3 Weeks to Go!

Three weeks from tomorrow is the day that I take the stage in Liberty, MO.  I am really excited and I am enjoying seeing the muscle development I have worked hard for start to show, especially in my back, arms and abs.  I had a slight setback earlier in the week where I was eating more than my allowed carbs.  Now, I am back on track after having an email conversation with my coach, Paul Revelia.  He is very helpful in being quick and to the point when I voiced my concern.  He stated simply, Less than 30 days, stay on track and kill your workout today.  That was all I needed and I haven't looked back since.  I am training hard and staying on track with my diet, when I find myself backing off during my training session or feeling a little tired, I turn the intensity right back on and say "Kill it!" and I get right back into fat-burning mode.  This is not the time to sabotage my diet or training, these last few weeks are critical and I have got to make the most of my time and really get the last bit of fat off my body, especially in my hips and butt.  So I have been taking my BCAAs more often when I need them to keep the cravings low, I have discontinued watching the Food Network and reviewing recipes on Pinterest.  I am curious to see what my coach will allow me to eat post-contest.  There is an after-party at a pizza place for the competitors post-show, but I have read of competitors gaining 10-15 lbs in days after the show and I just don't want to wreck my body, so I will keep Paul on as my nutritional guru for several weeks after the show to avoid the post-show bingeing/weight gain that is so common.  I would like to be no more than 10 lbs from contest condition in the off season, that would be ideal. 

Once I got back on track with my eating (I went off track for 2 days and nothing too crazy, but enough to know that I needed to address it and refocus) my faith and reliance in God has been stronger.  I am choosing to listen to more of my Christian rock to power me through my workouts, I am looking to God when I am hungry and asking for His strength because food is a weakness for me and this journey I am on is helping me to look at it in a balanced light of fuel for my workouts as well as pleasure upon the completion of my hard work.  I am taking a healthy meal and really enjoying its flavor and texture and how my body utilizes it.

My latest lunch that I am enjoying is curried turkey meatballs with fresh spinach on a mini pita bread with a small amount of dilled sour cream, it is heavenly.  It is not a lot of food but it is very satisfying.

Well, I just wanted to update my progress in this journey.  I am enjoying the ride while it lasts!