My Bulking Cycle

[Nicole]

September 2, 2002 Monday

I decided to start my bulking cycle. It will (hopefully) last 15 weeks and then I will phase into pre-contest mode.

Supplements:
Ultra 40 Liver Tabs (3 with each meal)
Mass Amino Tabs (3 with each meal)
Ms. Power Pak (1 with first meal)
Digestive Enzymes (3 per day)
Creatine (1 tsp 4 times per day during first week)
Glutamine (1 tsp before and after training)
HMB ( 3 grams/day)

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
1 cup oatmeal, cooked
4 oz. lean beef
2 TBS flax seeds

Meal 2
Ultra Size protein drink

Meal 3
6 oz. tuna
1/2 cup brown rice
1 cup vegetables

Meal 4
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 5
6 oz. salmon
2 cups salad, 1 TBS vinegar and oil dressing
1/2 cup brown rice
1 TBS Udo's Choice Oil

Post-Workout Meal
1 scoop whey protein
8 oz. juice

I am also cycling my training. Right now I am pretty weak from slacking this summer. Damn!

Chest:
Bench Press 5x7
Dumbbell Flyes 5x9
Pullovers 3x7
Deadlifts 5x7
Bent-Over Rows 5x7
Pulldowns 3x9

[Nicole]

September 3, 2002 Tuesday

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
fat-free cheese slice
4 oz. lean beef
1 cup oatmeal
2 TBS ground flax

Meal 2
Ultra Size Protein drink

Meal 3
6 oz. tuna
1/2 cup brown rice
2 cups vegetables

Meal 4
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries
1 TBS Udo's Choice Oil

Meal 5
6 oz. chicken
2 cups salad, 1 TBS dressing
1/2 cup brown rice

Post-Workout Meal
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice

Legs:
Squat 5x7
Leg Extensions 3x8-10
Leg Curls 5x7-9
Crunches 3x20
Leg Raises 3x20
Donkey Calf Raises 4x12

[MsFit]

Darn girl, you go the feaver. Keep kickin' it, I'm impressed and eager to see your progress. Keep up the good work, your plan looks terriffic.
MsFit

[Nicole]

Thanks MsFit! Glad to see you are back!! Where have you been, anyway?

Today, September 4, 2002 Wednesday this is my plan:

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
1 slice ff cheese
4 oz. lean beef
1 cup oats
1 TBS flax seeds

Meal 2
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 3
4 oz. lean beef
1/2 cup brown rice
2 cups salad w/dressing

Meal 4
4 oz. chicken breast
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 5
Myoplex Light Meal Replacement
or Bar
(I have to work 12 hours today)

Meal 6
1 cup cottage cheese
Low-fat popcorn

Rest day from training

Thank God because I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. I usually take our lab for a 30 minute walk at 5 AM but not today!Those damn dogs wake up at midnight and keep me up for an hour! We just got another puppy (I know, I know) but she is so cute! She is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She is a little sweetie but she always has to go potty in the middle of the night and then her and our Lab, Blake, want to play. Her name is Bailey btw. Hopefully I can get my butt in gear and post some pics of them. Our lab is 11 months old and she is almost 13 weeks. What can I say, I am a glutton for punishment. I don't know what I would do without my husband. He takes care of them after he gets off work so that I can have 2 jobs (don't ask!) and still do this bodybuilding thing.

Gotta go for now. Hopefully I can get a good 8 hours of sleep tonight!

[WonderwomanMN]

WOW! Keep up the dedication! I look forward to seeing your progress!!

[Nicole]

Thursday, September 5, 2002

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Very busy at work.

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
1 serving Cream of Rice
3 oz. lean beef

Meal 2
Meal Replacement Shake

Meal 3
5 oz. chicken breast
1/2 cup brown rice
2 cups salad, 1TBS dressing

Meal 4
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 5
Protein Bar

Post-Workout shake
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice
5 g glutamine
5 g creatine

Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Standing Barbell Press 5x7

Tri-set
Alternating DB Press 4x7
Alternating DB Curls 4x6-7
Close-Grip Bench Press (didn't do cuz gym was too busy)

Superset
Reverse Curls 3x5
Tricep Pushdowns 3x9

[Nicole]

Monday, September 9

I didn't get to post this weekend because I ended up having to work the whole weekend. I will just pick up with today.

