May 18th is the date!!!!

[amyfit]

Ok, this is my first offical journal entry to start my precomp prep. I was going to start dieting down on Feb.23rd., but after some careful consideration and getting into a pair of jeans instead of sweats, it was obvious that I need to start a little earlier this time. So today was my first day on my diet and supplement regime and I've got to admit, I feel good.
So for my first offical entry I will give you what I have so far:

WT: (as of last Sun) 112.5lb
BF: 17%
Waist:26.5in
Hips 32.5 in
Chest:33in
Thigh: 18.5in
Calves: 13in
Arms: 11.5in
My Goals for this comp. are
1) contest wt of 102lb
2) contest bf 7%
3) to have the best d@#* routine up there
4) make to the top 5
Wish me luck guys. Tomorrow is the day I take my stats, so if there is a change, I'll post it!!

Amy

[amyfit]

Day number 4 on the diet. Already, I'm remembering the last time, and how tough those final weeks were. The only thing different this time is I'm hungry alot more. Last time I had to force myself to eat, now food is all I think about. Of course, I haven't started on the fat burners yet either. I was going to wait until around the 12 week mark to start those. Just to see how this diet works without enhancements.
Yesterday was chest and back day and I didn't have a spotter, so I had to lighten up a little bit and do a few more reps, I'm feeling it though. Today is just a cardio day. I did the bike for 30min this morning and I'm doing some kickboxing tonight.
I'm impatient this time around. I know what my body can and will look like, so now I'm in a hurry for it to be that way!! I kinow, it take time. Still I'm excited, can't wait to see myself in contest shape again. Hopefully this time with more muscle!!
Here was my workout from yesterday.
Incline DB benchpress- 3x12
incline DB flye-3x8
flat DB benchpress- 3x12
wide grip chins-3x8
bentover BB rows-3x8
closegrip chins-3x8
one arm DB rows-3x8
goodmornings-3x8
abs-8x15

Well, that's all for today!!

Amy

[Nicole]

Looks good. Are you going to post your diet?? It might be helpful to have others take a look at it and also for those who are just starting or doing their first competition.

I find it helpful because it keeps me on track. Of course I keep a personal journal that I write everything down in but it also helps to post it. I think it keeps you honest!

What other supplements are you taking?

I have 9.5 weeks to go. I had an assessment yesterday and found out that I gained 6 pounds of muscle in the last 3 months!!! I guess I also lost 6% bf so that was good news. I really feel I am at a sticking point so time to up the cardio. (yeah)

I am glad to see that someone else will be posting. I am getting kind of lonely in here!

[amyfit]

what you think of my diet!! Here's a run down of pretty much what I'm eating right now.
Meal1- 3oz lean beef, 3 egg white and 1 egg, 1/2cup oatmeal

Meal2- protein shake or 4 oz chicken and 1 piece of fruit

Meal3- 4oz of chicken, tuna, or turkey, 4oz yam or 1/2 cup brown rice, 2cups salad w/1Tbsp fat free dressing

Meal 4- same as 2

Meal5- 4oz of chciken, tuna, turkey or beef,1cup veggies or 2 cups salad with 1 Tbsp fat free dressing and 1tsp natural pb

All this works out to 1500-1800cals a day in a 50/30/20 split. Protein/carbs/fat

I work legs and shoulders tonight.
leg extensions-3x10
leg curls-3x10
squats-3x8
pile' squats-3x8
deadlifts-3x8
calf raises (standing and donkey)-4x30
BB press-3x8
upright rows-3x10
side laterals- 3x10
rear laterals-3x10
front laterals-3x10

Ok, what do you think?? I don't do cardio on leg day, that a yoga day for me. I know I'll have to up the cardio like you, what fun. Are you getting excited??

[Nicole]

Diet looks great!

At least you get a lot of calories right now. I am down to 1200-1300. Yeah.

Actually the cardio isn't too bad except for the morning session some days. I am getting more nervous than anything. I haven't started my routine yet! This weekend is dedicated to working on it, though. I am at a bit of a sticking point right now so ask me again in 3 weeks!

