"Mass"terpiece One Lego At A Time.

Starting an "offseason" muscle building log!

[B]Background[/B]
My names Mike, Birthday is Aug. 23rd 1992 which puts me currently at 18 years old.

I officially became a bodybuilding this summer of 2011. I stepped on stage at an NPC Tampa Bay Classic. Placed 2nd in a tough 7 competitor teen class. I prepped for 14wks for this show and went from 195lbs down to a stage weight 159.5lbs. The rush blew my mind and I knew I was ment for the stage! I then competed 4 wks later in the INBA Sunshine State Classic, I was the only teen competitor but then took 1st in the novice divison!

I started a log 8wks out from the NPC show... heres link

[url]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=133653471[/url]

Very successful first season in my eyes, and its only going to get better. I have learned so much these past 18 wks. For the first time in my life I will be "bulking" while having diet/nutrition working with my and not against.

[B]ITT:[/B]
I wont be as precise as some of these other logs. This will just be an open log where I'll keep updates when I feel fit. I enjoy logs with videos/pics so I will try to get as many of those in here when I can. I will be holding the videos for a while until my strength is back up to normal, which is least bit impressive lol.

All time Pr's (Done when I was at my heaviest 195-200lbs)

Bench: 275x3 / 225x10
Squat: 350x3 / 315x8 Atg
Deadlift: 405x2 / 420x1

[B]Focusing:[/B]
I never actually have lifted for strength so that will be a main focus this offseason.

my main lacking body parts are my chest/calves/abs. But for the most part, everything needs some serious work.

[B]Current status:[/B]
The inba show was this past weekend so currently dealing with some post-contest bloat. Hitting the scale @ ~170lbs (10lbs higher than contest weight) This is the same weight I hit after my first show, and I was back to normal by the following weekend.

I am slowly reverse dieting. Doing self prep I dropped cals way to low and was doing more cardio than needed. So for this week im hitting my contest macros but cut cardio a bit. I was doing 30min pwo elliptical 5x a week. Now doing 10min pwo elliptical / 10min outside run in the PM 5x's a week, but added 10min cardio on my off days.

Also loaded up 20g of creatRoids today. (Its a mix of 100% creatine mono & plecebo effect of a cool nickname) :D

[B]Future Contest[/B]
Nothing is set in stone but I plan on building as much mass as possible and maybe competing @ 19 and wowing the teen division in the end of summer 2012

Depending on how lean I stay will decide my prep length, but I definatly have a better idea on how long it will take to get shredded and will give myself plenty of time (20wks if needed) But I dont plan on getting too fluffy :)

Eveyones welcome, enjoy the updates w/e the come. Give comments. AND WATCH ME GROW!

Awesome will be good to see how the reverse diet works for you!!

Strength training is fun, try something simple like Wendlers 5 / 3 / 1 or if you really want to be punished Sheiko / Smolov.

In for noodz.

Of course I meant progress updates.

:D

Alright these pics are a little embarrassing but its for a good cause lol.

This was at the end of my bulk, First day of dieting for my prep. (First week of march) @ my heaviest weight 195lbs (I hit 200lb mark but wasnt consistant) I had no clue I was THAT fat lmao.

[B]March 1st 2011 start of contest prep ~195lbs[/B]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_1397.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_1391.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_1395.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_1398.jpg[/IMG]

And of course I'll post some pics at the end of my cut to make me feel better :)

[B]July 9th 2011 ~160lbs[/B]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/IMG_0037-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/SideOblique.png[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/2nd1st3rd-1.png[/IMG]

Again, This was my first prep and first bodybuilding season. So before was my prolonged "bulk" I do not plan on getting that high of bf% again.

If I was 18, I would still hit that.
I don't mind heavier dudes as long as they have muscle.


:D

On a serious note, awesome progress, and please read what I wrote to you in the other thread :) What's mind blowing to me that you are uncoached. Prepping yourself at 18 is no joke

Will be good to watch this one from the start!
will be checking in to have a quick look every now and then ;)

[QUOTE=juliacheh;716143181]If I was 18, I would still hit that.
I don't mind heavier dudes as long as they have muscle.


:D

On a serious note, awesome progress, and please read what I wrote to you in the other thread :) What's mind blowing to me that you are uncoached. Prepping yourself at 18 is no joke[/QUOTE]

haha good to kno, Yea I still had muscle 17.2" arms!! :P

srs note, I did read it. And im totally fine with that :) Because it is true, you do inspire me and I see why you inspire Paul as well.

