say that I got tired of the chicken breasts so I bought ground chx breast (freshly ground in the meat dept) and cook it with fresh pico de gallo and it tastes great!

Workout was totally boring today- hour cardio at moderate pace for today!

diet- chx and shakes and egg whites for protein
yam, mutligrain brd, veggies and fruit for carbs
1/2 T pb and 1/2 T flax for fats

[Gator]

Stay the course MM..
And youll do great !!!
Altho we all know its not easy...

Gator

[tsophir]

Looking Good.

My wife is working to compete in figure as well, I'm bringing her on here tonight to look at these. Very insparational.

Impressed.

[missmuscle]

Oh my goodness- I have had the most stressful 2 days - My diet was completely awful and I was super stressed all day and I had to buy a car since I sold my other one and only had 1 day off to find one and make a deal!! I ate whatever I wanted and even had a couple of drinks when I got home!!!

Oh well, needless to say, I feel out of sorts today and am just glad that I'm not quite at 12 weeks out yet. I don't know why, but just the thought that I will HAVE to be strict from 12 weeks on makes me feel like I can justify cheating. And although I know that stress eating is never a good thing, it did make me feel better at the time- and I didn't think it was all that fantastic anyway, so at least I can remember that the next time I am stressed and starving! But anyone who has bought a car from a dealership can understand! ha ha

PS- I am 14 weeks out tommorrow- I won't be posting pics until 12 weeks out

[missmuscle]

Hello!

Okay so far so good for 2 days since the "get serious" start! I was surprised that puffing on those cigarettes after my heinous day spent at the cardealership didn't affect my cardio that much. As for today I got in my full workout with a few minor modifications as the usual gym was closed for some unknown reason!

I am really hoping that I start to see more changes soon. I have been eating pretty good and pretty limited (except for the occasional slip up) and so far I think I look the same:( Its discouraging) People keep telling me to wait it out, but i will honestly be really bummed out if my bodyfat is still the same when I get it done again. I suppose that would motivate me even more, but something has got to give soon! I for sure notice that I am nore exhausted at night and at times I am not as strong in my lifts and I am more tempermental, so I am hoping that on some level the diet is taking effect!!!

Anyway, I'll keep you posted

Needed to add some more veggies today- will make up for that tonight and I have been doing decently on the water aspect.

Talk to you soon!

[Hibiscus09]

I was surprised that puffing on those cigarettes after my heinous day spent at the cardealership didn't affect my cardio that much.

LOL -- my sweetie is a car dealer. :D Much nicer than the one you've been visiting -- OBVIOUSLY!! LOL

You're doing great -- keep going -- I think you look fantastic already anyway & I'm sure you'll get to where you want to be. :)

[missmuscle]

Okay- I made my appointment with my posing suit person for August- I can't believe that this Fri will be 12 weeks- I am hoping that the reality of this will prevent me from cheating.

I am having my bf done tommorrow so I am stressed about that!

I am thinking about taking metabolic thyrolean but I am not sure if it will be worth it or if it will create any results.

My trainer told me that I will be going on a 5/2 split starting 12 weeks out which means I'll be lifting and doing cardio 5 days and then cardio for 2 which means....yep you guessed it...7 days a week!!!! I don't know if I can handle that!!! I get tired after 6- hopefully my stamina will remain high for the first 2 months, I can probably deal with being exhausted for 3-4 weeks and that's about it!!!!

I think that I'll be changing the diet a bit as well next week so I'll keep you posted. Right now I am trying to weed out my sodium little by little - like cutting back on salsa and pico de gallo.

[egoatdoor]

I think you are right in your feelings about training seven days a week. Your trainer is crazy, especially considering he or she is training someone for their first contest. Maybe a pro could survive that, but you are going to be severely overtrained if you do this, especially as your diet gets more restricted in the final few weeks before the contest and your energy really begins to sap. And besides all this, you have a full time job to worry about!

You are the client. You are paying for this advice. Put your foot down and say "No".

[missmuscle]

Hi guys-
Well I had my bf done today and my trainer told me that it was much easier to pinch me so I am carrying my water differently which is good and she said that most of my msrmts went down about 1 number, but nothing significant except for my calf and suprailiac sp? which is that area above the hip. So I am glad that I have not gone up and have even gone down a little. I wish that I could have gone down more, but I guess slow and steady wins the race right? My weight is the same so far.

I was really tired today and am losing strength in workouts so I am glad that next week is my last heavy week. I am taking out some minor things in the diet this week such as, I am no longer cooking my ground chicken in pico, just adding a bit on top afterwards and I am not putting any ff choc syr in my shakes , whey only shakes 2x a day, and no carbs besides veggies at dinner. We'll see if this makes any differences!

[missmuscle]

Hey all!

So I was working out today and I started to feel a bit discouraged. I don't think I look anything like I should at 12 weeks out. I almost want to play around with my diet, but I told myself that I would do my best to listen to my trainer as she has competed many times and has trained other competitors as well and she has created a meal plan specifically for my body. I know that there will be plenty of time for me to eat boring foods or low carb, but I am getting nervous that I just won't cut it. I've worked for a whole year to get to this point, and while I know that I could have been more strict, I think that I have been able to do well while living a "normal" life! I certainly hope that I start seeing some changes or I don't know what I'll do!!! Has anyone else had this problem? I have heard from friends who have competed that they didn't really start to look good until 3-4 weeks out, but I kind of find that hard to believe- I should be looking better by now!!!!

*frustrated*

[sweetbecky]

It must be so hard mentally and emotionally. I'm sure you trust your trainer since she has gotten others into comp shape. Try to feel the confidence in that. When I got a diet from Beverly International, I felt sketchy about it too. It was a lot different than what I was used to. I may try it again someday, but I can only imagine how you must feel doing an unfamiliar diet in prep for a contest.

You already look pretty lean, and remember, 12 weeks is 3 months! 3 months of dieting with no cheats is sure to do the trick. I'm sure your trainer will adjust your diet and cardio as time progresses. You will do fine! :)

[Gator]

Being frustrated is only one of the mental games u will learn to play and overcome..
Keep the faith, stay the course and all will work out for you MM..

There is a pot 'o gold at the end of this rainbow MM..

Gator

[missmuscle]

Thanks for all the supportive words guys! Sorry I haven't posted my 12 week photos yet. I have been really busy at work and I am so tired that I usually fall asleep after I get home!

I felt a little better today - I guess I'll just keep staying positive and if there aren't any significant changes by 6-8 weeks out then I'll start to rethink things. So far so good on the diet and I have been doing well on the workouts.

I think I may wait a while to post pics- I would like to post some that actually look like I have made some differences. I can see som e differences when I am flexed, but I look pretty much the same but am holding my water differently. My clothes have gotten a little bigger through the leg and butt area to which makes me happy. :)

[Hibiscus09]

You looked stage ready in the other pics you posted! LOL Don't be so hard on yourself. Keep at it -- you're doing great! :D

[missmuscle]

Hi there!

So today my alram went off and I was tired and honestly, I really wasn't too tired to work out physically, but mentally I said what the hell and slept in for once. I never get the chance to sleep in even on the weekends and I was supposed to have my off day tommorrow anyway! So I slept in - does anybody else feel a little "off" when they don't workout?!:)


So I have decided that I think the best workout program for me for these last 12 weeks will be one on, one off ie: 1 day of lifting and cardio, and one day of cardio only so I don't burn out too quickly. Besides, I need to burn as much fat as possible, and from what I have seen at the previous competitions, the judges don't give a damn about muscularity- it's all about how thin you are which sucks. I will continue to lift at least four days a week.

I haven't posted my diet in a while so here's todayso far- no complex carbs today but I cheated in the first meal- I have to have some carbs to function in the morning!!!:

whey shake
2 multigrain bread + 1/2 T pb

5 oz chx
1 cup broccoli
1/2 apple

5 oz chx
salad w/ 2 T ff dressing
1 kiwi


the rest of the day will pretty much be the same format with the addition of avocado and more pb

[egoatdoor]

When are you going to start listening to your body? The reason you have no energy is that you are getting almost no carbs on your diet and have been doing this for weeks. How are you going to get through the next twelve weeks and even if you do, you are going to be so miserable at the end that you will never want to compete again.