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
4 oz. lean beef
1 grapefruit

Meal 2
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 3
6 oz. tuna
1/2 cup brown rice
2 cups salad, 1 TBS dressing

Meal 4
3 oz. lean beef
1 carrot

Meal 5
6 oz. chicken breast
1/2 cup wild rice
1 cup asparagus
1 TBS Udo's Choice Oil

Rest day

[Nicole]

Tuesday, September 10

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
3 oz. lean beef
1/2 wheat bagel
1 TBS peanut butter

Meal 2
Meal Replacement shake

Meal 3
5 oz. salmon
cucumber
1/2 cup brown rice

Meal 4
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries

Meal 5
2 whole eggs
2 whole wheat pancakes

Post-workout shake
1 scoop whey protein
8 oz. juice
5 grams creatine
5 grams glutamine

Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps

Standing Barbell Press 4x5-7
Alternating DB Press 4x6
Alternating DB Curls 4x6
Close-Grip Bench Press 4x6
Reverse Curls 3x7
Overhead Tricep Press 3x7

Good workout. I have gained 3 pounds in the last month. I will take my measurements this weekend. It feels so weird trying to gain weight. I am not too sure how much I like it!

[Nicole]

Wednesday, September 11

Meal 1
6 oz. lean beef
1 cup Raison Bran
3/4 cup skim milk

Meal 2
Myoplex Light

Meal 3
6 oz. chicken breast
2 cups salad, 1 TBS dressing
1 carrot

Meal 4
Protein bar

Meal 5
ok I really messed up but I will post it anyway
don't be too harsh!

2 pieces canadian bacon pizza
3 hot wings
handful of chips w/salsa
1 beer
1/2 cookie w/ice cream

I know, bad, bad, bad!

Rest day. I went to be early because I have been very stressed out at work and very busy in general.

[Nicole]

Monday September 16

Been very bad at posting lately. I will try to keep this updated for all of you to see.

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
3 oz. lean beef
1 cup multi-grain Cheerios
1/2 cup skim milk

Meal 2
3 oz. tuna
2 carrots
sugar-free coffee drink w/skim milk

Meal 3
4 oz. chicken breast
1/2 cup rice
2 cups salad w/ 1TBS dressing

Meal 4
Ultra Size protein drink
1 TBS Udo's Choice oil

Meal 5
5 oz. salmon
2 cups green beans
1 TBS Udo's oil

Post-workout shake
1 scoop whey
8 oz. Gatorade
5 g creatine
5 g glutamine

Shoulders, bi's and tri's tonight.

Same routine as last workout

Even though I am trying to do a clean bulk, I still allow myself a couple of small treats. It seems like I have a pretty wide range of calories before I start to really gain a lot of fat. If I stay between 1800 and 2300 cals/day, it seems like my body stays the same so I might as well go higher if I can. I guess it has something to do with the setpoint theory!

[Nicole]

I know I haven't posted in a couple days, so here goes:

Thursday September 19

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
4 oz. Lean beef
1 slice ff cheese

Meal 2
3 oz. tuna
1 carrot

Meal 3
5 oz. salmon
2 cups salad
1 TBS dressing
handfull of pretzels

Meal 4
MRP

Meal 5
5 oz. lean beef
2 cups green beans
2 TBS Udo's

Post-workout shake
1 scoop whey
8 oz. Gatorade
5 g creatine
5 g glutamine

I took my measurements the other night. I think I need do incorporte cardio or something cuz I am gaining a little too much fat . I am sure a lot of it, too, is water retention from the creatine cuz I feel bloated as hell all the time!

Bicep: 12 1/4
Forearm: 10 1/4
Waist: 27
Thigh: 21
Calf: 15 1/4
Shoulders: 42

[q8ty]

Good Work Nicole
How much your Total carb intake per day , protein and fat ?

[Nicole]

Thursday, September 26

This whole week I decided to do a hardening phase so I am doing keto for a week with cardio 5 times.