[QUOTE=NattyFLEX;716185401]Will be good to watch this one from the start!
will be checking in to have a quick look every now and then ;)[/QUOTE]

Good to have you

Yea im not sure how frequent I will be updating but just stop by time to time.

Little Update:

Woke up @ 167lbs (-3 from yesterday) I shld b back on track by this weekend at the latest. Might end up a little heavier b/c of the creatine.

food cravings/binges:
Im actually not bad. I took sunday off and ate w/e the f* I wanted, but didnt go out of my way to kill myself. I basically had decent amount of cereal / peanut butter / ~8 slices of pizza and then 16oz twix icecream. (Was planning on eating 2x 16oz but ended up saving the other one for next weekend)

My biggest problem is "snacking" or munching. I have a big family and there is constantly people/kids over at my house. Which means there is ALWAYS chips/sodas/cakes/sweets/candys on the counter calling my name!!! So far I have been able to resist and stick to my guns 100%. For some reason I dnt really want them lol. I do plan on having a designated "let lose" sundays. I'll use moderation but I will not put ne limits in terms of #'s I find if I dont have a maximum # I actualy end up not even eating as much. Where if I have a max number I try and reach it & end up wanting more.

Subbed :)

Woke up @ 164lbs (Another -3lb loss in a row) Still watery in the abs area.

Funny how it takes 3 months to get abs but 1 day to get rid of them :eek:

So far I havnt cheated on my diet. Only thing that gets to me is not having dinner with my family. Soooo Im going to start eating "lighter" throughout the day to allow me to have some good eats with my family :)

Off day, doing 10min cardio

My lower back is tweaked. Been sore for a few days. It kept me from squating heavy monday, but yesterday it was alright while doing BB bent over rows. (Probly because I rlly cant go heavy atm cuz weak)

I can't wait to bloat myself up after the show....only 3 days 'til I can!
Glad to see your weight wasn't permanent, lol

[QUOTE=Philip81193;717007131]I can't wait to bloat myself up after the show....only 3 days 'til I can!
Glad to see your weight wasn't permanent, lol[/QUOTE]
Hey let me know how your show goes! I wanted to go see it just to see what a BB competition is like but the tickets looked expensive haha. Do you have a log somewhere?

man i fukin love legos

Subbed... Silently watched your other log did great man... cant wait to see your progress!

I'll be following along ;)

great start to your bodybuilding career mate now offseason !, time to grow !

and time to get some good eats will be following

[QUOTE=Philip81193;717007131]I can't wait to bloat myself up after the show....only 3 days 'til I can!
Glad to see your weight wasn't permanent, lol[/QUOTE]

Haha I hate it. Months to get abs.... 1 meal to get rid of them -_- somethingswronghere

Goodluck with your competition. Show confidence on stage!

[QUOTE=bballbrett5;717258801]man i fukin love legos[/QUOTE]

You & me both brother

[QUOTE=sbrew3124;717287881]Subbed... Silently watched your other log did great man... cant wait to see your progress![/QUOTE]

Awesome to have you. No need to be silent, this is an open relaxed log.
Thanks (Im excited for my progress too lol )

[QUOTE=OoFaP;717320831]I'll be following along ;)[/QUOTE]

Great! I'll need to stay relitivly lean on this bulk if I plan on comming anywhere near your conditioning.

[QUOTE=adamrochester;717499911]great start to your bodybuilding career mate now offseason !, time to grow !

and time to get some good eats will be following[/QUOTE]

Thanks! Yup its my first real "offSEASON"

I have to get rid of this mindf**k of not gaining any fat. Its going to happen & needs to happen if I plan on growing some muscle!

[B]Morning weight: 164.5lbs[/B]

Yikes I might not get much lower. But still soft & watery

Couple factors that would effect the scale. 1) I ate ~50% of my cals for dinner with my family, which still could be lingering for morning weigh in. 2) Yesterday was an off day and so I only did 10min cardio. & 3) crearoids

[B]Some good old fashion food porn[/B]

Im just starting to get into creative meals. So dont judge on plainness.

One sirloin tip & the other chicken
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_2831.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/IMG_0049.jpg[/IMG]

Subbed for your new journey bro! It was great seeing you prep for you last shows.

nice eats do you cycle your creatine ?

