So... I leave tomorrow for Phoenix! OMG! It's here!!!
This whole prep has been amazing!
I definitely had my ups and downs... Mainly with thinking I wasn't going to be ready.
But all I can do is my very best! And that's exactly what I did! I followed the plan to the T!
No matter the outcome... I know I gave it 100%.
And the cool thing is... I have another show 4 weeks after. So I have more time to improve! Woot Woot!
I have literally never felt this way during a diet.
I'm so used to suffering... But I'm a few days out.. And I still don't feel like I'm suffering.
I feel great! I am looking my all time best! And I'm about 6 pounds heavier than I was when I earned my pro card.
I was comparing pictures... I have definitely made some good gains! Especially in my legs. And my back.
I also made some serious vein gains! LOL. I have never really been vascular; and I just accepted that.
But this prep.. Man oh man! The veins came out to play! I think it is the coolest thing!
I was thinking today.. I went about this prep so different compared to my past preps.
1. I did macros vs meal plan.
So much better! I was able to eat what I want (obviously healthy and good quality food, NOT POPTARTS).
2. I took care of my digestion.
I have always had trouble with digestion. I was gassy and not regular, which sucks for me and people around me. LOL. I finally found a great combo of supps that do the trick for me!
-2 tsps of Metamucil + 1/2 tsp of Calm (I take before bed)
-2 tabs of Magnesium Glycinate (before bed)
-1 cup of coffee each morning :)
3. I made sure to get enough sleep + better quality.
I say better quality because I still have some nights that I don't sleep the best. Something that has helped a ton, is a regular wake/sleep schedule. I wake up at 3:40am EVERY morning. And I go to sleep around 10pm. I also have my phone and tv set to dim at a certain time.
4. I had a refeed + a cheat meal once a week!
This was quite amazing.. & very different! But I think it helped a ton!!! See my Refeed Blog.
5. I trained HEAVY!
I got really into power lifting during my off season... And I am doing another meet after my two shows. So obviously.. I still have to train for it. Plus, the way you train to put on your muscle mass, should be the same way you train to maintain you muscle mass. In my past preps I have lost a ton of muscle and strength... And I DIDN'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN! I worked so hard the past two years. Also, I was determined to keep getting strong while leaning out. I set my mind to... & DID IT! It is possible! :)
6. My mindset/mentality was different.
I was stronger, more positive towards myself, happier, and viewed this prep as a small piece of the big picture of my goals! Big thanks to Tony! I also didn't crave food! Or make lists of all the food I wanted to eat. That is not part of my big picture!!!
7. I made sure to also ask my coach questions.
Me being a coach/trainer myself... I need to continue to learn and grow within the industry. So I made sure to let my coach know that I was going to ask why he was doing certain things.. & asking other questions that I was interested in. Justin did such an amazing job answering everything in detail!!!
8. I didn't post a ton of half naked pictures.
I took pictures and videos every morning... But they were for me and my coach. I will showcase my hard work on stage!
9. I posed every morning at 8-10 weeks out..
I can't remember the exact week. I posed in my old suit and my heals. I ran through the mandatory poses and my routine. I wanted to get it all down packed!
10. I kept my NEAT up!
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis :)
In my past preps, when I got tired... I would be so lazy! I literally slept all the time the last few weeks. This time... I didn't do that. Yes, I took naps here and there... But for the most part... I stayed busy and moved around quite a bit. Tony would also have me get up and go on a walk with him every once in a while. He's the best!
That's it... At least all I can think of at the moment.
