Comp Prep
Just an update on what I have been experiencing the last few weeks with training. Overall…my strength and energy are holding up pretty well. I have had a few ups and downs. The good news is that I stopped weighing myself all the time. I am happy to report that my fat is going away little by little and the scale does not go down. So anyone frustrated with lack of actual pounds lost …shown by the scale can have a little reassurance that it is not the most important factor. It is most important to keep going! Keep trying everyday and give 110% effort.
My diet has been great. I have had a few minor adjustments to my macros, but I am still eating carbs at night 
Getting the work done and challenging myself seems to be helping fight the fat war more than anything. As long as my food is clean, I seem to be headed in the right direction. My goal is to not rebound because of playing with diet too much…we shall see how that goes, I still have over a week left. I also know from reading Layne’s precontest prep thread in the forum that water depletion is not something to count on either. The bottom line is…to come in ready..look lean but healthy. I won’t use diuretics at all.
I have been using my life experiences to help me get through this a little easier. It has taken me alot of thinking and note keeping. For example…I know my weak points, but I will focus on what I do have. Many years ago in dance competiton, the judges would give verbal recorded feedback tapes on performance. Granted it is comparing apples to oranges…I was not that successful with many of those comps. I was a nervous wreck most times, but I for whatever reason would get feedback like.."superior leg development" ..or "nice flow from one move to another." So I am utilizing this info and putting it towards this comp for confidence. Also, I have boxes of trophies from beauty pageants…don’t do me much good now. But I learned how to walk on stage and I was good at capturing the judges attention back then. I also remember how I did it. Other things would be trying to remember what I have done in the past to maintain weight or drop fat. When I worked retail restocking shelves..I would race up and down a 16ft ladder carrying heavy boxes and would change my shape quickly. So I have been incorporating sprints up and down my stairs here at home carrying a weight plate. For nutrition…I thought about the one pregnancy that I gained minimal weight compared to the rest. Guess what my snack of choice was (for craving’s sake)…it was Cheerios. Guess what I am using as a carb staple right now?
It’s just little things I am doing to help myself be the best I can be. I am not the best out there, not even close….but I do have a secret weapon that you cannot buy or work on in the gym. My smile
April 21, 2009 at 1:12 pm
That smile is definately a winner. I’m constantly changing things simply because it keeps my body guessing. And the more my body gets thrown for a loop the harder it works. Like sprinting yesterday….that was something totally out of the norm for my body. I can already feel the difference in my qauds and hammys because of it.
April 21, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Great post Amy! I love that you list things that you have learned from your past that work for you!
Maybe I should try the Cheerios for carb cravings! I haven’t had them for years. But I remember that I was always the odd one because I loved eating them plain (no sugar or honey on them).
April 21, 2009 at 1:36 pm
As long as you’re happy doing what you’re doing, that’s really what matters.
Wow, you’re so close to the competition now! I’m excited for you!
April 21, 2009 at 2:15 pm
You definately look fabulous and have earned every inch of it. You are motivating & inspiring, and I can’t wait to see how you’ve done in your contest. I love keeping up w/all of you on here, it keeps me moving on the days when I don’t necessarily feel like making that 2 hour trip from work, to daycare, to gym.
Thanks to you and thanks to all BB.com for the much needed motivation & inspiration!!
April 21, 2009 at 4:11 pm
good luck at the comp. and use your secret weapon often
April 21, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I like your attitude Amy…your going to do great at the competition!!!
Cheers, Bryan XX
April 22, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Youa re going to do great! I love your drive, dedication, and logical thinking. You are someone I look up to!
April 22, 2009 at 8:31 pm
You’re doing everything right. Hopefully you are enjoying your journey. Good luck, maintaining your focus all the way to the contest.
April 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm
oh man cheerios… that was always what i used for my sweet tooth too and it worked and i LOVED them… but i found out a couple years ago that i have a problem with gluten/wheat so i can’t eat them at all anymore or i get really sick.
every since then i can’t figure out what to eat instead of cheerios for my sweet tooth! just when ya get one thing figured out life throws a curve ball at you for something new to figure out right!
April 24, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Amy, does any of your family members exercise and eat right on a regular basis? If they don’t, how do you keep the motivation to do that? I’m part of a foster family where obesity is a huge problem, my real family not so much. What would be suggestions to keep myself on track with my members of my family doing the opposite?
April 25, 2009 at 6:42 pm
GREAT Post girl can’t wait to see how it went. I"m sure you ROCKED them!!!! and yes a smile is always the best thing and captures everyone’s attention.
April 27, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Very cool Amy, its cool to learn how each ones body reacts to different diets and workouts. I know you are gonna do great for your upcoming comps. You have really come a long way in just a short time!
April 28, 2009 at 12:32 pm
You are going to do great on stage and you are right, you have one of the prettiest smiles I have ever seen.
And I have always said, a smile is worth a thousand words.