Ask your trainer about carb rotation and zig zagging carbs. If he/she doesn't know about this, then he/she doesn't know near as much as you think they do.

[cdmuscle]

Originally posted by missmuscle
I haven't posted my diet in a while so here's todayso far- no complex carbs today but I cheated in the first meal- I have to have some carbs to function in the morning!!!:

whey shake
2 multigrain bread + 1/2 T pb

5 oz chx
1 cup broccoli
1/2 apple

5 oz chx
salad w/ 2 T ff dressing
1 kiwi


the rest of the day will pretty much be the same format with the addition of avocado and more pb

As a VERY strong advocate for low carb dieting, I don't agree with the comment re: carb rotation. I have been NO-carb dieting w/no problems and I work out 2 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dieting and training simultaneously will always make you tired and draggy. How many calories are you eating now? What are your macro ratios set at? Sometimes to add a little energy, I add MCT oil instead of PB. Put it in your whey protein before a workout.

Keep going - you're almost there!

[missmuscle]

Thanks CD - I too have done low carb dieting for long periods of time, however, I have discovered that I am very sensitive to carbs and my moods and energy are NOT the same when I skip healthy complex carbs. I know that the no carb diet works well for many people, but for me and my mood and my thinking capabilities, I need to include yams and oats and occasionally a slice of multigrain bread. I am not looking forward to taking these out permanently for the last 2-4 weeks :( I wish I could do better on the low carbs thing- I know that it can produce great results if done properly!

[cdmuscle]

I understand what you're saying. I've been reading a book called "Life Without Bread" and it gives specific reasons for carb depleting (it's also a hard read since it's mostly scientific data). If you give a carb-deplete diet 2 weeks, your energy will come back and your head will clear. It takes a while for your body to switch to ketone-burning rather than carb-burning.

Not to say I don't eat carbs - when not dieting for competition - you couldn't drag me away from a great loaf of whole grain bread!!!! :)

[egoatdoor]

Your energy will not come back in two weeks. You've been low carbing for 8 weeks and still have another 12 to go? You have to pay attention to your own body and what it is telling you.

[cdmuscle]

Well we all know what opinions are like, so I don't need to reply to that.

If eating carbs works for you - great, if not - then don't eat them. Plain and simple.

[missmuscle]

Well today was my first morning that I did cardio on an empty stomach- it was fine, I suppose since I am such a creature of habit it was more annoying to not have my first meal simply b/c I am used to it. My trainer gave me a guidline for my heart rates and they seem pretty high- I can push it on cardio, but those 185-196 sounds a bit extreme especially later on down the road.

I can't beleive that I am 11 weeks out- it seems like it's not real and to be honest I thought I would look a lot better than I do, but eventhough I see other people who will be competing against me and they look better, I'm not going to give up- I don't care if I come in dead last. I have a goal and I'm sticking to it!!!! Even if I am grouchy when I see other people eating or when I don't want to workout!

[Hibiscus09]

Just because you think they look better doesn't mean that they do. I'm sure that's just natural to feel that way. You look fantastic! :)

[missmuscle]

Hi all! Well, my weekend was Mon/Tues so I've been away from the office and my laptop. On Tues I did legs with my trainer after coming off of a low carb day and I almost passed out- literally. So Of course I skipped my cardio and I went home and ate what my trainer told me-bread and pb and I ate way too much pb!!! So to top it all off, this morning I was so tired that I didn't even get out of bed before work to train.
So right now I feel totally like a failure and guilty! I know that from here out, it's the diet that really counts, so I don't feel so bad cause I am on track today.

I got my new program and I have 4 low carb days (40 g) and 3 moderate days where I can have a svg of complex carbs w/ eac meal up to 5 pm. I am limited even more on what kinds of protein and I can only have 2 kinds of fruit.

Some days I am positive and looking forward to the show, but then there are days like today and yesterday when I see other competitors and they look so much better than I do and I wonder if it's all worth it to go thru all this and not even place...I guess I am doubting myself after that near fainting thing- if it's only 10 weeks out and I am already getting worn down, what am I going to do 8 weeks and 4 weeks out????

[missmuscle]

Well today my trainer took pics of me - love that first thing in the morning! I am planning on taking some tommorrow to post for you guys - hopefully I will be able to get in some good lighting!!

As for the workouts- I did manage to get up this morning and go workout- did chest, quads, medial delts, and abs along with 30 min cardio. I only did 30 b/c I was late for work!!
So far I am really tired, but I usually perk up after a while!
today the diet: Carb day!!!

whey shake
2 slices multigrain bread
1/2 T pb

3 ew
2 oz chk
4 oz yam

4 oz chx
4 oz yam
1 c grn bns

4 oz chk
salad
2 T ff dressing
apple

whey shake
1/4 c oats

5 oz chx
1 c gn bns

whey shake

[sabreman]

Hey, very nice! I'm new to the board and to bodybuiling myself.

[egoatdoor]

October Muscular Development, page 347, Craig Titus "I know people are terrified to eat carbs lately, but low carb and no carb diets will hurt you.They shut your metabolism down. One thing that p___es me off is the so called...gurus who get fitness girls ready.Some of these idiots starve these girls down to nothing and shut their thyroid glands down. Kelly(Ryan) and I have a close friend who was trained by ____ for a fitness show. He had her eating zero carbs for weeks on end and ruined her thyroid function....you just don't do that!"

150 carbs ( a couple of yams, green beans and a salad) is not a high carb day. Think about what you are doing before its too late.

[TrishB]

You are doing great girl....keep up the great work!!!

[TrishB]

Originally posted by egoatdoor
October Muscular Development, page 347, Craig Titus "I know people are terrified to eat carbs lately, but low carb and no carb diets will hurt you.They shut your metabolism down. One thing that p___es me off is the so called...gurus who get fitness girls ready.Some of these idiots starve these girls down to nothing and shut their thyroid glands down. Kelly(Ryan) and I have a close friend who was trained by ____ for a fitness show. He had her eating zero carbs for weeks on end and ruined her thyroid function....you just don't do that!"

150 carbs ( a couple of yams, green beans and a salad) is not a high carb day. Think about what you are doing before its too late.

I hope you are not expecting any of us to pay much mind to what Craig Titus says is good or not good for us.

[missmuscle]

Hey guys! I get to eat today!!!! I met with my trainer and we went over my posing. I t was very hard to hold those for longer than a few seconds!! Lots to practice!

I am so looking forward to some Italian food tonight!!! I'll let you all know how it goes tommorrow!!!

[Hibiscus09]

Yay missmuscle -- enjoy your Italian food!! :D

originally posted by TrishB
I hope you are not expecting any of us to pay much mind to what Craig Titus says is good or not good for us.

LOL -- I was thinking the same thing. I think he's probably done plenty that we would consider not "good" for us!!

[egoatdoor]

Originally posted by TrishB
I hope you are not expecting any of us to pay much mind to what Craig Titus says is good or not good for us.

I think Kelly Ryan would know alot about what's good for us. Read her columns elsewhere on this site.

[missmuscle]

Ok- so we all know that my trainer told me to eat yesterday- so I ate and ate pasta for dinner and then had ice cream. Man, it's amazing how the human body works and that when you eat right and diet in, your body becomes so sensitive! I feel like a** today and I felt like I woke up in a haze and in fact fell back to sleep until 10am!!! I always get up before 6am naturally!!!! I don't know what happened, but maybe my trainer secretly knew this was going to happen and knew that when it did it would make me never want to eat like that again!!! My stomach will never be the same!!! I sincerely hope that my energy will return by tommorrow morning!

I can't believe that I am entering the single digits for comeptition weeks. I am having faith that it will all come together, but it's very hard to visualize at this point!!!

My goal for this week is to really kick up the cardio and focus on intervals and keeping my length 45 minutes minimum. I also may drop my calories by 100 , but depending on how I look and feel by mid week , I may wait until 8 weeks out to drop the calories.

[sabreman]

How much do trainers normally cost? I don't think I really need one, but I'm just curious. I'm sure it depends on where you are in the country, etc.