All week my diet is as follows:

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
1 slice ff cheese
1/2 grapefruit

Meal 2
3 oz. tuna
1/2 cucumber

Meal 3
turkey sausage
salad
2 TBS Blue Cheese dressing

Meal 4
blended protein shake
1 TBS Udo's Oil

Meal 5
2 hamburger patties
2 cups green beans

Throughout the day I have a spoonful of peanut butter if I am hungry. I also have some cottage cheese before bed.

I cut out creatine and will load again next week.

Last night was a good workout. I benched the most I have ever benched since I hurt my shoulder so that was exciting! It was only 115 lbs but it was still a good feeling. I don't know if I will ever get past my max bench of 145 but I will try!

During my bulking cycle, my ratios are:

Protein 50%
Carbs 10%
Fat 40%

After much trail and error, I find I do much better when I have lower carbs. Of course I cheat on the weekends!

[Nicole]

Friday, October 4

Ok I know I have been really bad about this. I, too have been in a major slump. Mostly with writing in my journal and having way too many cheat days. I am not happy with myself at all. I know the root cause is stress since we are building a house and closing in 3 weeks. I also know that is NOT an excuse!!!!!

However, my training has been going really well!

Diet is back to bulking after a week on keto. I am cycling my diet so now I have 3 weeks bulking and then 2 weeks cutting. I have been trying to keep carbs up even though this is hard for me. Oatmeal, potatoes, rice, etc. Protein is around 200 grams per day, carbs around 100-150 and fat around 60-70 grams all from natural pb, Udo's Oil, and salmon.

Yesterday I did chest and bi's

Chest:
Flat Dumbell Press 4x5-7 with 40 lb dumbells
Incline Hammer Strength Machine 3x5 w/120 lbs
Flat DB Flyes 3x7-9 w/25 lbs

Biceps:
Hammer Curls 3x5 w/30 lbs
Reverse-Grip Barbell Curls 3x7 w/40 lbs
High Pulley Cable Curls 3x7 w/40 lbs

Workout went well. I felt pretty strong throught the whole thing. Last week I benched 115 which is the most I benched since my shoulder injury so I wa pumped! Gonna try for 120 next!

[dianna]

Thank you for posting this stuff!

I am finding it so helpful to read about your diet and use it as an example of how to bulk up in a healthy way.
It is so hard to find a good example of how a woman can gain weight in a way that isn't going to damage her health. All of the information out there is "Weight Loss! Weight Loss!" and "You gain weight from eating cake and cookies"

As women, we have been programed to not gain weight whatever we do! and to see the increasing numbers on the scale and measuring tape as a sign of failure. It's so hard to go against this.

Thank you for being a positive influence, keep up the great work!!

[Nicole]

Thanks dianna! It keeps me motivated to know I am having a positive inlfuence on others. Believe me, it is so weird trying to "gain" weight. I always had the mentality to lose, lose, lose. I realized after my last competition I needed more size in certain areas and the only way to accomplish that was to gain lean mass by eating more food. Scary at first, but I got over it pretty quickly since I love to eat!

This weekend I didn't do so well, again. Saturday I didn't get all of my meals in because I was working at the bodybuilding show all day. Yesterday was better but I ended up having a couple beers.

Anyway, I will post more tomorrow. Not much has changed here. I am currently up to 138 pounds and 17% bodyfat. Doing ok. I am going to take measurements again in a few days. I will keep you posted!

[Nicole]

Oct. 8

Meal 1
4 oz. lean beef
2 pieces rye toast
1 oz. ff cheese

Meal 2
Ultra Size protein drink

Meal 3
4 oz. chicken
small yam

Meal 4
3 oz. chicken
yogurt

Meal 5
4 oz. pork loin
1.5 cups rice

Post-workout shake
1 scoop whey
8 oz. Gatorade
5 g glutamine
5 g creatine

I splurged on 4 small Halloween candy bars but that's ok. Everything else was in check. Had a good back and trap workout, too!

[q8ty]

Originally posted by Nicole
Oct. 8
Post-workout shake
1 scoop whey
8 oz. Gatorade
5 g glutamine
5 g creatine



Don't Consume Both Creatine and Glutamin in same time
The 2 active substances block themselves

i sugest To consume you'r Post Workout liquid w/creatine and protein
then wait 30 min to consume you'r glutamine

Good Luck

[bufchk]

Originally posted by q8ty
Don't Consume Both Creatine and Glutamin in same time
The 2 active substances block themselves






Data please?

