Competition? What to REALLY expect???

[CatherineC]

I am considering a figure competition but am not really sure what to expect? I realize a LOT of dedication but would really like to see some diet examples? Or should I just count on egg whites and chicken. Very low sodium was mentioned to me as well as no dairy?? No alcohol. I am concerned with what happens after the show, to your body and mind (heard depression,etc)... I could use some real advice from women :) not a guy who is twice my size ya know :)

[MsFit]

Now doubt competing takes dedication. You don't have to eat eggs or chicken only, there are a lot of proteins available, even some steak. There's no reason to go low sodium until the last few days. I'm not a dairy fan, but you don't have to omit dairy until about 2 months out or so. It's a process of tweaking the diet, cardio, and training.

[abcreations]

I would like to know more on this subject also.

I have been told that I should do figure also. I am a little scared because I don't think I can get my bodyfat that low. In my 20's, no problem. Now in my 30's, I don't think I can do it. I also have skin on my stomach that looks horrible. It's wrinkly and hangs. Funny thing was I didn't get really heavy. I lost 20lbs in 6 months.

So anything on the figure subject is helpful.

[BicepGurl]

I'm interested in the replies as well. While they are answering: another question for the competitors: how much money did it cost you to do (excluding food but including trainers, supplements, suits, tanning, etc.)??

[sixzebra]

I might be able to answer some questions.

To the OP, there is a ton of information on this website concerning contest prep. From eggwhites to dairy, you'll find it on here. You just have to do a little digging. AS far as what happens after the show, its as individual as the girl.
I've heard of people getting depressed afterwards, I guess I get a little down too. But for me its because of the incredible high I just went through. Its a very strange feeling to describe as others who've competed can tell you. I guess for me that is why I continue to compete, cause I want that high of being on stage.

abcreations - Seriously, age is just a number, I didn't start competing until I was 38. AND I had to lose #50 to do it. I initially had some lose skin around my stomach but on show day that s**t was gone! It always seems to tighten up the last week or so. As far as you getting down low enough - sure you can. Beating your carb cravings and sticking to a clean diet - its almost a mind game really. Just DONT do what a lot of people do and cut your calories to ridiculously low levels. Than it turns into a physical health game. What MsFit said - there's a lot more on your plate then just eggwhites and chicken!

BicepGurl - costs really vary on doing a show. Suits can run from as low as $30-40 for a simple two-piece and go as high as #2-3,000 for a 1-piece. Doing figure shows is a lot more expensive than bb'ing, as I've done both. For figure you have to have consider a lot of things/expenses - shoes, hair, nails, makeup, a 1-piece AND 2-piece suit. In bb'ing I really didn't worry about my hair/makeup/nails that much, at least not like I do for figure. Then you have to consider the cost of food during your prep, your tanning/color, fee to enter show, travel/hotel expenses. it can get a little pricey sometimes.
But if you shop around you can get some really good prices on everything you'd need. You just have to do some searching.

[CatherineC]

I guess all of the different theories I have read have been all across the board. But I feel like I have found few food diaries from women within my size range. I am not even 5 ft! :) so the diaries from guys 200lbs have been worthless to me :) Thanks for the tips and all the replies, as a lot goes into whether or not deciding to live a healthy lifestyle should transition into competing or not.

[ohtm27]

I would suggest a dietician you can mimick some of the diets yes. However, each persons body needs something a little different whereas calories, fat, prot, carbs percentages may all vary depending on you. For best results get someone that specializes in contest prepping and is a registered dietician/nutritionist.