I'm not sure I could put that much faith into it. If I had a personal trainer...it'd have to be my future wife. My trainer would have to watch me 24/7 to keep me from cheating. That's my main problem. I don't have a partner or anything to keep me motivated...it's all me.

[missmuscle]

Well today I am still feeling a bit out of sorts and still retaining water. I really truly believe that I will never go overboard like that again. I should have known that all that dairy wouldn't have been a good thing, especially since I haven't really have much if any for 6 months!

Anyway, I only did 50 minutes of cardio today. I was so damn tired at 5 am that I slept in til 6 and did cardio at 7. Why am I so damn tired?? I really think it has a lot to do with not being on the pill anymore. I am a firm believer that hormone balance plays a huge role in regulating moods and levels of fatigue... I hope that I can last another 9 weeks!!!

I am getting to the point that in the morning I am not motivated to work out and think that maybe I want to give up....

[sabreman]

Hormones probably has something to do with it. But, I think the level of activity that you do has to do with it, too. When I was in college, I walked damn near everywhere, lifted, and all kinds of other stuff and had no problems falling asleep whenever and where ever I wanted. After I graduated, my activity level went down and I started having problems sleeping and stuff.

[Hibiscus09]

When you're doing a cutting diet and training the way you are, you're bound to be tired somewhat. You just have to keep pressing on -- the lower carbs do make your energy levels lower.

[sabreman]

That too. LOL. Caffeine usually helps me out. Diet soda, or a little sweet tea can go a long way (just don't drink too much of it).

[missmuscle]

Well, today the alarm didn't go off, but somehow I woke up in a panic and looked aver at it before it was too late- so I rushed eating and took off to the gym. I had a pretty good workout and good cardio- I have been sticking to minimum 45 minutes so far this week so I am happy with that. My food will be blander starting next week and I will drop calories to 1400 either this weekend or next Monday. I am also planning on switching from ground chicken to chicken breasts only. No more salsa or ff salad dressing. I can't believe that it's 8 weeks next week- I really feel that now I am in the crunch time I don't want to cheat, which is what I was hoping would happen. I also don't really want to work out either - ha ha

I am hoping that tweaking my diet with these small changes will make a difference!

[Hibiscus09]

8 weeks will pass fast! Can't wait to see your pics -- I'm sure you look fantastic! :)

[missmuscle]

well I took some more pics yesterday and will post them by Sunday. I have been craving pb and nuts and I have been indulging a bit so I need to curb that by tommorrow!

I hope that the pics I will post will look better than last time!! ha ha

[sabreman]

Originally posted by missmuscle
well I took some more pics yesterday and will post them by Sunday. I have been craving pb and nuts and I have been indulging a bit so I need to curb that by tommorrow!

I hope that the pics I will post will look better than last time!! ha ha

Well, you looked fantastic before....hard to imagine you looking better now!

[missmuscle]

okay- so my mean trainer gave me the bad news today-

she changed my diet and my carb up and carb down days

here's the diet : chicken breast, white fish, green beans, yam, oats, egg whites, olive or flax oil, 10 unsalted nuts

That's what I can pick from - NOTHING else- no choices no nada
and I have 4 down days with only 25g of carbs and only 3 up days with 75 g of carbs and I have to workout 4 days a week anywhere from 2-3 hours, morning and night!!!!

I am so tired and wary of this huge change that I am eating whatever i want today for the last time for the mext 69 days.

I guess I was thinking that it would be easier to flow right into this kind of diet, but it hit me that I really will have to do this for the next 8 1/2 weeks- I really need to psych myself out- thank goodness that I have Mon and Tues off- Mentally it's hard for me to "start over" mid week.

I was talking to my fellow competitor today and she confessed to me that she was binging and purging her way through her diet. I felt bad for her, but I was also glad that I am no longer obsessed like that- I used to be right there with her....

I just hope that I can stay strong- I have thrown away all of the temptations and as ridiculous as it sounds, I may have to have my fiance hide the nuts just so I don't go oevrboard-

how crazy is that???? And of course I feel horribly guilty about eating and I'll regret every second of it when I have to work harder than anyone else- oh well I just hope I don't come in last....

PS- has anyone tried Thyromel or know anyone who has? Wanted to know the bad side effects

[sabreman]

I don't really limit myself on the diet. Do you have a competition coming up soon?

[missmuscle]

yep- 8 weeks out

[sabreman]

Ah, very cool! Good luck!

Where's it at?

[Hibiscus09]

Yeah, those diets can get really tough. :( Keep going -- you'll do great!

I haven't taken Thyromel but just this in the description:

"Do not take other than directed, so the thyroid will not adapt to the use of Thyro-Mel, and to avoid problems with over stimulating the thyroid."

would scare me away. However, I take birth control pills & if you read those packages -- you'd think they'd kill you on the spot.

[missmuscle]

My competition is in AZ

- yes, I agree that everything in the world that we ingest has some horrible warning label which makes me consider using thyromel, however I would like to hear from some women firsthand on what kind of reactions they had. It makes me nervous any time a product warns to absolutely under no circumstances should you take for more than 6-8 weeks- makes it sound pretty powerful or pretty dangerous!

Anyway- today is my first day on the new and horrible diet. I will get through it. The only thing that really sucks now is that I have nothing to look forward to. I used to look forward to my shakes and my morning bread w/ pb, but now there's zipolla!! I'm not sure how will do it, but I will try to imagine myself on stage at every meal and I will distract myself with TV or internet while I am eating just to get thru it- right now it all tastes pretty bad! I do still look forward to my 3 oz yam every now and then!
I only have 8-10 items TOTAL to play with and many of my days I only get 4 items from that list!!!!!

I'll post my pics tonight or tommorrow.

[sabreman]

Have you tried the ephedra-free hydroxycut or e-free ripped fuel? Anyone know if those work?

[missmuscle]

yes- and I can't take either- they give you somewhat of a boost, but if you are used to taking the ephedrine products then they will be a dissappointment...

[sabreman]

Well, I haven't taken them before. I'm not allowed to take anything with the ephedra in it. So, that's why I was asking about the ephedra free stuff. So, it works, but not as good as it was with the ephedra in it?

[sweetbecky]

It doesn't work. You could always do a search or post in the Supplement forum for those types of products... this is a journal of someone's journey to competition... general questions should go to the appropriate section.

Missmuscle, I can't wait to see your progression pics! You may hate the diet now, but I think the results will be worth all your hard work! Keep at it :)

[sabreman]

Originally posted by sweetbecky
It doesn't work. You could always do a search or post in the Supplement forum for those types of products... this is a journal of someone's journey to competition... general questions should go to the appropriate section.


Actually, this is the right forum. I was asking her a specific question about what she has used. And, she answered my question.

[sweetbecky]

Yes she answered your question... that's why I questioned the need for a follow up question when she didn't even mention the product herself.

I also thought it was interesting that you said you only post in the over 35 and female forums although you're a 25 year old man.

Let's try to keep her personal journal on track, shall we?
If you want to reply to my post, please PM me rather than clutter up this thread. Thanks

[missmuscle]

okay so I am on my 4th meal of the day- 1-3 wasn't too bad, but I have a feeling that the last half of the day will really suck!!!

Looks like I'll be investing in large quantities of gum - at least it will help with some flavor!!

only 2-3 more boring meals and another hour of cardio and I'll be one day closer!

[sabreman]

Originally posted by missmuscle
Looks like I'll be investing in large quantities of gum - at least it will help with some flavor!!

Gum always helps me out. If I'm hungry and it's not time to eat, or I know I shouldn't eat more...I pull out some gum. Works wonders for me. And, when I run and lift...it keeps the mouth from going dry.

[Hibiscus09]

I like gum also -- for something sweet -- even though I chew sugarless. LOL

[missmuscle]

okay - I think I only got one emailed to me from the home computer- not sure why but here's at least one to check out of my legs 9 weeks out.

[Gator]

Wow..
U look great, nice outer sweep there..

Keep at it and keep us in the loop..

Gator
Originally posted by missmuscle
okay - I think I only got one emailed to me from the home computer- not sure why but here's at least one to check out of my legs 9 weeks out.

