The Pre-Summer Cut with SizeSlim (log)

[lowroller21212]

The early reviews for the cucumber lime-Recovery are coming in and I want to try it myself, based on it having a cucumber tinge to it. I feel it's a 1.5 or 2 scooper in a full shaker because it is not overly sweet. I also dont get that chatty at the gym, so I understand what you're saying on the compliment being like a back-hander!

[Fiction2Fitness]

Lol I can't stand when people try to talk to me at the gym! I like to get in and get out and not be bothered!

Thanks for the input with the cucumber lime aminos! I still have yet to try them, the flavor seems definitely interesting to me as well. I have never tried any sort of flavor similar to it. With that being said, I can't wait to give them a try.

I wouldn't mind someone talking to me a little if they actually listen, which is where this time went down hill. I've had one or two chat a little during rests and that's fine. No one at work really lifts or anything so nice to chat reps and program if the chance arises. This one just really wasn't paying attention and it went downhill from there. The I'll say something then give my own advice cause she should use lighter weights approach just shouldn't be spoken out loud.

The cucumber lime is different and definitely not for one looking for sweet with BCAAs but it wasn't too bad. I was a little hit or miss when consuming it yesterday but also have had a little more indigestion feeling than normal, so that didn't help. I have one more sample to try again.

The early reviews for the cucumber lime-Recovery are coming in and I want to try it myself, based on it having a cucumber tinge to it. I feel it's a 1.5 or 2 scooper in a full shaker because it is not overly sweet. I also dont get that chatty at the gym, so I understand what you're saying on the compliment being like a back-hander!

It is different and not even really sweet, so there are some who will really like it and there is the taste of the cucumber for sure there. Backhanded is another way to look at it yeah. I don't mind even advice but helps if you listen when I talk. I didn't say anything about wanting to get rid of anything, just tried to go off his reference to my height as he was using the seated row area and it's a struggle to get situated on that sometimes for me. I'm short and know it but don't need it pointed out often. Just instead of hearing what I said, he jumped to "I got more results getting rid of the excess with lighter weight, higher reps". Yeah, not related to the topic in the moment. I was doing 10 reps too, it's accessories, so not like I was trying to get over 100 on the weight stacks for 3 terrible reps like some do.



Rest day for me today. Have work, shift in pharmacy, and enjoyed a lenny/larry cookie for breakfast with the coffee my sister brought me as she was up from not getting much sleep. I'm bringing in a salad and veggies for lunch to use the bento box my stepsister sent me a while ago. Want to try and put together my own salads instead of buying the 3.99 pre-made ones but at the same time, I like those because I get a variety of dressings that are single serving. No need for a big bottle of just one flavor and well portioned out, as don't even use the whole thing most of the time.

It's almost summer so I like fruits and salads more right now.

[lowroller21212]

I used to put a load of salt to my cucumbers but my fish dishes have enough that lime does it. I make my own shakes and add cucumber, be interesting to make one with the amino flavoring.

Oh yeah-probably the worse thing is 3 badly executed reps with no pump. Hope you get off to great start as it looks like you're on your way to being leaner!

[Fiction2Fitness]

I used to put a load of salt to my cucumbers but my fish dishes have enough that lime does it. I make my own shakes and add cucumber, be interesting to make one with the amino flavoring.

Oh yeah-probably the worse thing is 3 badly executed reps with no pump. Hope you get off to great start as it looks like you're on your way to being leaner!

Salt is pretty common on cucumbers. My grandma did salt and pepper so I'd add a little salt on mine but not a lot. My sister probably adds a lot as she uses a little too much salt but she's more into savory foods whereas I am a fan of both sweet and salty but rarely add extra salt to things anymore. Never added cucumber to shakes, that would be different. It was good in the fruit cup I had with the spicy seasoning included.



Right now scale isn't cooperating with me but other things are. I've used the 5th hole in my lifting belt more often so something is going in the right direction. Had a morning lifting session in order to get squats done as I traded shifts with a coworker because his band has a gig tonight. Got a chance to try out the pre-workout too. Strawberry-kiwi, which also wasn't sweet but had good flavor overall.

Squats
2x10 @ 45, 1x10 @ 95, 1x8 @ 135
with belt 1x5 @ 165 and 2x3 @ 195
single leg curls 2x10 @ 40
leg extension 2x10 @ 70


Had a guy help me check the angle on the phone camera when I was filming the first 195 squat set. He also was nearby just in case, I noticed, during the set. I am really a slow squatter and as I near my max it does look like I might fail. Had the safeties but nice of him to consider helping. I've failed on bench at other locations and not a single person made a peep, let alone came over to help with the bar and that was a busy gym too. Luckily I can get over 100 lbs off without assistance even when I fail. Feeling okay with the squats considering doing this peak cycle on a cut, though we'll see how it goes once the numbers go up above 200.