You look like your'e off to a good start! Keep it up!

[amyfit]

Have you gotten your music picked out yet?? I know what you mean about those morning sessions. Somedays are so tough to get out of bed!! It's becoming more of a habit though, so that's good. I can't wait to hear how your routine goes!! You'll do great!

Amy

[amyfit]

Well, my first week is down and I didn't lose any weight or fat, but I didn't gain any either, which is a first. I know this is a transisition diet, so I ain't sweating it too much. Not till Msfit tells me too!! wink, wink!
Ok, well, I did work legs and shoulders today, but I was tired so I lightened my weights and upped my reps. What a pump! Is it just me, or is there a different feeling you get between heavy/low reps and lighter/ higher reps?? Weird. The change felt good though.

Ok, time to face another week!!

Amy

[amyfit]

I was reading Flex and came acroos some training article that intrigued me. So I modified them to suit me and put them to practice. Man, it felt great!! My chest was so pumped I couldn't believe it!! My bi's were too!! I may keep at this for a while and see how it works, it REALLY felt good!! The exercises were basic, but it was the execution of them that made them feel different. I'm feeling it today, so that a good thing.
Diet was ok for me yesterday. 1730 cals, 45%protein, 35% carbs, and 20% fat. I'm trying to keep everything in a 50/30/20 split, but I'll live with this.
Today's a cardio day, I'm kinda' happy to see it, and tomorrow I work back and tri's. Hopefully, I'll feel great after that workout too.

Amy

[amyfit]

I don't know what to make of them. I've lost 3lbs, a 1/2in off my waist, 1/4 in off my hips, but I gained a 1/2 in in my thighs. However, my bodyfat hasn't changed!! Did I maybe just lose some inital water, or worse, muscle?? I don't know.
I've been sick and it has effected my strength. I had to drop weight on my shoulders today. That sucks. I'll get it back though.
Ok here are my stats

WT: 109.5
waist: 26
hips:33
thighs: 19
calves: 13
upper arm: 10, 11.5 flexed
Bodyfat still saying 17.5% YUCK!

Oh, one more question, Which is better straight whey or blended?? I've recently swirched to blended and I find that it keeps me full for longer. But I was told, that straight whey is better. Can anyone clarify?? Thanks.

Amy

[amyfit]

I'm getting so excited! I went to the Ms Internationals on Fri. and went out to dinner. I cheated, but had planned on it, so no guilt. Anyway, after cheating and then watching those magnificent women due their routines and everything, I'm more fired up than ever!!
I did weight and bodyfat on Fri. I'm at 111lb, and I dropped 1/2% of bodyfat.
I keep telling myself, I WILL MAKE IT!! I WILL MAKE IT!!!

[amyfit]

and I'm pretty down. I did stats today and according to them I'm down to 110.5lbs the bodyfat scale says 17%, but the calipers say I've lost 1% bf.
Measurements are as follows:
Waist-26
hips-33
thigh-19
calves-13
arms 11.5
chest-33.5
So what's the deal?? I've been following a low fat moderate carb diet. my split looks like this 60/30/10 protein/carbs/fat. I eat an average of 1300-1400cals a day. Carbs are around 100gr and fat no more than 15 gr/day.
I like this diet, I really do. I have enough energy to do both cardio sessions and my weights. Ok, so I'm a little hungry, but that's to be expected.
So am I panicking too soon?? Or do I have a right to worry?? Any help would be great!!
Take care and keep pumping!

Amy

[hardasnails]

Amy i'm going to jump in here. I did same thing you did and it back fired . low carbs /low fats simply DO NOT WORK !! you are sacrficing alot of muscle tissue. increase your fat to 60-70 grams (mostly from EFA ) and drop carbs to 50 and you will continue to strip fat !! might want to add a cheat day to jump start metaoblism. after 4 weeks your body needs to get a kick in the ass to get it going again. by doing this your energy levels will be alot better and you'll tighten up. I did 400 protein 100 fat and 100 carbs = self destruction !! I'm at 4300 caloires 450 pro 200 plus fat and 50 to 60 carbs and feeling liek a million bucks plently of energy and wprk outs going good. You are probably very flat looking right now and need to take a carb day to jump start things. YOUR NOT GOING TO GET FAT IN 24 hours !! TRUST ME any questions pm me

[amyfit]

If you don't mind me asking, what are YOUR stats?!? Man, I'd explode on 4300 cals a day!! LOL!! I think a cheat/carb day is exactly what my body needs. I'm going to give it a shot! Thanks!