[Nicole]

Oct. 9

Today was my day off from the gym.

Meal 1
4 oz. lean beef
2 pieces rye toast
1 oz. ff cheese

Meal 2
Ultra Size protein drink

Meal 3
4 oz. chicken
small yam
1 cucumber

Meal 4
yogurt
3 oz. pork loin

Meal 5
Meal Replacement Bar

Meal 6
Wheaties cereal
4 oz. lean beef

I also take 5 grams of creatine with meal 1 each day and 5 grams after training on training days only. I am following the guidelines given to me by my nutritionist. He never said anything about glutamine and creatine competing. Where did you get this information?

[Roxie]

Nicole, How is your weight coming along with your bulking cycle. I too am bulking and seem to have added to much fat on me, just wondering how you are coming along.


Roxie :)

[q8ty]

Where did you get this information?
Many Geraman Forum
Many Russian Forum

Q: Ich bin konfus. Ich habe auf Ihrem Aufstellungsort gelesen, wo Sie sagen, daß Kreatin und Glutamin ähnliche Transportsysteme benutzen und daß Sie sie zu den unterschiedlichen Zeiten nehmen sollten, aber Paul Cribb sagt, daß die Transportvorrichtungen unterschiedlich sind und daß es okay ist, sie gleichzeitig zu nehmen. Was empfehlen Sie, wann, nehmend Ihr mikronisiertes Kreatin und GL3?

A: Paul Cribb ist der Direktor der Forschung hier und lassen Sie mich erklären Ihnen, daß er sein Material kennt. Er erklärte mir, daß unterschiedliche Bahnen aber er des Transportes des Kreatin- und Glutamingebrauches auch zugestanden, daß sie beide Natriumabhängiger sind. Für wie ich vor gesagt habe, dient Natrium als eine Transportvorrichtung Kreatin und Glutamin. Nachricht, wie Natrium hält, als sehr wichtiges Mineral oben zu knallen? Paul und ich besprachen diese Ausgabe ausführlich mit mir den devi'lsfürsprecher auf dem Thema spielend. Mit allen Ausgaben, die ich ihn schien anhob noch, zu glauben, daß dem das Nehmen des Kreatins und des Glutamins gleichzeitig nicht ein Problem aufwerfen würde. Ich fühle mit Einschätzung Pauls bequem, jedoch, da es keine Forschung auf diesem gibt, würde ich neigen, meinen Verbrauch der zwei zu trennen. Meine Argumentation ist, daß, selbst wenn es keinen Konflikt zwischen den zwei gibt, dort zweifellos kein Konflikt ist, wenn sie separat genommen werden. Ein Wirt der Forschung zeigt bereits, daß Aufnahme des Glutamins in Anwesenheit anderer aminos gehindert wird. Dieses kann oder kann möglicherweise nicht Kreatin mit einschließen. Paul C. scheint nicht, so zu denken. Ich bin noch nicht und würde ruhig mich empfehlen sich zu trennen überzeugt, wenn Sie die zwei nehmen. Es muß nicht zwischen den zwei 20 Minuten viel Zeit sein würde sein fein. Auf diese Weise sind Sie sicher, daß Sie nicht einen Konflikt zwischen den zwei haben. Es ist ein wenig ungünstiges, es tuend auf diese Weise, aber ihm flößt einen Grad ein der Sicherheit, dem Sie die Absorption und Anwendung von das Kreatin und das Glutamin maximieren. Die wichtigste Ausgabe hier ist, daß Sie Sie diese, zwei sehr bedeutenden Ergänzungen in Ihren täglichen Leistungsnahrungplan durchweg zu enthalten überprüfen. Sie werden mit in den freien Auswirkungen Muskel Wachstum und Stärke belohnt.

This From Geraman Forum

[q8ty]

Q : I'm confused. I've read on your site where you say that creatine and glutamine use similar transport systems and that you should take them at different times, but Paul Cribb says that the transporters are different and that it's okay to take them at the same time. What do you recommend when taking your Micronized Creatine and GL3?