[missmuscle]

I've been away from the computer for a few days- I had my weekend Monday and Tuesday. The workouts were hell- I could barely get out of bed let alone workout or function for the rest of the day. I was in a haze since Saturday but yesterday afternoon I kind of perked up- I get to skip working out Friday and I only have to do cardio Saturday evening. I am only posing and doing some serious abs. I also get a "treat" of unsalted rice cakes with pb and jelly- let me tell you that sounds like heaven right now:)!
As for the changes in the diet - I get to bring back fruit next week and my down/ up days will be switched up a bit. I noticed some changes this week while on the really strict diet and I was happy about that. I did my bodyfat today and about four out of the 9 sites decreased which made me a little happier as well. I still know that I am not where I should be, but my trainer keeps telling me that in the last 4 weeks I will be changing quite noticeably. I think that I am doing pretty well- I think that after this week I will be more accustomed to the lower carb days and I think that I will get a little more used to the diet- I won't get used to spending 50 dollars a week on chicken!!!

I get my suits tommorrow so I am excited about that too- and my massage!! gotta work on those traps!!

[Gator]

Thats some treat ..LOLOL
And yer trainers right, the last 4 weeks or so youll see a hayuuge difference..
Enjoy the massage..
And yer not doing well, yer doing GREAT !!!!

Gator

Originally posted by missmuscle
I've been away from the computer for a few days- I had my weekend Monday and Tuesday. The workouts were hell- I could barely get out of bed let alone workout or function for the rest of the day. I was in a haze since Saturday but yesterday afternoon I kind of perked up- I get to skip working out Friday and I only have to do cardio Saturday evening. I am only posing and doing some serious abs. I also get a "treat" of unsalted rice cakes with pb and jelly- let me tell you that sounds like heaven right now:)!
As for the changes in the diet - I get to bring back fruit next week and my down/ up days will be switched up a bit. I noticed some changes this week while on the really strict diet and I was happy about that. I did my bodyfat today and about four out of the 9 sites decreased which made me a little happier as well. I still know that I am not where I should be, but my trainer keeps telling me that in the last 4 weeks I will be changing quite noticeably. I think that I am doing pretty well- I think that after this week I will be more accustomed to the lower carb days and I think that I will get a little more used to the diet- I won't get used to spending 50 dollars a week on chicken!!!

I get my suits tommorrow so I am excited about that too- and my massage!! gotta work on those traps!!

[Hibiscus09]

Great pic! Your legs are looking fantastic! :)

[barbi]

just read through your thread. u really do look great. see u already got your shoes. to me, i wouldn't think the diet is as bad as having to do all that cardio. i hate that. can't wait to see your progression. it will all be worth it in the end.

[sabreman]

As I said in the pics forum, you are looking great! Keep up the work and I know you'll do well!

[missmuscle]

I have some more pics to post

[missmuscle]

Well, yesterday I bought my suits. Let me tell you that if there ever was a day that I really did want to give up it was yesterday. I was almost in tears. I looked terrible in my suit and it had like no material to cover anything!
I came this close to losing it yesterday- it's all I could think about.

Now I want everyone to know this: I know that I won't place like the other girls that I am up against and the reason is this- I am all natural - no thermos, no steroids, no thyroid drugs nothing. And I have to work even harder since I don't have the ability to utilize such things to give me an edge. Believe me I would really like to use thermos to give me some energy and I probably would use thyroid meds if it didn't have so many dangerous side effects. But the fact is that I am determined to do this competition and to do it naturally and to do it for me. The reason is simple: I have changed my life and my relationship with food. It's not quite there yet, but I hoped that by entering this competition, it would help me to conquer my fears and stop disordered compulsions. I know that contest prep in and of itself may be considered a compulsion. I just wanted to be my personal best. I know that I will not have the hardest body on stage, but I hope that I can still look competitive. I don't want to be laughed off the stage nor do I expect to win; however, I do want to look competitive.

Anyway, now that I got that out! Yes, I am feeling down but I can't doubt anything, I just have to move forward. Right now I am taking it one day at a time, and on the bad days, one meal at a time. I've been denying the reality that it's crunch time thinking that I could put off thinking about it until later, but I now accept that it's here and I must follow everything to the "T".

Thanks for letting me ramble on , I'll try to post the other pics today.

[missmuscle]

heres a pic of the side- not very good lighting but it gives you somewhat of an idea- I'm hoping that the arms will lean out- they will be the last to go, that is where I hold a lot of my fat

[missmuscle]

heres the back

[barbi]

girl, you look great. and what you said in your last post hit home with me. only s\difference is, i don't have the courage you do to say, ok, i'm gonna enter this contest at such a date, even if i don;t win. would be scared sh@!tless that i'd be laughed off stage. you definetly have a determination to be admired and respected. keep it up.

[Hibiscus09]

I think you look beautiful and you'll do great! :)

[missmuscle]

Hello!

Well today is day 2 on my mission to get through the last 2 months!!!! So far so good- I am allowed my rice cakes with pb and jelly 2x per day until Sunday when my diet will change a bit again. I will be allowed to incorporate a whey shake in my first meal which will be a welcome change! As for everything else, it will stay pretty much the same

Up day (higher carbs) whey shake in morning and 40-50 g of yam, oats, apple or 3 strawberries SPLIT between the first 2 AM meals- all chicken or whitefish or egg white and green beans for the rest of the day

Down day: whey shake in AM, egg whites, chkn, white fish and green beans ONLY all day and 1/2 T pb in AM and 10 unsalted nuts with 2 meals during the day

Cardio will be min 60 minutes daily and 3-4 nights per week an additional 20-30 minutes

abs and posing every day

So that's the plan- I find that it has helped tremendously to break it down into one meal at a time to get thru the day, as well as really enjoying my small treats like the nuts and rice cakes w/ jelly, morning coffee, and crystal light :)

As for the energy levels- they are pretty good, except I always get really tired after my 2nd cardio session

I am really hoping that the dark tan and the water pills at the end will make a vast improvement. I have never taken Taraxatone, but everyone who has tried it says that it really sheds the water in the last few days....

[sabreman]

Well, I think you're looking great...despite what those other guys say in the other picture thread! I'm sure that you'll do very well in your competition!

[missmuscle]

Well, last night I went to bed hungry cause I am so sick of eating chicken and green beans! I think that I'm paying for it today! I lifted for about an hour- back, hams, gastroc and some abs and then did about 45 minutes cardio

I got to have my shake this morning so that was a treat. Now I am at work and totally exhausted and unmotivated to do anything but sit at my laptop!! I seem to have a few good days and then I'll dip into a not so good day about every 4-5th day. Oh well, I guess that means tommorrow will be better!

I need to start upping my water intake- I'm stuck at 2 gallons and I should be trying for 2.5 for these last weeks!

Talk to you guys later!

[sabreman]

Originally posted by missmuscle
Well, last night I went to bed hungry cause I am so sick of eating chicken and green beans! I think that I'm paying for it today!

That's about all I'm eating for dinner these days as well. I recommend basting the chicken with fat free italian dressing. Pretty good stuff. Also, what are you doing at work on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend?

[egoatdoor]

Originally posted by sabreman
That's about all I'm eating for dinner these days as well. I recommend basting the chicken with fat free italian dressing. Pretty good stuff. Also, what are you doing at work on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend?

Second that on the fat free Italian Dressing. It can also spice up your green beans and yams. Pour a couple of tablespoons on them. The dressing has no fat and almost no calories. It has sodium, so you may want to cut this out the last couple of weeks before your competition.

[missmuscle]

Thanks guys for the tips, but unfortunately I can't have ANY condiments - too much sodium! Plain chicken ONLY!!! I know- it sucks!

I am in real estate and work for a new home builder so I work every weekend and holiday!

[missmuscle]

I forgot this picture- I think I was going for a back dbl bi, but the shot took it before I got the dbl bi - ha ha

You can check out how many jugs of protein and misc stuff I have to the right of me --

[TrishB]

In my opinion, you are looking great. I don't think you have to worry about your competition. You will be a contendor...so don't think otherwise.

Don't forget to get the bikini stick-um stuff!! At least it will keep that little bit of material covering what it needs to....lol. :)

[missmuscle]

I don't think there's enough material to stick on!!!