My left arm is a little sore thanks to getting a tetanus shot yesterday. Joy of helping in pharmacy. Not only do I have to ask people if they remember when they last had a shot, but the pharmacist then asked me... so yeah, I got one. Also, there was a measuring tape up on the wall so I stood near it just for fun when I was waiting and wasn't a fan. I haven't had someone else check in years but came out at 4'11" instead of having an extra half inch. Don't want to start shrinking yet.


Hopefully this preworkout gives me long day energy because I still have cardio to do. I'll be near work 4 hours before my shift so will need to use up time again. More studying while walking on the treadmill. Might also get a cold brew from dunkin donuts. It's a further walk but I have a free drink that I haven't used yet through the app. Like starbucks but gets old going to the same place every week. Still might end up there depending on how long things take since I'm working at 3 pm. Going to be a long day indeed.

[lowroller21212]

People didn't see you struggling on the bar? Makes me not want to go to your gym! On the other hand tons of work done, and safe to say flavor for the PWO sits well with you. Yeah it's not super sweet, just hints of the actual flavors.. I try make my Recovery slushies and flavoring is on point.

As for cucumber on shakes-a few slices make a difference and add variety for sure, think those who haven't tried it will be pleasantly surprised . I add a tangerine and mango to it now-you can make a lot and the stevia will give it life.

[Fiction2Fitness]

People didn't see you struggling on the bar? Makes me not want to go to your gym! On the other hand tons of work done, and safe to say flavor for the PWO sits well with you. Yeah it's not super sweet, just hints of the actual flavors.. I try make my Recovery slushies and flavoring is on point.

As for cucumber on shakes-a few slices make a difference and add variety for sure, think those who haven't tried it will be pleasantly surprised . I add a tangerine and mango to it now-you can make a lot and the stevia will give it life.

This was at my old gym up in Oregon. The most awkward one was the incline bench. Not the heaviest but I wasn't very good at it but it was hard to try and maneuver out from underneath the bar then trying to get the plates off. With flat bench it got easier and I can do that myself now.

I don't make smoothies much but my roommate does. She freezes fruit often for it so we do have a nice blender in the apartment. Will have to try some things, especially with summer being a good season for many refreshing options.



Yesterday, I went to the gym near work and did the couple of accessories had left followed by an hour on the treadmill reading/studying. Then got the dunkin' donuts cold brew as had a free drink on the app, which was delicious. Though I should have waited on that one and tried the unicorn frappe at starbucks instead but didn't know about it until later and didn't want to get two calories drinks in one day, not while on a cut that already isn't going as well as I want. Worked my shift, which was kind of slow. Then had to be at the other store in the morning today.

Even though sister switched her internship so she doesn't have it on Thursdays anymore, I still wanted to use the gym after work as I like the location of the dry sauna at this one. I forgot to check what numbers I was supposed to bench so was guessing, based off my previous notes, but got it a little wrong as I check the wrong page. Still did okay. May have had a few pastries as lunch that helped with that...

Bench

2x10 @ 45, 1x8 @ 75, 1x5 @ 100 and 2x4 @ 105 (guess I was supposed to do 2x3)
closed grip bench 1x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65 and 2x5 @ 80 (did even less than last time, oops)
incline bench 1x10 @ 45 and 2x5 @ 75
15 minutes in dry sauna
35 minutes walking on treadmill, 30 at a 5 incline while reading


Now I need to get working on stories to judge plus the studying.

[lowroller21212]

Did you say unicorn frappe? Is it as rare as it sounds :P

I agree its always interesting what you can come up with as far as shakes. Great work, carbs always bump the grit factor under the bar when it counts. I had a cheat meal last friday, I hadnt in a looong time though but its rare.

[tcantore]

Everyone with this unicorn frappe!! Everywhere I go or look now I hear about it lol. I couldn't even imagine what that tastes like.

[Cheftepesh]

Everyone with this unicorn frappe!! Everywhere I go or look now I hear about it lol. I couldn't even imagine what that tastes like.

That thing is like a weeks worth of carbs

[lowroller21212]

Sounds to 'dye for' (...sorry had to say it)

[Fiction2Fitness]

Did you say unicorn frappe? Is it as rare as it sounds :P

I agree its always interesting what you can come up with as far as shakes. Great work, carbs always bump the grit factor under the bar when it counts. I had a cheat meal last friday, I hadnt in a looong time though but its rare.