[amyfit]

I don't feel guilty about it because I know I've been working hard, but on the other hand, I don't want to stall my progress either. Ahhh..., the tightrope diet of a bodybuilder!! You can never lean to far one way or the other!
Anyway, I'm back on the wagon today, and actually had a great workout this morning. Hopefully, my next two today will go just as well.
I keep asking myself," Can I really do this again?" Do I have what it takes? Depending on the day sometimes even the minute, my answer varies. I keep remembering my experience just this past Oct. and how much fun and excitment I had that day. It was truly an experience!! I loved the thrill of being up on stage and how nice everybody was to me. I want to experience that again. At the same time I'm also afraid that I'll make a fool of myself. This is not a tested competition, and I'm a natural. Do I really even have a chance?? That question comes up a lot in my mind.
Have any of you other naturals had good or bad experinces to share with me on competing in non tested comps?? Is it worth the shot??
Thanks to whoever can help with this.
Amy

[Nicole]

Hey Amy

My last show I entered was not drug-tested. I have to admit it was brutal as far as how the judging went but any time you compete it is good experience. Sure I was let down but I kept telling myself it was for the experience and I don't regret doing it. Anyone who steps on that stage is a winner even if you don't place. It takes so much just to be able to get there that you should never feel bad. Just ask yourself if the only reason you are entering is to win, or to experience that great feeling of just being there with others who have gone through what you have gone through. It is a wonderful life experience that no one can take away no matter what the outcome.

I know how you feel. I have 4 weeks to go and it is getting VERY tough. I want to cheat every day. I just keep telling myself it is not worth it because someone out there is training and dieting just like you and not cheating. That could be the difference in placing. Just keep your mind on your goal and remember the competition and give it your all.

I try to keep motivated by watching old comps. that I recorded and I recently purchased Pumping Iron II. Try to keep yourself busy and always be prepared as far as your diet goes. Don't buy things at the store that are tempting to you. If you have to because of your family, ask them to hide it from you and eat it when you are not around. It will have to be a team effort.

I hope I haven't rambled on too much. I guess we need to stick together in times like these! Hope it helped!

Nicole

[amyfit]

Your post helped very much!! I'm going to see this through and give it my all. I never even thought about winning this comp, just wanting to place in the top 5. But you're right. Placing or not, it is a wonderful experience and I'm doing this for ME!
I have Pumping Iron 2 also!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that movie!! I'll bet I've watched it 10 times, and I've only had it since the end of Jan.
Wow!! 4 weeks out!! You've got to be getting really excited! And tired. How's your posing and routine coming?? I've yet to get mine together. Can't decide on what music I want. So how does your diet differ from when you were 8 weeks out?? I'm doing the low fat thing, and I really like it! Yeah, I cheated, but my craving aren't nearly as intense as when I was on a low carb diet.
My cals are about 1300-1400 a day now. 100gr of carbs, 200 gr of protein, and 15 gr of fat. Is your's similar??
I talked to my hubby and asked him to help me more this time around. Like eating the Dairy Queen at DQ, not bringing it home!! He said he would. We'll see........
Well, if you can offer any other words of wisdom, I'd love to hear them. You're right we need to stick together!! If you'd like to talk, feel free to email me. amyfit@hotmail.com . Good luck girl and knock em' dead!!

Amy

[amyfit]

I've been steadily dropping a half pound a week and now I'm showing that I'm at 15% on the bf scale now. WAHOOO!!!
My mind is still playing tricks on me. I'm doing my best to think positive, and be positive. I'm visualizing, maybe I should try meditation too.
I've got to get my mind together, or else nothing else will!!
wt-110
bf scale-15%


Losing my mind,

Amy