A: Paul Cribb is the Director of Research here and let me tell you he knows his stuff. He explained to me that creatine and glutamine use different transport pathways but he also conceded that they are both sodium dependent. As I have said before, sodium acts as a transporter for both creatine and glutamine. Notice how sodium keeps popping up as a very important mineral? Paul and I discussed this issue at length with me playing the devi'ls advocate on the subject. With all the issues I raised he still seemed to feel that taking creatine and glutamine at the same time would not pose a problem. I feel comfortable with Paul's assessment, however since there is no research on this I would tend to separate my consumption of the two. My reasoning is that even if there is no conflict between the two, there certainly will be no conflict if they are taken separately. A host of research already shows that glutamine's adsorption is hindered in the presence of other aminos. This may or may not include creatine. Paul C. does not seem to think so. I'm still not convinced and would still recommend separating when you take the two. It doesn't have to be a lot of time between the two. 20 minutes would be fine. This way you are certain you'll not have a conflict between the two. It's a little inconvenient doing it this way but it instills a degree of certainty that you'll maximize the absorption and utilization of both the creatine and the glutamine. The most important issue here is that you make sure you incorporate these two very significant supplements consistently into your daily performance nutrition plan. You'll be rewarded with clear impacts in muscle growth and strength.

[Nicole]

Thanks for the info. I will take it into consideration.

Roxie,

Glad to see someone else is bulking! Not too many females take part in this area of bodybuilding! I think I have gained a lot of fat, but a lot to me is 2%. Unfortunately it is a mind game and in our society, a woman bulking is just not as acceptable as a man bulking.

I went from 123 to 143 in about 5 months so I feel like I am gaining slowly. It is much more fun to put it on than take it off, that's for sure! The only problem is I don't like my body this way but it is a necessary evil in order to gain some mass. If I could have it my way I would look contest ready all the time. That just isn't practical or healthy. I'm sure I am holding a good deal of water since I am taking creatine.

Where is your journal btw??!

Glad to see people are actually reading this.

[Roxie]

I started gaining alot of fat, so I cut back some on bulking, but I think I will start a journal, it will keep me in check :)

[Nicole]

Roxie,

It really does help. It keeps you in check so you don't stray too far off track!

Oct. 14

Did ok this weekend but ate more cheat foods than I had planned.

Meal 1
3 egg whites, 1 whole egg
3 oz. lean beef
1/2 bagel
1 TBS nautral pb

Meal 2
Myoplex Light bar

Meal 3
Turkey sausage
veggies
small piece of bread

Meal 4
3 oz. lean beef
1/2 c raspberries
mushrooms

Meal 5
can of tuna
1/2 cup rice
veggies

Post-workout shake:
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice
creatine
glutamine

Working shoulders and traps tonight. I am going to add cardio this week to strip off some fat.

I also ate 3 Halloween candy bars (damnit). I guess that's the problem with this journal. I have to write it all down!

[Roxie]

lol :) that's a good reason why I want to start my journal as well...if you cheat, everybody will see it,,,but it's all good in moderation :)

[dianna]

Mini chocolate bars are the best things in the world!! After lunch, I will usually go to a store near my studio just to get a mini Aero bar. Little treats are so important

[bufchk]

Originally posted by Nicole

Glad to see someone else is bulking! Not too many females take part in this area of bodybuilding! I think I have gained a lot of fat, but a lot to me is 2%. Unfortunately it is a mind game and in our society, a woman bulking is just not as acceptable as a man bulking.

I went from 123 to 143 in about 5 months so I feel like I am gaining slowly. It is much more fun to put it on than take it off, that's for sure! The only problem is I don't like my body this way but it is a necessary evil in order to gain some mass. If I could have it my way I would look contest ready all the time. That just isn't practical or healthy. I'm sure I am holding a good deal of water since I am taking creatine.