[TrishB]

:D :eek: :D

[sabreman]

I'd like to see pics of that then! LOL! I think you're looking great. Great shoulders in that pic, too!

P.S. My green beans were quite tasty.....

[missmuscle]

I'm sure they were- now try eating them 6 times a day for 61 more days.....not that I'm counting:)

[sabreman]

Originally posted by missmuscle
I'm sure they were- now try eating them 6 times a day for 61 more days.....not that I'm counting:)

That's a killer diet you have there....but, you seem to be sticking to it. How many more days? You seem to have a lot more motivation towards your diet than I do. But, I'm not trying to compete....not yet anyway, I'll have to come back from overseas first.

[missmuscle]

OKay- I am sticking to it NOW- but I have had my days over the last 12 weeks! Since this was my first show I did a 20 week diet (which I will never do for that long again!) and now I have 8 weeks left, or exactly 61 more days- I just tell myself at each meal that "I just have to get through this one meal and then I'm done" I also have to watch TV or read while I eat now!

[Gator]

Lookin good MM..
Keep in touch and stay focused..

Gator
Originally posted by missmuscle
I forgot this picture- I think I was going for a back dbl bi, but the shot took it before I got the dbl bi - ha ha

You can check out how many jugs of protein and misc stuff I have to the right of me --

[missmuscle]

Hello hello! Well I got to change my training schedule and diet this week again so far so good- I only do cardio today 2x and some abs and calves - This is my second carb down day in a row so I'll be ready for carbs tommorrow! And I get to eat a serving of carbs at each meal until 5 pm! I also am enjoying my 2 shakes a day again! I feel good and hope that the energy levels stay up.

I will be experimenting with water depletion and carb loading next week to see what will work for me in the final days.

I also must do the bike and the rower machines for cardio 3 x per week at 90 rpms the whole time! My legs were killing me today! And I thought that the step mill was hard!

PS - I went down 1.5 % body fat !!! Yah! Weight is still the same

[cdmuscle]

Sorry I haven't posted for a while! Things at home get hectic and I go on the web only when I'm at work (sshhh... don't tell my boss... lol). Anyway, you're doing great on your diet and you still have time to play with!

Thanks for the positive feedback. It's so hard to stay on this silly diet but I am holding most of my muscle, so I'll just keep at it. I didn't gain any weight over the weekend and actually lost a pound, so that was impressive considering my track record.

Hope all else is going well for you! Post again soon. I will keep putting up photos as I get them. Do the same whenever you can!

:)

[missmuscle]

I had my worst day last Thurs when I bought my suits- I cried and almost gave up! But I am on track now and I will NOT give up! I did post some new pics a couple days ago, they are on previous pages and I think I have made some small changes

Keep up the diet- read or watch tv while you choke it down!

ha ha

[Gator]

Ya cant stop now, the hard works over anyway..LOL
What color r u going with suit wise ??
Have u been practicing your poses at all ???
I saw the pics, yer right on track, looking better and better each week..The best is yet to come, you will love your results !!!!!!
And congrats on the bf loss !!!!

Keep yer chin up..

Gator
Originally posted by missmuscle
I had my worst day last Thurs when I bought my suits- I cried and almost gave up! But I am on track now and I will NOT give up! I did post some new pics a couple days ago, they are on previous pages and I think I have made some small changes

Keep up the diet- read or watch tv while you choke it down!

ha ha

[ScorpioSting]

Originally posted by d-LiftStyles-b
Have you ever just let ice cream melt? The store bought kind almost totally keeps its shape, it just dries a little. When I saw that it didnt fully liquify my ice cream cravings were gone and havent come back. I may have a fudgecicle now and then but rarely ever ice cream. That grossed me out so much. Like WTF do they put in that?? ew.

I am a little late for this, but I have read (my little need to know brain keeps this crap for just these purposes...lol) that..synthetic/manmade ice cream is made by using oils and other ingredients..that~~~~~~ get this...are you ready????

----->>>>that have the same chemicals used to make tires for vehicles...NO LIE!!!!

So next time you think of grabbing that icecream, think of the spare tire it could cause ...OR MAKE! It turned me completely off of icecream! Not only are tires considered synthetic rubber, as well as being so toxic that it is illegal to burn them, but they don't break down at all ecologically!! Would you honestly go up to a tire, take a nice chomp out of it, and say YUMM? Not this gal! Just thought you should know what you are eating before you eat it.

I cannot have real ice cream because I am allergic to milk, but now I have NO ice cream because of what the ingredients consist of.
ScorpioSting

[ScorpioSting]

Just read the last of your thread...and you are doing a wonderful job!! You look fabulous!!! I am somewhat new here, but I would have loved to be here when you started your diet and training for this competition! Your thoughts that you have even on your bad days I am sure is normal for everyone entering their first competition. You are making great progress, and by the looks of what I saw in your pictures, you have every right to be standing alongside those other women on stage !!!! Winning is not the goal, doing the best you can, and enjoying the fact that you gained the muscle, lost the fat, and worked your hiney off to look as wonderful as you do (which by the way can only get better in the next few weeks..) just to be able to stand on that stage and say "I made it!!!" is the goal you have set..so, Winning a tophy, or being "placed" is just going to be an added benefit..But taken one step at a time..like you have started, is the right way to do it..You might be surprised by the results of yourself as well as the competition...but one thing is for sure...NO ONE should laugh you off the stage...you look DAYYYUMMM good for your first comp! I, myself respect your determination and mindset for setting such a goal. Even the Mr./ Ms. Olympians of past had to start somewhere. They never just walked out and won that title. You are in the right state of mind/build/ and eager enough to make it through this and many more comps...Enjoy them...learn from them. I am learning from you...I want to compete in at least one someday. I know I will be scared sh*%less when I do...with all the same things going through my head as what has gone through yours..but I know you can do it, because fear was meant to be overcome, and when it is...only wonderful things can happen!!!

Keep up the good work...and now that I have found your thread, I will keep checking in:) And from seeing the vast amount of replies to your thread, you have alot of support from good ppl.
TC
ScorpioSting

[cdmuscle]

Gotta agree with SK - you are looking fantastic! BTW - along with the ice cream theory, another thing that helps me overcome a LOT of cravings is remembering what it is! Like:

Pineapple flavoring is the same thing they use to clean leather.

Frosting is actually flavored lard.

Some chemicals in sweets is actually the same thing they use to kill lice...

Helps me to know THAT ONE!

Keep up the great work!

:)

[barbi]

really are looking great miss muscle. know that you said you cant have any condiments like salsa, etc, but i wonder about hot sauce. had friend who did a figure show this past weekend, and she was allowed hot sauce only. so she put it on everything. don't know if its because peppers have a natural thermogenic capability or what. just curious.

[missmuscle]

Hi guys- I know its been a long time since posting- had a couple days off from work - enjoyed it very much! PLayed my first real round of golf and did pretty well

I am dropping my water down to 1.5 gallons of liquid water, I will consume another .5 gallons in the form of ice! so total will be around 2 gallons which will drop me down a half of a gallon.

I still can't believe that the time is ticking away.... It seems so surreal that I will be done in less than 8 weeks. I sincerely hope that I will be able to get through the food cravings- I know that they are all mental, but the worst part is being around others who can eat and you all are having a good time but you can't eat. I don't generally go out much now, but when people are having a goods time they tend to want to eat and or drink. I think that we all need a way to get away from that mentality- It seems that Americans have this beleif that if I am happy I eat or vice versa- we believe that food is love and happiness- where did that ever come from? It sounds awfully ridiculous, but I will be the first to admit, I have tendencies towards the eating when happy part.- I definitely need to work on that in order to successfully finish this chapter in my life.

I think that many of us are in the same boat and there is a fine line between being able to enjoy life and food and equating food with happiness. I do believe that this whole process has been one of the greatest things I could have ever done for myself and even though I am not the most disciplined or the best figure, I have a ton of desire and determination and that will only get better with time and experience.

So here's to the first show and on to the next one after November!
I'll keep going no matter what happens!

[egoatdoor]

Originally posted by missmuscle
It seems that Americans have this beleif that if I am happy I eat or vice versa- we believe that food is love and happiness- where did that ever come from?