Yeah, it was rare. Some type of fruit flavored frappe with girly colors and sparkly topping or something. They had a limited set of the ingredients so most in the area ran out after a single day of having it available.

Everyone with this unicorn frappe!! Everywhere I go or look now I hear about it lol. I couldn't even imagine what that tastes like.

Yeah, it had huge buzz for the day+ish it was available. Now not even a hint of it in the Starbucks. Had to go off what some friends said about it on instagram since didn't try it myself.

That thing is like a weeks worth of carbs

Probably. There frappes in general are so much sugar and calories. I rarely get those, maybe one or two a year, if that. My stepdad always liked the strawberry one but never was for me.

Sounds to 'dye for' (...sorry had to say it)

hehehe

[lowroller21212]

Just saw pictures of said unicorn concoction. Great idea that's for sure.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Just saw pictures of said unicorn concoction. Great idea that's for sure.

The hype did get people into Starbucks.


Easy day today as it was Shoulders. Was near work early so did the shoulder exercises then an hour on the treadmill reading textbook. Then had regular shift and now I'm home for my day off. Always look forward to Saturday since that has been my consistent day off so far.

side lateral raise - 2x12 @ 12.5
front singe raise - 2x12 @ 12.5
standing db shoulder press - 2x8 @ 25
bent over side raise - 2x12 @ 10
face pulls - 2x8 @ 85 and 1x12 @ 70
for fun did 2x5 @ 100 on seated row while waiting to do face pulls as half of the cable spots are currently broken at this location
hour on treadmill most of which at a 4 incline and 3 speed while reading

[tcantore]

The hype did get people into Starbucks.


Easy day today as it was Shoulders. Was near work early so did the shoulder exercises then an hour on the treadmill reading textbook. Then had regular shift and now I'm home for my day off. Always look forward to Saturday since that has been my consistent day off so far.

side lateral raise - 2x12 @ 12.5
front singe raise - 2x12 @ 12.5
standing db shoulder press - 2x8 @ 25
bent over side raise - 2x12 @ 10
face pulls - 2x8 @ 85 and 1x12 @ 70
for fun did 2x5 @ 100 on seated row while waiting to do face pulls as half of the cable spots are currently broken at this location
hour on treadmill most of which at a 4 incline and 3 speed while reading

Nice workout! Looks very similar to one I would do to go in and get a quick shoulder pump. Do you almost always stay on the treadmill for cardio or do you ever switch it up?

[Fiction2Fitness]

Nice workout! Looks very similar to one I would do to go in and get a quick shoulder pump. Do you almost always stay on the treadmill for cardio or do you ever switch it up?

Thanks. For the most part, if stuck doing cardio inside I stick with the treadmill. I don't like the stationary bikes. They are hard to adjust at times to my height and my knees have never been fans but don't have problems with treadmills even though people say it's not good on the knees. I have used ellipticals occasionally. Just haven't tried doing long sessions while reading, since I'm not doing the cardio for the calories burned but gives me time to study and the hour sessions I usually have time to waste. I do like rowers, but not something I can do while reading.

[lowroller21212]

I am a big fan of the elliptical, personally, its more fun than a treadmill (its like the Peach Mango of cardio machines ). Treadmills are the plain vanilla. I broke my elliptical the other time, if I did buy another, Id for sure get the warranty because I do think they are prone to mechanical issues.

..On treadmill now the last couple weeks or so, time seems to go slower actually.

[anandagirl]

Checking in!

That thing is like a weeks worth of carbs

Not even! I'm on a cut and I still get like 200 carbs a day. I only got one unicorm frap before it was gone, and it was only 42 grams for the tall. Even if got the largest size, that's not even half my daily carbs. Empty carbs, but still.

I already miss it and I only had it once LOL The best part was the sourness. Regular fraps don't do it for me as they are too sweet.

[lowroller21212]

Yeah their version of frappes arent as sweet the last time I had them, probably the first time around (years and years they were slightly sweeter but have scaled the sweetness a bit - don't quote me on that, just off memory).

[anandagirl]

Yeah their version of frappes arent as sweet the last time I had them, probably the first time around (years and years they were slightly sweeter but have scaled the sweetness a bit - don't quote me on that, just off memory).

They're pretty customizable as well, if you get it once and its too sweet, next time you can ask for one less pump of syrup, etc. They also do non-fat and sugar free syrup if you don't mind certain flavors. Of course, the really yummy stuff doesn't come in sugar free but cest la vie

[Fiction2Fitness]

They're pretty customizable as well, if you get it once and its too sweet, next time you can ask for one less pump of syrup, etc. They also do non-fat and sugar free syrup if you don't mind certain flavors. Of course, the really yummy stuff doesn't come in sugar free but cest la vie

Yeah, the sugar free isn't as tasty but if you don't mind a couple of the simple flavors, like hazelnut they are an okay option. I rarely get frapps anyways, just cold brew and the occasional hot latte in winter.