I can relate because I am bloated as heck and holding probably 4-5 pounds of water now.
But don't sweat it off, it will come off.
I was freaking all day yesterday and annoying a dear friend.
So stupid how we we are stressing out over this.

[QUOTE=Webber91;717838461]Subbed for your new journey bro! It was great seeing you prep for you last shows.[/QUOTE]

Glad to have ya m8

[QUOTE=adamrochester;717928041]nice eats do you cycle your creatine ?[/QUOTE]

Ty, Also had 100cal popcorn / protein & pumpkin sludge / more sirloin tip w/ potatoes. I cant wait till I get to bump my cals!

[QUOTE=juliacheh;717973081]I can relate because I am bloated as heck and holding probably 4-5 pounds of water now.
But don't sweat it off, it will come off.
I was freaking all day yesterday and annoying a dear friend.
So stupid how we we are stressing out over this.[/QUOTE]

Feelsbadwoman.jpg

It makes me not even want to have my "let lose sundays" but I jst need to switch over the mindframe from "getting ripped" to "building/feeding the muscle" My cals/macros are still pithetic, & I know its my mind playing games with me.

Will be adding cals next wk no matter wat tho -_-

So I think im going to start doing little highlight workout updates.
Warm ups not included unless stated

[B]Yesterdays w/o Highlights: Hyper Legs[/B]

- 3 sets of 30 rep leg press zomg
- Glute BB bridge <- first time ever doing those

Great workout, and my ars/quads are sooo sore! I love it.

[B]Today 7/15/2011[/B]

Hyper: Back & Shoulders (Got my workout in before work)

Farmer Db rows - 75x15x3
Seated Db press - 60x8x2

Notes
Definitely feeling much better about my w/o. Strangly enough because im still on low dieting #'s
I guess the lowered cardio leaves me more energy to lift! Still weak as sh*t but I feel myself getting more pumped to push harder each set.

Woke up 163.5lbs @ 5am (Last meal night b4 @ 10:30pm

What are farmer DB rows?

I need to try these bridges. not that my ass is small, but maybe it will be even better :D

Your strength will come back, don't worry.

P.S. I dropped 4 pounds of water, feel a bit better:)

[QUOTE=juliacheh;718254481]What are farmer DB rows?

I need to try these bridges. not that my ass is small, but maybe it will be even better :D

Your strength will come back, don't worry.

P.S. I dropped 4 pounds of water, feel a bit better:)[/QUOTE]

Lol idk y I called them that... Just dbs rows off the rack instead of flat bench. Seems to take off a lot of the pressure on my lower back. Which is needed ATM.

Hopefully, but I wasnt all that strong b4, looking for it to come back stronger =)

Haha, awesome! Since im eating later at night its definitely throwing off the scale in the morning. Oh wells tho, abs are starting to peak through again. (Which will then disappear after sunday lol

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;718263941]
Haha, awesome! Since im eating later at night its definitely throwing off the scale in the morning. Oh wells tho, abs are starting to peak through again. (Which will then disappear after sunday lol[/QUOTE]

You look good, abs or no abs.

Yes, WK.

Inbeforecougar.

:D

hows your strength compared to offseason ? did you loose much ?

[QUOTE=adamrochester;718770521]hows your strength compared to offseason ? did you loose much ?[/QUOTE]

Initially YES. I droped weight way to fast when I ran keto. So I had a pretty decent strength decrease. But after that initial drop. I started keeping track of my weights lifted and was able to maintain my strength for the rest of prep.

I also lost 40lbs during my prep.... so theres no doubt muscle loss happend. Main reason I am reversing/staying semi leaner.

[B]Morning weight: [/B] 162.8lbs (oh snap) So roughly a 2lb gain from last weekend. Thats including 20g of creatine mon-fri. So basically that chalks that up.

[B]Chest & Arms Hyper highlights[/B]

[B]Dips[/B]: BWx20x15x10 (30sec-1min rest)

[B]Incline bb[/B]: 135x15, 145x10, 155x8 (Didnt do these once during prep, felt good)

[B]DB alternating curls:[/B] 40x12 45x8 40x8


[B]Note[/B]
Well today I messed up :(
I woke up thinking I was going to workout at 9am... So I had my meals planned accordingly. Wasnt able to make it to the gym so I had my later meal first. Then I planned to workout at noon....... again ended up not working with my schedule so I had to eat something else, then my dad walked in with a coconut! I was like "Oh ill jst eat half a coconut and then fit it with the rest of my day meals" ... didnt realize how much fat was in cocoNUT. DOH!! So my structure was broken from the start of they day, not entirly my fault!! lol oh well.