I think that many of us are in the same boat and there is a fine line between being able to enjoy life and food and equating food with happiness.



Food should be fun. Meals are not meant to be torture. Remember all this when your contest is done. Treat yourself for awhile.

Any food is OK in the off season for someone who exercises as we do as long as it is in moderation.

[missmuscle]

Well today is a carb up day and 2x cardio- did pretty intense cardio this morning- 30 min intervals on the step mill and then 10 minutes where I skip a step and squeeze the glutes (ouch!) then i did bike for 10 min and walked on an incline for 10. I will go back tonight for another round!

I am planning on starting my thyro-mel tommorrow- I have been taking my temp in the AM and it's been a little low- probably still residual adrenal burnout from April so I ordered some adrenal support supplements that are supposed to help burnout. I am also planning on ordering a holistic thyroid balance product after the show to ensure healthy function of the thyroid. My body is really stressed right now so It's important to take all my supps.

Hopefully I'll see some changes in the next 2 weeks. I should be seeing something 6 weeks out!!!

diet has been the same:
chicken, steak , egg whites, 1 shake in the morning
yam, oats, 1 apple
green beans

I am really liking curry chicken and my new egg white, chken, veggie conglomeration I've been making so at least things are tasting better! ;)

[Gator]

Stay strong MM..
The best is yet to come..

Good luck !

Gator

[missmuscle]

Hi guys! That's me yawning may way thru the day-

Actually, I'm not too tired today- I was this morning for legs- I was going to do 45 min of cardio but I stopped at 30!

I am thinking about getting personalized plates so if you guys have any fun workout related ideas let me know!

SO far so good on the diet and workout- the cardio 2x a day isn't as bad as I thought it would be. And the worst part is the 2 carb down days in a row- They won't be so bad when I get restocked on my protein- I've been out and that's the only thing I look forward to along with my one slice of bread on my down days! So I am excited about tommorrow - ha ha (its the little thing!)

I am planning on starting the thyro-mel this week and will keep you posted on the results

I have decided that the reality of this whole thing won't set in until I'm on stage- I can't believe I only have a little over 6 weeks ot get ready. I hope all those people who told me that most changes won't happen until the last 3 weeks are right!!!

[barbi]

here r a few ideas that i can't get because there taken in my state.
GOT GAMS LV 2 LFT 2 DA GYM LEG DAY 2 DOLEGS FLEX 4YA
WNA LIFT N2 SWET LFTNLWR 2 DO SQATS MK A MSCL BUFMAMA
LIFT IT GOTA LFT

[sabreman]

Originally posted by barbi
here r a few ideas that i can't get because there taken in my state.
GOT GAMS LV 2 LFT 2 DA GYM LEG DAY 2 DOLEGS FLEX 4YA
WNA LIFT N2 SWET LFTNLWR 2 DO SQATS MK A MSCL BUFMAMA
LIFT IT GOTA LFT

I think you have to speak english...not ebonics...LMAO!

[cdmuscle]

Looking good MM - glad to see the 2x cardio sessions aren't too much. I'm not looking forward to that but thankfully I haven't had to yet. No cheating on my diet except I added some sugarfree jello in at the end of the day for a treat. I did "splurge" and have a little extra beef yesterday and so my weight stabilized. But I reduced a little today for the week. Hopefully I'll hit my goal weight by the end of the week.

Keep up the great work! You're going to do fantastic.

[missmuscle]

Sorry I've been away from the computer for a few days!

Well, I took my bodyfat today and was pleased that I have gone down almost 2 %- I am getting really nervous about this 6-7 week thing... I was working out behind this one girl who works out at my gym and she is doing a show next week and she made me sick she looked so good!! I would give anything to look like her! I really hope that I start to look better soon!!!

I am doing 4 down days in a row with Sunday as my last down day and I am having no added fat Sat and Sun and then next week we will be playing with carbs to see how I look.
By week 4 if I don't see some real changes then I'll start to worry!! Oh well, I can't give up now, I've been at it way to friggin long to stop this close- I think that I am just hoping that a miracle will happen!

[missmuscle]

Hi guys-

well, I realized that this was starting to get harder!!! Today is my 4th carb down day with no added fat and I am starting to do cardio before lifting on an empty stomach. Cardio was really hard this morning and i started to feel what it's like to have no fuel!- Monday and Friday I am doing cardio first thing in the morning at 5 am and then have to lift after that! I am hoping that I will be able to make it through the lifting and be able to have enough energy and not pass out! I will bring a shake and some oats to down in between. I also have to do my cardio after i eat my last meal which means that I'll be working out after 7:30 pm and I go to sleep at 9pm so I'll never be able to relax!! ha!

Only 47 more days and 1 % per week so I am determined and i have told everyone that from here on out I will be very very limited in what I can do. I feel really bad, though because it will limit my time with my fiance. I can't beleive how great he has been. He has memorized my workouts and diet and supplement schedules and works out with me at night even though he doesn't have to do cardio and he doesn't keep any junkfood in the house or order anything unhealthy to eat while I am around. He also stays in with me and watches movies when his friends go out. I couldn't have done this without him!

Anyway- this next week will be my hardest yet, but I am hoping that like everything else, I will get used to it.

As for the thyro-mel, nothing noticeable yet, but I have only been taking it every other day and on Wed I will start taking it every day.

[Gator]

MM..
Its great and it makes it easier when u have someone close on yer side, someone to lean on thru this....
Keep the faith, youre doing just fine..

Gator

[missmuscle]

I was so dead tired today! I did cardio last night before bed, no eating afterwards and got up to do cardio at 5 am on an empty stomach downed a shake and then had to do legs AFTER 4 carb down days!!!!!!!

I got to have 1/3 c rice and 1/4 c of dry oats so it wasn't so terrible. I am down to 1.5 gallons today and go to 1 gallon tommorrow and throw in 1/2 yam and a rice cake! This week I am trying out my last week diet to see what will work for my body.

I am hoping that I sleep better tonight and am not so darn tired the rest of the week!!!!

[missmuscle]

I am so bummed today- I had some not so great news at my job- but I think it will all blow over- It just was one of those things that ruins your whole day- and when you are bummed or stressed it's hard to stay on track- but I am!

This week has been really challenging, but I have made it through. I really feel that lately, I have been changing my outlook on things - my self-image, my work attitude- everything that's important and I am really beginning to feel like I am coming into my own so to speak. I really believe that this whole competition and the focus and positivity has made a definite impact on me.

I realize that I will not win and probably not even place in the show, but I really need to remind myself that I am doing this for me and my personal best- don't get me wrong, I will be bummed out if I don't place, but all the more motivation for one more show right?

Anyway, hopefully I will cheer myself up and take this whole work thing in stride! Wish me luck guys and a few prayers wouldn't hurt either!

[ScorpioSting]

Sorry to hear about your bad day. I know how those go..I have been having a bad week..oops! I hope it all clears up for you.
Just keep on working hard, and realizing your goal..no matter what. You will get there.:) I will pray for you!

*<Hands you ten horseshoes for luck since I don't seem to have any of my own :D>*

Scorpio

[missmuscle]

Well, today is my last day with hardly any water, tommorrow I get to go back to drinking a few gallons which I will love as I am retaining every ounce of water that I am allowed!

I have been in a terrible mood this morning and I am hoping that it's only hormonal, but I am sure that I will be better by Sunday.

I am going to a local show tonight which I hope will keep me motivated not depress me! I am really hoping that I will get really positive after watching all my friends up there- but this show they will be looking for separation and more musce tone so they'll all look better than me on my best day which is a bummer!!

Oh well, I am staying positive and hopeful that in the end I'll look great!

[Gator]

MM..
How are things coming along ??

Gator

[missmuscle]

Gator- well, I was allowed a carb cheat meal and I felt really bloated after that whole high carb low water week. I am mentlaly on track and I feel more determined than ever. I am following my meal plan and workouts to the T - the cardio length has increased. It's a toss up between whether its more tiring or just more boring now that I am doing it about 1.5 hours a day 7 days a week. I am taking a million supplements and anymore than 2 carb down days in a row and I start to go a bit nutty. I am hoping to see some more changes with the increased cardio and I am really trying to stick to 7 meals a day, but have difficulty making it past 6. I hope to see some changes within this week and the end of next week. I can't image that I won't see changes as I am following the meal plans and the workouts so I guess I'll just have to have patience!