Here here, I cannot stand to gain even a %. I have maintained around 20% for a couple of yrs and my weight fluctuates but I am so ready to break that 141 plateau down!!! I'd like to get to about 130 at 15%.......Keep going and I am very good at bulking...........but in a good way, you need help just ask!!:0

[Nicole]

I am going to post new stats tomorrow. I have to remember to measure before I go to the gym tonight! I did weigh myself and I am 143.5 with my workout clothes on. My waist is also still 25" so I am on the right track. Flat stomach, just no six-pack

Oct. 15

Meal 1
3 oz. lean beef
2 egg whites, 1 whole egg
1/2 oz. feta cheese

Meal 2
Protein bar

Meal 3
turkey sausage
veggies

Meal 4
6 oz. tuna
veggies

Meal 5
MRP ( have another 12 hour work day)

Post-workout shake:
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice
glutamine
creatine

I am working back and bi's tonight. Had a good shoulder workout last night. Nothing much to report. Shoulders are sore so I must have done something!

I also did HIIT cardio post-weights. Felt pretty good!

[dianna]

I am trying out a few different types of protein bars. Which ones do you prefer?

[Nicole]

I try to stay away from bars if I can help it. It's hard on the 12 hour days, though. I usually like Myoplex Light or Myoplex Low Carb. My favorite (hate to say it) are MesoTech Chocolate Peanut Butter but they have almost 50 grams of carbs and 340 calories! Protein Diet by Optimum are good, too. I NEVER eat bars when I am dieting for a show, though.

I am going to do keto for a while to strip some bodyfat. Didn't get to measure last night. Will try again today.

[Roxie]

Nicole, are you doing a keto-like bulking diet? I noticed your carbs are very low, but fat isn't hight enough for a keto diet. What type of bulking diet is this,,,is it from the Beverly International? And of course how do you like the out come of it so far compared to other bulking diets if you tried anyother.

[Nicole]

Roxie,

I did get this diet from Beverly. It is a 50/30/20 p/c/f diet. I am just doing keto for a couple of weeks to lose some fat I have gained. It is really effective to cycle your dieting during bulking to prevent too much fat gain. So far I am pleased with the results. My strength is incredible! I am not going to lie, though. I don't stick to it 100% on the weekends. I eat what I want then. Unfortunately all this fun is coming to an end soon. Contest season is fast approaching!

I did try keto bulking for a while but I was just too full! I am still experimenting since this is my first time bulking.

[Roxie]

Nicole, how is everything coming along?

[Nicole]

Things are going ok. this weekend was a disaster! I just ate like a pig so today I decided that was enough!

I also made a mistake in my previous post. The ratio is 50% protein, 30% fat, and 20% carbs.

October 21

Meal 1
1 whole egg
3 egg whites
1 whole wheat tortilla
1 TBS salsa
ff cheese

Meal 2
Protein Diet bar

Meal 3
can of tuna
1 TBS ff mayo
1 can green beans
1 slice light wheat bread

Meal 4
1 can tuna
1 TBS ff mayo
1 apple
1/2 green pepper

Meal 5
1 MRP
2 TBS natural peanut butter

Post workout shake:
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice
glutamine
creatine

This comes out to around 1500 calories using the ratios above.

Tonight is shoulder and tricep work. I am also going to do cardio post-weights since that is the only time I can squeeze it in today.

[Nicole]

Oct. 23

Meal 1
1 serving Cream of Wheat
3 egg whites
1 whole egg
1 oz. ff cheese
2 slices lean ham

Meal 2
yogurt
low-fat cheese

Meal 3
can of tuna
whole wheat tortilla
salad
1 TBS dressing

Meal 4
MRP

Meal 5
chicken
rice
veggies

Post-workout shake:
1 scoop whey
8 oz. juice
creatine
glutamine

Tonight is back and traps night. Ready to tear it up! Last week I did one-arm dumbbell rows with 50 lbs for 8 reps. I will see if i can beat that tonight!

[Nicole]

Haven't been in here much. We are closing on our new house today and we have had some problems. After this week I will be able to get back on track. Too much stress right now with moving and money and everything. Still doing ok with the eating. I am taking 2 weeks off from the gym to get the house in order. I figure I could use the break. I will keep in touch!

[Nicole]

Things are going ok. I misss the gym already and it hasn't even been a week! I have been working like crazy trying to get the house in order and deal with salespeople coming over every night. The joys of homeownership!