Also, gym intesity is getting back. Im starting to have fire in my eyes during my sets.


[B]Little food porn[/B]

Buttermilk pancakes w/ pumpkin + coconut + protein sludge
[IMG]http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz183/TheOak_photos/100_2835.jpg[/IMG]

First official off day

- no workout
- no cardio

& tons of foooooood!!! :) Not a f*** was giving

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;719641051]First official off day

- no workout
- no cardio

& tons of foooooood!!! :) Not a f*** was giving[/QUOTE]

I love it and I know you won't go overboard:)

[QUOTE=juliacheh;719676251]I love it and I know you won't go overboard:)[/QUOTE]

:eek: overboard is an understatement.

K so first binge post contest is checked :)

Idk if its from the creatine or I've just gained that much fat in my post contest binge but I look like im 15% bf :( .... abs arent visible.

Weird tho, my legs are getting more vascular.

I might try a controlled cheat MEAL next sunday instead of ~8k cheat DAY....

Anyways I have to focus on getting my strength up and building muscle. I weighed in at 173lbs this morning post binge.

All I kno is im not going to get any where near as heavy as I was before and I also will give myself MORE time to lean out for the next competition.

if you've only had one binge this far after your [I]first[/I] show, you're actually better off than most. not that i'm backing binging, but definitely can't worry about it or let it get you down. your mind is still gonna be playing with you, and you'll think you're way fatter than you are.

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;720353551]:eek: overboard is an understatement.

K so first binge post contest is checked :)

[/QUOTE]

Listen, stop panicking.
I am holding water myself - 4 pounds at least. I know it's water because I am still vascular but softer in the stomach and quads. When i gain fat, I gain it everywhere.
You are doing good, lots of competitors binge hardcore and gain like 15 pounds in a months. This is bad.

I had a few days so far where I ate 3500 and 4000 calories, but my activity was very high on that - lots of cardio/walking. Overall I think I am in a good spot for 4 weeks post-cut and I need to put some fat anyway, came in unnecessarily lean, leaner than many competing girls lol.

Don't freak out about the water weight, it will come off.

[QUOTE=bballbrett5;720355571]if you've only had one binge this far after your [I]first[/I] show, you're actually better off than most. not that i'm backing binging, but definitely can't worry about it or let it get you down. your mind is still gonna be playing with you, and you'll think you're way fatter than you are.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=juliacheh;720358501]Listen, stop panicking.
I am holding water myself - 4 pounds at least. I know it's water because I am still vascular but softer in the stomach and quads. When i gain fat, I gain it everywhere.
You are doing good, lots of competitors binge hardcore and gain like 15 pounds in a months. This is bad.

I had a few days so far where I ate 3500 and 4000 calories, but my activity was very high on that - lots of cardio/walking. Overall I think I am in a good spot for 4 weeks post-cut and I need to put some fat anyway, came in unnecessarily lean, leaner than many competing girls lol.

Don't freak out about the water weight, it will come off.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the support <3

Its just really mind f***ing to diet down for months to see them go away 1 week after ur done competing.

I do realize I am hardest on myself (arent we all?) so like I said, I'll keep on reversing, and start focusing on strength and well kind of forget about the mirror atm.

Good thing is that Im able to stay strict over the week. It would be a big nono if I was "sneaking" some extra un-counted goodies throughtout the week and then having planned cheats on weekends!! Not only that but staying consistant with doing 10min cardio pwo and 10min outside cardio at night.

But thats enough boohoo'ing .... "HEAVY" DEADLIFTS TOMRW!!!! so rdy as I havnt done reg. dl in months.

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;720387621]

Its just really mind f***ing to diet down for months to see them go away 1 week after ur done competing.

.[/QUOTE]

Im in the same boat, man.....gaining too fast. You just have to keep in mind it comes back off. BUT....take it easy. Pull back on the food and sllloooowly try to ramp it up.

[QUOTE=AustrianOakJr;720626861]Im in the same boat, man.....gaining too fast. You just have to keep in mind it comes back off. BUT....take it easy. Pull back on the food and sllloooowly try to ramp it up.[/QUOTE]

Thanks oak

But thats the thing.... I only cheating the weekend of comp & sunday of the following week. Thought it would take more to ruin my progress but guess not.