[Gator]

Well Sunshine, cardio just plain sux as yer finding out now..LOL

You will feel a bit nutty, comes w/the turf..

Patience is the key, give yer body time..
And you will get the results you want...

Gator

[TrishB]

MM...You are doing so great girl!!! It won't be much longer....so you keep kicking butt! :)

[missmuscle]

Hi all! Tired this morning as I had to watch the 2 hour Paradise Hotel and then workout after that. I got up early and did cardio and lifted and today is a carb up day so I am excited!!

Other than that, things are pretty much the same. I have discovered that I definitely respond better to the low carb days than the multiple high carb days...

Anyway, the days seem to be going quickly now that I am so busy and I have to work out 2x per day ( thank God they are flying by!) and I am not craving anything so I feel really positive and I hope that I don't have a melt down when I go get my suit tommorrow!!!!

[Gator]

MM..

Are there any updated pics to show us your progress ??
Your starting the homestretch !!!!!!!

Take care

Gator

[ScorpioSting]

You are still doing a great job! Good to see you are in better spirits...What type of suit are you going for?

Are you getting kind of excited now that the competition is so close? TC
Scorp

[missmuscle]

Well, today is my carb up day so I am stoked and I only have 33 more days to go which makes me completely nervous. I went through the house and got rid of all the possible sources of a mental breakdown thus causing me to binge on otherwise harmless and untantalizing foods like bread and tortillas! I thought since it is getting harder for me to see any other kind of food than what I eat all day, that I needed to get it out of the house in case I had a moment of weakness. So officially everyone in the house eats what I do or has to go out for food!

I have been pretty tired the last few days especially after my nighttime cardio and crash immediately when I get home so at least the days seem to be going by quickly. Almost only a month to go which terrifies me! I have accepted the fact that I won't win and probably not place compared to all the other girls, but oh well at least I am getting up there. I guess my dreams of competing will be short lived as I am not willing to take drugs, I knew that from the beginning, but I had no idea that everyone took them!!!

It will only make me work harder these last few weeks and for next time!

[missmuscle]

Hi guys-

well, things are starting to look up at work which I think is a good thing! I hope anyway!

Once again I was dead tired last night and almost didn't go work out this morning, but I dragged my butt into the gym anyway! I did my 45 min cardio (no intervals today!:(- too tired) and then lifted legs, back, bi's tris ran home raced to get ready and here I am at work.

I was watching the other girls who are in training for the same show today and they were talking about how everyone is taking at least ephedrine to compete and it made me realize 2 things: 1. I know that they all have a bigger advantage over me and that they probably will look better 2. I feel better about myself because I had to work a little bit harder than everyone else and if I can get through this, I can do anything in life and in work! I am really proud of myself and my goal for my next show is to really be strict and not try to make myself feel better with food or negotiate with myself. Now that I know that I can do it, my next goal is to really hone this determination and manifest it into action to attaining my new personal best!

[Gator]

Youll do some damage at that show MM..
Keep the faith, and good luck

Gator

[missmuscle]

Help! Please someone out there tell me that you felt horrible and blah all over 3 weeks out! This morning I woke up at 3 am with a sore throat and felt blah all over, but I dragged myself to the gym and did some moderate cardio and went home. My trainer told me not to lift for 2 days and to take Vita C and to have 2 carb days. I am still planning on doing light cardio tonight if I'm not dead by then!

I feel tired and cranky and weepy many times during the day and I really think about saying "the hell with it" sometimes and that if I am going to feel like this for the next 27 days, then maybe it's not worth it. I haven't gone out with my friends in ages and have been completely on edge with my fiance which I regret and I feel like I haven't spent any time with him as we have opposite days off, I get up before he does and i am working out at night after work and then go to bed.

Please someone who has been here tell me that this is completely normal because I think i may be losing my mind.AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

ok I feel a little better! I just want to make sure that one day I will return to my positive happy self again!

[missmuscle]

P.S.- who the hell wants to eat chicken and green beans when thery're sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Emma-Leigh]

It is COMPLETELY normal!! :D Your going through the 'pre-comp mood-swings from hell phase'... Hee hee...

I have a friend at the moment who is in his last week of cutting (he is doing a comp next weekend) and even if you look at him the wrong way... Eeep!! ;)

It is a combination of the low carbs (drops your serotonin levels), lower food intake (causes less 'happy hormones' to be released by your body) and the impact of thestress you are putting your body under!!

Have the rest and some carb up days like your trainer suggested - It will help.

Keep at it!! You are doing really well :)

[missmuscle]

Well, I am feeling a little bit better and I made myself work out this morning. I slept long and deep last night so that probably helped. I feel guilty that I skipped my cardio last night and didn't drink all my water, but my body just wanted to lie on the couch last night. I am planning on doing cardio tonight but I hate when you are getting over being sick and you aren't motivated and really tired. I can't wait until this whole thing is over and my hormones return to normal so I can be happy and not tired all the time! Hopefully i will feel more enrgized by Sunday.

[missmuscle]

just needed to clear my head for a bit:


It seems that since Thursday I have felt like giving up an eating everything. I am relying on what everyone else has told me and that this feeling coupled with being down and tired from being sick will pass, but it's getting harder to get motivated. Sometimes I just don't think I'll be able to do this and I hate being so bummed out. I am ususally such a happy person. I just have to accept the fact that 99% of this is physical and will all go away after I start resuming normal eating patterns and a more normal workout! I think that I just need a short break from working out and eating right, but I know that I can' t take one! I wish that I had other people around me who were going through the same emotional roller coaster. I also beleive that since this is my first time through this it will be the toughest and that the next time I do this I will be more mentally prepared for this hard time in the last leg of the race.

Okay I feel a little better. I won't feel 100% better until my body gets over this little hump! But no matter what happens, I won't give up!

[Gator]

Feeling better yet MM ??

Hang in there..

Gator

[missmuscle]

Thank God I feel so much better today! I have worked out 2x yesterday and plan to keep up with that until the end. I am feeling so much better and almost back up to 100%. I am still a bit quick to get angry, but overall I feel really positive and can't wait until it's only 2 weeks away- things will really fly by then. I had some good cardio today and am planning on riding the bike tonight. I am lowering my water and carbs this week as a little precomp last week trial. I think that I am looking a bit better, but maybe it's just wishful thinking! I am trying not to look at myself so often b/c I want to push myself harder and surprise myself at the end- I know that sounds bizarre! I just have to get through this week and then it's all down hill!

[Gator]

Congrats MM..
The hard parts over with..

Gator
Originally posted by missmuscle
Thank God I feel so much better today! I have worked out 2x yesterday and plan to keep up with that until the end. I am feeling so much better and almost back up to 100%. I am still a bit quick to get angry, but overall I feel really positive and can't wait until it's only 2 weeks away- things will really fly by then. I had some good cardio today and am planning on riding the bike tonight. I am lowering my water and carbs this week as a little precomp last week trial. I think that I am looking a bit better, but maybe it's just wishful thinking! I am trying not to look at myself so often b/c I want to push myself harder and surprise myself at the end- I know that sounds bizarre! I just have to get through this week and then it's all down hill!

[missmuscle]

Well, I made it through that hellish week and I finally feel better thank God! I am so glad that last week is over. Now I am really excited- not nervous yet- and I can't believe that it's only 2 1/2 weeks to go. I am looking forward to having a week off and hope I can find something to occupy my time during that week so I don't lose my mind! I hope that this time goes by fast and I have to admit that I don't look as good as I was hoping to, but I had a long hard journey and next time I'll know what to expect and can do better! I will hopefully be able to post some pics of the show and I'll keep you posted for the next 2 weeks! I finally made it and I didn't give up! Yeah me! Thanks to all of the board members who have continually posted encouraging words and their own bad days! I know that this has been an outlet for me and on some days has made me feel like I am not alone!

[gallerygurl]

I haventbeen writing you but I have been reading bout ya... Good luck and im proud of you, maybe some day i will be in physical shape to be where you are!!! You have done great..