The dieting has been ok. I have been eating a lot less but I am not so sure that is a good thing. I need to keep my protein up and I have been slacking. Partly because we don't have a range yet. They gave us the wrong one and ours won't be here for a few more days. (Pain in the ass).

I will be ready to tear up the gym again soon. I need to find one in our area first! We moved quite a ways from the gym I was using. I already have a 35 minute commute one way to work so I want to find a closer gym. Project for today. Keep you posted!

[Hibiscus09]

Congrats on the new house! Good luck finding a gym. I switched gyms about a year ago & I don't care for the new gym too much. It's starting to effect my workout routine -- I'm doing a lot more cardio than lifting over the last few months & I know I've got to fix that! So, I hope all goes well with your gym hunting!

[Nicole]

Well, I think things are finally slowing dow. I went to the gym 2 times last week. One day I had the opportunity to work out with a fellow Bodybuilding.com member, IcyFresh21. It was a lot of fun. I did find a new gym 10 minutes from our new house. I am paid through the month at my old gym so I will start next month at the new one. This weekend we put our office furniture together, cleaned, did laundry, and put up the dog run. A lot of work but we are the much closer to finishing! I am back on track with the bulking diet but I really need to concentrate on eating CLEAN. Here is today's menu:

Meal 1
4 oz. lean beef
yogurt

Meal 2
3 oz. tuna
apple

Meal 3
5 oz. chicken breast
1/2 baked potatoe
1 cup asparagus

Meal 4
1 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup pineapple

Meal 5
MRP

Meal 6
1/2 cup cottage cheese
low-fat popcorn (one of my weaknesses!)

I am going to phase into a contest diet and try cycling from a gaining to a hardening phase. I am afraid I gained a little too much fat and the holidays aren't even here yet. Help!

[Nicole]

Yesterday I did good on the diet until I got home from the gym. I did legs. Here is what I ate:

Meal 1
2 whole eggs
oatmeal
3 oz. lean beef

Meal 2
MRP

Meal 3
5 oz. chicken breast
1/2 baked potato
1 cup asparagus

Meal 3
yogurt
1 cup cottage cheese

Meal 4
1 whole egg
2 slices wheat bread
1 cup soup

After this I ended up eating 2 mini Milky Way bars, 1 beer, and 1 bowl of cereal. I don't know what happened.

Today my legs are sore as hell. I can hardly walk after I have been sitting for a couple minutes.

Squats 5x12
Lunges 3x12
Leg Extensions 3x12
Leg Curls 3x12

Pretty intense workout. My poundages were mid-range since I havent' worked legs in 3 weeks. Ouch!

[Nicole]

O.K. I know I haven't been here in a while but the new house is taking up so much of my time. We are still working on our fence but it should be done this weekend! Anyway, I have been doing good in the gym. I started German Volume Training 3 weeks ago and have been training with another bbing.com member. It has been great. We did manage to get our measurements on December 7.

Arms: 11 1/2 (right)
11 1/4 (left)
12 1/2 (flexed right)
12 1/4 (flexed left)
Forearms: 10 1/2 (r)
10 1/4 (l)
Neck: 12
Chest: 33 (upper chest)
Waist: 29 (very bloated that day, ya know what I mean!)
Thighs: 20 (r)
21 (l)
Calf: 14 1/2 (r)
14 1/2 (l)
Shoulders: 41 1/2
Hips: 39

Height: 5'2"
Weight: 143
BF: 20% (give or take)

I had no idea my arms were so unproportional. Maybe partly do to human error and measuring technique. I am working on adding more mass and density until the end of the year and then I will be cutting for my show in April. That is the plan as of now. I might wait to do a show in June since it is a national qualifier and the one in April isn't. I guess it really doesn't matter since we only have NPC here and I am a natural athlete. There is a tested show in March and it is a national qualifier. I did that one last year but it was very unorganized since they had high school finals and there were over 100 competitors and the show lasted like 20 hours. Too exhausting!

I will keep everyone posted as to what I am going to do and I will do another cutting journal as it helps me see my own progress.

[MsFit]

Hey, I tried to PM you but your box is full. :(
MsFit

[Nicole]

It is??

[Belle]

So great to see you noting down everything you eat as I am impressed by the diet. Certainly will be checking in later to take notes...

Best of luck for your journey,