Off to a better start today. Yesterday, had food before going to write group cause trying to have something before drinking a bunch of coffee so don't feel as bleh after. But then at home for lunch had basically the rest of my days calories. Napped a little, which helped but so by evening was a little more productive with dishes and stuff. Sister ended up being out at her friends all afternoon/evening so I just lounged. Had a hard time going to sleep last night too so ended up being a long set of hours but no foods.

It wasn's a hunger/appetite thing. Either. Just a meh, eat lunchable and salad and pretzel roll then oh wait... hmmm Didn't help the scale isn't showing progress. Body wise I feel a little tighter and better but it's just not showing on the scale. My body is a struggle to get it under 130. I took the diet break because I just couldn't keep to the deficit after the year+ dieting to get there. Now it's still being stubborn. It just wants to stay between 132 and 136. Going to be a battle. grrr

Today, I slept in since didn't fall asleep until around 3 am but still managed to get to gym. Might just go with Sunday's as deadlift day instead of trying to get it on Saturday's. I had a little coffee, the leftovers from Panera, but that's about it so far and feel fine. I work 3-11 pm but going early to study since have a week until my test. Deadlifts went pretty well too.

10 minute warmup on elliptical
deadlift 2x10 @ 135, 1x8 @ 185, with belt 1x5 @ 205 and 1x4 @ 245
sdl - 1x10 @ 155
yates row - 2x8 @ 95
clean - 1x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65 and 1x5 @ 75
walked on treadmill for 30 minutes at 5 incline and 3 speed then a cool down

Deadlift was supposed to be 1x3 but felt decent so decided to do a 4th rep. Last peak cycle I had to do 2x3 for it them 3x1 at 155 followed by 1x2. Next weekend I'll tried 1x3 @ 255 and see how it goes since my current max is the 1x2 at that weight. Now to figure out lunch besides the cold brew I'll be getting at starbucks plus dinner since I'll be at work. Nicer having more calories available in the afternoon/evening for sure.

[tcantore]

It's not always about the number on the scale, you could still be getting tighter and the numbers are not changing Glad you're feeling better. Nice job on deads!!

[lowroller21212]

Nice to know @Ananda and fiction - I figured they could take direction on their sweets levels. Most things are too sweet.

Like T says, it is not always going off the scale numbers. You are doing a great job! Detailed report.

[Fiction2Fitness]

It's not always about the number on the scale, you could still be getting tighter and the numbers are not changing Glad you're feeling better. Nice job on deads!!

Thanks. The deads are going pretty well so hoping to get a PR this cycle that I missed on last time around. And true on the scale, except when the goal is a lower number on the scale. ;-) Well, and my measurements haven't changed yet either.

Nice to know @Ananda and fiction - I figured they could take direction on their sweets levels. Most things are too sweet.

Like T says, it is not always going off the scale numbers. You are doing a great job! Detailed report.

I like more sweet things when it comes to products like coffee and shakes. Other flavors, not as much. And thanks. I'm trying to do my best with this as it's my first attempt logging a product. I'll get together more thoughts thus far on the factors of the product soon. Maybe while I'm studying later. 1 week until the test so need to amp up my studying efforts.

[lowroller21212]

Test taking is huge on mental stamina. Post your thoughts when you can, no rush at all.

I definitely agree coffee, Im drinking black tea that comes unsweetened that's pre bottled and all. I add like 3 packets of stevia to it and make a crushed ice smoothie. Some items are literally a few shades short of 'candy sweet'. I am a huge fan of dark chocolate for it being kinda sour and also a much healthier choice. I add cocoa powder to my oatmeal but keep sweetness pretty low on them.

[Fiction2Fitness]

Test taking is huge on mental stamina. Post your thoughts when you can, no rush at all.

I definitely agree coffee, Im drinking black tea that comes unsweetened that's pre bottled and all. I add like 3 packets of stevia to it and make a crushed ice smoothie. Some items are literally a few shades short of 'candy sweet'. I am a huge fan of dark chocolate for it being kinda sour and also a much healthier choice. I add cocoa powder to my oatmeal but keep sweetness pretty low on them.

