Post Op. Contest

The past few days have been a challenge on trying not to fall off the diet. The lower carbs/fat is taking the toll mentally and physically.

Today:

Breakfast 10 egg whites 2/3 cup oatmeal
mid day – 6 oz chicken/ 1 cup broccoli
Lunch 12 egg whites 1 cup broccoli

Afternoon
6 oz chicken 1 cup broccoli
8 egg whites

Dinner 5 oz tuna / 1 cup broccoli
Before bed 5 oz tuna / 2 eggs with yolks

The challenge this creates is additional stress on the immune system and fatigue. Currently, a nasty 24 hour bug is running through my house. Both boys got a piece, and now Erin. The bug has flu like symptoms, but appears to be a short-lived sickness. The hope is that I can avoid this and continue with the dieting and training. I’m currently loading with vitamins and making sure to avoid any baby drool that may transmit the bug. Otherwise, the training today went very well and I began working out abs every day until the contest.

Most complications from family arise when they don’t understand what you’re trying to accomplish. The sport of bodybuilding itself is on the fringes on main stream culture and is often viewed as selfish and odd. I find that couples who knew about the others involvement prior to getting together are more likely to find support in the other spouse. Those who get into the sport after meeting/marriage etc… have more difficulties, due to the strict and sometimes selfish nature of the sport. I’m fortunate to have an understanding wife, who knew about my particpation before we got together. She also likes the outcome and not being the typical "late 20’s male with a beer gut".

For those that are getting into the sport, it’s important to communicate what’s at stake and sacrifices that may be made. Dieting, training and contest prep can place a lot of stress on a relationship.

A common thread I’ve seen is not having enough time to workout, due to other obligations. I’ve always found that as an excuse for not going to the gym. I find this excuse as the lazy way out of training and achieving your goals. Everyone has a busy schedule, some are more then others.

I work 40+ hours a week and manage a staff of ten, have a awesome wife with two incredible boys (2 years and 6 months), go to school part-time (Econ degree in the fall). I don’t make the excuse of not having enough time to do the one outside activity that allows me to compete and stay healthy. Proper time management and an understanding family are the key.

I’m sure there are others our there who have the same issues with the slackers who use work and family as an excuse, I’m just ranting from a post I read earlier in the day.