[missmuscle]

Thanks Gallery- don't give up - I was in the same spot you were in not too long ago- I had an eating disorder for 8 years and getting up on that stage in 2 weeks means I beat it!!!

[missmuscle]

Today I felt really good energy for my cardio. My gym has completely refurbished all the equip and remodeled and so that in itself was motivating. I worked out last night and fell asleep at 9:30 and slept like a baby! I have been on track for the diet and am determined to stay strict for the next 19 days and to push my cardio no matter how tired I get! I have been checking out some of my competition and it always makes me feel like I should be looking so much better and that there's no way I'll place, but then I have to remind myself that this is just a practice run for next July and that most importantly, I know that I can do it now so next time it will beeasier. It really puts the bigger picture in perspective as silly as that sounds, in that, if you can get through the pain and suffering of training for a competition, you can get through anything! My only desire is to place in the top 5 of my height class, i don't have to win ,I just want to place so I can really feel that my hard work has shown and paid off! I am looking forward to the last week to see all the water drop out! I retain a lot of water I have discovered! And of course I can't wait to go eat!

[TrishB]

MM....you are doing so great!! Just a couple more weeks for you!! And when you get on that stage....get up there like you are going to win this competition. You never know. :)

[missmuscle]

Things are going well - little less energy today for the am cardio, but I will do my pm cardio and add in some abs after my last meal. I am getting antsy waiting for the days to go by. I wish it would already be time so I can finally get it over with! I am really excited and nervous and I will be able to say that I am really proud of myself. I can't remember the last time I said that, or for that if I have ever said that! This has really been a life changing experience and I am so glad that I did it!

[Hibiscus09]

Glad everything is going so great for you, mm! You're really beautiful -- your body looks great -- and I know you'll do fantastic! :)

[Peanut]

Missmuscle, we haven't heard from you in awhile!
If you don't mind me asking, what has your diet consisted of lately?

[missmuscle]

Hi all! Been away from the computer for a few days- I had a great workout day on Wed and I was really tired this morning but I did hams and cardio and I feel good right now so hopefully I will be somewhat energized by tonights session. I can hardly beleive it's days away. I still am my own worst critic, but I'm getting up there no matter what! Thank God for protan! That stuff makes you look five pounds thinner! Anyway, the diet is going well and I am only hungry in the morning when I wake up so I'm not starving! I am looking forward to me week off from work- I only have 7 more days of work until I get to veg out at home for a week!

[senimoni]

Is today or tomorrow the day? Either way good luck :-)

[missmuscle]

I felt all out of whack yesterday- I was all over the board emmotionally and I thought I was going to have a mental breakdown. I really hope this all goes away after I return to my normal way of life- I don't know that I can say that I would do this again, I will have to wait and see how I feel after it's all over.
I almost didn't go work out today and I told my trainer that I wanted to give up! But I'll hang in there by telling myself I'll feel better in 9 days when I can eat again and return to my normal hormone levels and seretonin levels! Yeah carbs! I only have a week to go and I won't give up even if it kills me, which it just may do!

[Emma-Leigh]

Keep going missmuscle! You are SO CLOSE! - Only 9 more days!! That is only a weeks and 2 days and only 10 more sleeps!

And just imagine all those carbs you can eat as a reward! ;)

[missmuscle]

Well, here it is, the final 6 days! I can't believe that I made it through this far! Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I was really nervous and I woke up at 12 and couldn't go back to sleep. I am so tired and can barely keep my eyes open at work. I could only manage level 1-3 on the elliptical and then level 3 for the bike. I am so tired I can hardly beleive it! I am so glad that I don't have to work after Sunday. I am having real difficulty concentrating and find myself zoning out quite frequently. I tried on my suits and I was actually pleased with what I saw. It's been a really hard time, but I hope that someone out there reading this gets some inspiration. I'll let you guys know how it goes next week!

[Emma-Leigh]

Woo hoo!! Home stretch! - Get out there, flex those muscles and kick some butt!! :p

Good luck!! :D

[ScorpioSting]

Way to go missmuscle! Good luck...and try to get some pics for us not so fortunate to be there with you! It would be great to see the results of your hard work. :) Can't wait to see the outcome..You have been so committed! Keep your chin up, and your muscles tight...hats off to you!

Scorpio

[WH-TH]

MissMuscle --

Been reading your posts for sometime now and have learned a lot from what you've shared with us.

Good luck in the contest. Knock 'em dead! You'll do great

WH-TH

[Gator]

Good luck MM..
Knock em dead !!!

Keep us in the loop

Gator

[Hibiscus09]

Good luck!! I know you'll do fantastic! :)

[cdmuscle]

Good Luck MM! You're gonna do great!

:D

[BBILDING]

WOW!! I have just been reading your contest prep journal. You are doing so amazing. I did a bodybuilding competition this July and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I too am in recovery from an eating disorder. The last month was so hard, but I want to encourage you to keep going. The moment when you step on stage is so amazing it makes it all worthwhile. All the crazy emotional moments when you feel like ripping someone's head off one minute and just having a complete breakdown the next are more than worth it. In fact, I am going to do it all over again next summer. Reading your journal reminded me of my own contest prep experience. Looking back on it all I am so glad I did it and I actually have such great memories from that time!!! I really miss my cutting period!! Just feel good that you are doing it and know that you can!!! Just keep thinking about being on that stage and that will pull you through. As for the other competitors I want to remind you that what people look like right now and what they look like on stage can be very different. First, they could blow their diet between now and then if they've been too strict and totally change their conditioning. Don't worry about other competitors, worry about doing the very best you know how to do. You go girl!!!! I give you so much credit for doing it!!! Your journal is very inspiring, so just know that you are not alone!!! Sorry this is so long but I hope it encourages you. I will be praying for your continuing success with your training!!! Can't wait to see final pics!!
Carrie

[missmuscle]

Well, I finally did the show and it was awesome- I loved every minute of it. Of course, the usual people who participate in the shows were there and they all placed. Because they allowed masters to cross over into the open, the girls who have won before and were more experienced placed in top 5. I won't find out what I placed until they mail me the resutls, but it was worth it anyway and I can't wait for my next show!

[missmuscle]

here is another one

[missmuscle]

and another

[missmuscle]

and last one for now- I will post some more when I get them into the computer.


Thanks to everyone for all your support and reading my journal for this long 6 months!

I would have never made it without my fiance and my trainer who kicked my butt the whole way!

[Gator]

Congrats on the show MM..
You look awesome !!!!

There were peaks and valleys and u came out on top !!
Wooo hooo..

Gator

[cdmuscle]

Fantastic! You look amazing...

We're so proud

:D

[Emma-Leigh]

You look GREAT!!! Congratulations!

[lefthandedliz]

missmuscle, i've been reading your journal for a couple of months now, and i think its safe to say that you have quite a fanclub out there (world-wide!!)

congratulations, you look awesome! just think... you can do anything, ANYTHING that you put your mind to!

way to go!

[Hibiscus09]

Wow, the pictures are great -- Congratulations! You look fantastic! I'm so glad you had a great time. :)

[egoatdoor]

Originally posted by lefthandedliz
you can do anything, ANYTHING that you put your mind to!



MM,

You made it on stage and you looked really great. Eight or ten weeks ago, I really didn't think you were going to make it, but you perservered and I'm not afraid to admit you proved me wrong. Congrats!

[ScorpioSting]

You are amazing! Congratulations on your first competition!!! Your pics are great! Can't wait to see how things will go the next time around! It was worth the work, wasn't it??? Nice job!!

Scorpio

[TrishB]

Congratulations MM!! You sure look like you should have been a winner up there to me. You look fantastic. Well done girl!! :)

[missmuscle]

Well, I am going to decide which show I will be aiming for next. IN the meantime I think I should probably retire this journal and start a new one. I really feel that I have learned a lot along the way and hopefully, I will be able to give out some advice to others on the board. For the next journal I will plan to be a bit more indepth, but I will still keep the emotional component. I think it's important for others to see the emotional roller coaster that we all go through and know that they are not the only ones out there that are struggling in the exercise and diet arena.

On to the next show!