Anyways......

My lower back has been KILLING ME. Its so hard to squat & even work abs.

Today I had deadlifts and was really worried, I started off light and slowly made my added up to 270x5 for two sets. My back would only hurt on the first rep but then I could knock our a full set. Not bad for first time doing them sincee february.

[B]Morning Weight:[/B] 166.7lbs .... thats -7 from the day before :P

Alright well this week hasnt been as strict as last. Its ok tho as im trying to find a happy middle.

Yesterday I worked an extra/unexpected 6hrs at work :p So of course I didnt have an extra 6hrs worth of food packed with my so I ended up eating one of those marketside subs from wal-mart :)

Then today I went to adventure island, and instead of packing food for the whole day I decided to hop off the diet and have fun at the park with my family.... glad I decided too :)

I think im starting to think more realistically. Of course I want abs & to be in "peak" conditioning 24/7 but thats not realistic. Atleast not for me/my lifestyle. My focus will be to not gain too much fat in the offseason. i.e. ~40lbs over contest weight (Even tho I didnt even go to a lean contest weight... still had 10lbs to lose but jst didnt kno how to get it off!

I still have to workout tonight, workouts have been going good. And I'll be back on the diet tomrw

I'm with you man, trying to stay lean while maintaining a lifestyle with wiggle room. I went from 180 to 148 for contest prep, this year I don't see myself going above 165 tbh...with more muscle than I had at 180! Crazy how things change, very exciting though

Nice to hear you enjoyed your day not tracking your food. Do you find it's nicer to eat whatever you want, or to just not be worried about counting everything? The latter is my favorite!

[QUOTE=Philip81193;722375491]I'm with you man, trying to stay lean while maintaining a lifestyle with wiggle room. I went from 180 to 148 for contest prep, this year I don't see myself going above 165 tbh...with more muscle than I had at 180! Crazy how things change, very exciting though

Nice to hear you enjoyed your day not tracking your food. Do you find it's nicer to eat whatever you want, or to just not be worried about counting everything? The latter is my favorite![/QUOTE]

yea its crazy! ... I feel just as big now at 170lbs than I was at 200! lol

Well for like last sunday it was eay whatever I like, but for like today it was just w/e was convenient / what my family had. For example today was the first time I had Mcdonnalds since february! I got a chicken sandwhich, Icecream & shared a large fri :) Theres really no point in even counting that lol.

Its fair to say im black or white with my diet. I either hit my macros perfect or sh** hits the fan binge.

Update time

Alright, well past few days have been rough.

Trying to find that happy middle, I've been enjoying myself with family/friends. Which deff is needed. They deserve more attention from me and I need to help out around more wen I can.

Its easy to stick to my diet on days that I work, but then wen I come home to my Ma's cooking, all hell breaks loose :(

I'm still going to up my cals this week, but going to focus on hitting them and not over-doing it at dinner time.

Its hard for me to get off the "oh I cheated, might as well eat myself to death" mentality. I need to realize that ok if I had a small cheat, w/e. But stop it there and ill be fine. Only when I keep going it becomes a serious problem! (Easier said then done, but I am working on it and I think I can handle it)

Lower back - Feeling better, I try stretching / warming up well before lifts and it makes it feel better.

Good luck conquering those thoughts mate. Maybe you shouldn't even think of it as cheating? Just try to work those meals into your macros as best you can.

If you know you're going to come home to your mums cooking, over estimate how much you are going to eat, and just skip a few meals for the afternoon for a larger evening meal.

[QUOTE=domingochavez;724196831]Good luck conquering those thoughts mate. Maybe you shouldn't even think of it as cheating? Just try to work those meals into your macros as best you can.

If you know you're going to come home to your mums cooking, over estimate how much you are going to eat, and just skip a few meals for the afternoon for a larger evening meal.[/QUOTE]

Its hard to explain, Like its easier for me to stay 100% strict rather than let myself have a small "cheat" For example yesterday I ate TWO... yes TWO 16oz icecreams (IN A ROW) lmao... Not because I needed or even really wanted, but once I got the first one done, I was like... hell might as well eat the other one now. I thought if I didnt give myself ne boundaries then I would naturally make the right choice..... not so, atleast not at the moment. So for now everything going to be planned. Now that I realize how out of control I can really get, It will be fairly easy for me to stay strict.

Today went good, I woke up at 180lbs :eek: omfg but assuming that will drop within the next few days being back on track.