Interesting. I'm a bit opposite on a few of those. I need sweeteners for coffee but tea, I prefer the other way. Plain tea, nothing added at all. Always preferred it that way too. When I was young and we'd have Sunday lunch at Great Grandma's (the good ol' not healthy fried chicken, fried squash slices, mashed potates, etc), we'd have tea but I'd never put any sugar in it unlike other family members. And I'm still not a fan of dark chocolate. I can handle it on occasion but still prefer sweet milk chocolate.

[anandagirl]

Interesting. I'm a bit opposite on a few of those. I need sweeteners for coffee but tea, I prefer the other way. Plain tea, nothing added at all. Always preferred it that way too.

Me too! Usually won't drink sweet tea

[lowroller21212]

Interesting. I'm a bit opposite on a few of those. I need sweeteners for coffee but tea, I prefer the other way. Plain tea, nothing added at all. Always preferred it that way too. When I was young and we'd have Sunday lunch at Great Grandma's (the good ol' not healthy fried chicken, fried squash slices, mashed potates, etc), we'd have tea but I'd never put any sugar in it unlike other family members. And I'm still not a fan of dark chocolate. I can handle it on occasion but still prefer sweet milk chocolate.

that's blasphemy lol.. JK. Dark chocolate or bust, I like milk choco type sweeteness in Reese's and there's some chocolate sticks that are cheesecake flavored that are ridiculous but crazy sweet.

I like moderate to very low sugars on everything, keep stevia packets at 2-3 range. Coffee is only one I'd do like 4 but I never have coffee.

Me too! Usually won't drink sweet tea

I had this Kombucha deal in the morning, never tried it before but I had no idea it was super sparkling water. It coulda used more sweeteners but you guys may love that it's pretty low-key there and ice cold, it's like drinking unsweetened "tea soda". It is very refreshing to be honest I may have to pickup a few more, it's only like 5g sugar but you can barely taste that.

[Fiction2Fitness]

that's blasphemy lol.. JK. Dark chocolate or bust, I like milk choco type sweeteness in Reese's and there's some chocolate sticks that are cheesecake flavored that are ridiculous but crazy sweet.

I like moderate to very low sugars on everything, keep stevia packets at 2-3 range. Coffee is only one I'd do like 4 but I never have coffee.


I had this Kombucha deal in the morning, never tried it before but I had no idea it was super sparkling water. It coulda used more sweeteners but you guys may love that it's pretty low-key there and ice cold, it's like drinking unsweetened "tea soda". It is very refreshing to be honest I may have to pickup a few more, it's only like 5g sugar but you can barely taste that.

I had my first WLS serving today with a little kombucha. I can't drink much of it, so don't get many calories but do enjoy the fruit flavored ones. My sister now makes her own plain kombucha. Hasn't figured out flavoring yet.

Today was a little rough. Had some plans but little setbacks came up too. I ended up a little rushed this morning and forgot a couple of things at home. Then forgot they do street cleaning over by work as I'm not usually over here on Mondays so there is half the unpaid parking unavailable. Ended up parking in garage by gym and having to pay for it while I was using the gym. Then moved the car to a spot since the "cleaning" ends at 1pm. Forgot lock in my jacket so had to carry my bag around the gym with me cause I don't like using the other lockers they have that have the built in locks.

Though calories went better than my other day off. Also made some thin sliced chicken to have ready for later on this week.

It was upper body accessories day but skipped a couple of things when I was at the gym. Still studied on treadmill for an hour.

wide grip bench press paused - 2x8 @ 45, 1x8 @ 65 and 2x5 @ 80
preacher curl - 1x6 with the bar then 2x8 with bar + 20
tricep pushdown with rope - 3x10 @ 70
overhead tricep extension with rope - 2x10 @ 40
treadmill - 60 minutes at 5 incline and 3 speed then about 10 minute cool down

Making slow progress. Still have like 15 stories to review, newsletter due and studying but made a little progress today.

Tomorrow will be a different food day. Doing a full day of eating for my youtube channel. Will still stick within my calorie range but will be a little more "processed" than normal. Have a cup of cap'm crunch for breakfast, bagel bites for lunch and a lunchable for dinner. Ah childhood. hehe Gonna have fun even while on a cut.

[lowroller21212]

Had me at cap'n crunch. I haven't had a box of it around in a long time.

Gym session looks solid, even though there were setbacks around that time. I have no idea how to make kombucha at home, I might venture out to that, it seems like a process to make it.

[tcantore]

I had my first WLS serving today with a little kombucha. I can't drink much of it, so don't get many calories but do enjoy the fruit flavored ones. My sister now makes her own plain kombucha. Hasn't figured out flavoring yet.

I love kombucha!! Do you know how she makes it? I wanted to start making it myself. Is there a lot of calories in the one she makes?