Dinner - Ma made speghetti, I pre measured everything out, and only ate wat I was suppost to :) It feels good to have control again.

[B]TODAY I HAD ARCTIC ZERO FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAAA[/B]
pretty crazy a whole pint is 150cals... I had chocoalte peanutbutter, was delicious too bad its like $4 lol

I just started eating Arctic Zero ice cream too haha. Chocolate peanut butter was the worst of the 3 I tried so far (chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla maple). Vanilla maple was the best. It just sucks that they are so expensive.

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;724655401]Its hard to explain, Like its easier for me to stay 100% strict rather than let myself have a small "cheat" For example yesterday I ate TWO... yes TWO 16oz icecreams (IN A ROW) lmao... Not because I needed or even really wanted, but once I got the first one done, I was like... hell might as well eat the other one now. I thought if I didnt give myself ne boundaries then I would naturally make the right choice..... not so, atleast not at the moment. So for now everything going to be planned. Now that I realize how out of control I can really get, It will be fairly easy for me to stay strict.

Today went good, I woke up at 180lbs :eek: omfg but assuming that will drop within the next few days being back on track.

Dinner - Ma made speghetti, I pre measured everything out, and only ate wat I was suppost to :) It feels good to have control again.

[B]TODAY I HAD ARCTIC ZERO FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAAA[/B]
pretty crazy a whole pint is 150cals... I had chocoalte peanutbutter, was delicious too bad its like $4 lol[/QUOTE]
I understand you. I am pretty strict but I too fall to the binge every now and then. It's like once you get the taste of sugary, fatty foods in your mouth you can't stop! All the more reason to be more strict when you are on your regular diet. Take advantage of the times you can be strict, and try to minimize the times that you will fail on your diet, but know that there WILL be those times.

Morning weight: 172lbs :eek: feelsgoodman

thats -8lbs from the morning before after my oh sh** binge. Still is 12lbs higher than contest weight 2wks after but I kno creatine has SOME effect on that esp since I have a higher sodium intake 3-4g a day.

Lower back is hit & miss, I tried squating yesterday, and did 3 warm up sets (bar/135/185/185) I went up to 215lbs & but a belt on just in case and OMFG back was on fire, I racked it and said enough of that. I did heavy leg extensions and some single leg press's & 10min on the stationary bike. Thursday I'll try some light front squats, maybe with the smith.

Its even extremely hard to train abs with my lower back :/ sucks big time.

Just keep on keeping on tho :)

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;724655401] Not because I needed or even really wanted, but once I got the first one done, I was like... hell might as well eat the other one now.
[/QUOTE]

This is a very dangerous thought process that I would recommend you don't make a habit of. In the four months following my contest I had many slight "slip ups" that turned into entire days of binging. It's okay to fall off the wagon but don't think there's no turning back. Put the spoon down and walk away or else you end 45lbs over your stage weight like I did. Capice?

I think the best thing for you to do is choose a date for your next show or set a firm goal that you can shift your focus towards. That's what kept me from going completely off the wagon after my shows last year. I went pretty nuts for like a week but then once I settled down and picked my next show I was fully committed to that goal in 12 months time. I think the key is finding a set deadline that you need to meet bro, whether that be the date of the next time you step on stage or how many months until you go for a big PR, there just needs to be something firm to work towards that you know you won't achieve if you don't stick to the plan.

Good luck with it mate, lets get back on track!

I am still holding a buttload of water, so I can relate:(
Feel better, brah.

It's so funny reading all these posts about binges and what not. I mean, I'm sure I'll binge, but I just want to be able to eat chicken and rice continuously for 5 meals out the day. I had 2 chicken and rice meals today and after that last bite when I knew there would be no more carbs for the day, I died a little on the inside lol

[QUOTE=TheNaturalOak;724655401]Its hard to explain, Like its easier for me to stay 100% strict rather than let myself have a small "cheat" [/QUOTE]

I think that it is just as important to prepare meals ahead of time and plan ahead. Even though you're "reverse dieting" and there's a ton more wiggle room than contest prep because it simply doesn't matter, the notion of it being "easier" as far as preparation needs to be thrown out the window. If you've made and prepared your meals, you're a lot more inclined to eat those opposed to having to do it at that moment compared to that to-go meal you've been eyeing all of prep.

Meh....I say this as I'm 2.5 weeks out and motivated as hell. I'll be complaining soon enough with my off-season log :-)