jcorbett’s BodyBlog

The last day has to be the hardest, when you cut your water intake. It’s bad enough to have a fish residue on your tongue all day, but no water to wash it down…. I woke up hungry and ate chicken breast with a little sweet potato @ 6:30 a.m. with a gulp or two of water. I felt woozy most of the morning. I ended the water fast at approximately 11 a.m. and treated myself to a cup of espresso and a bowl of oatmeal (yummy). I still feel dehydrated so I’m drinking a lot of water.

If I actually compete, my carb depletion will not include almonds. I may keep oatmeal in the diet just for the fiber–important to consume enough fiber to prevent backup. I think I did quite well for my first carb depletion. I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to do this on a regular basis. God bless those of you who do this three or more times a year–much respect.

I took my first dose of MuscleTech Hydrazide along with the Hydroxycut Hardcore today. I think I drank about a gallon of water before noon. I carb loaded this weekend and this is the first true carb depletion day. Fish & string beans all day long. My kingdom for a little piece of fruit (LOL). I don’t know how folks do this more than once a year.

My trainer noticed some changes in my skin today, probably from yesterday’s carbs–my face is fuller and not dry. I am amazed by the fact that the body can transform in a few days. I’m looking forward to Thurs. when I end this madness.

I’m ending my transformation early because I have to go to Ohio again to check on my elderly parents. I decided that I didn’t want to risk any potential hazards to my progress. There are always nutritional and training challenges when I travel.  

This week I’m doing cardio four days and weight training, two days. 

I hope the carb depletion will unveil my ab–four pack, and show off my quads.

I’m feeling a bit delirious–probably from the low carb intake so I’m going to drink more water and go to bed.

I started the Hydroxycut Hardcore today. No shakes, no burning sensation, and no dizziness. It was great. I just hate the fact that I can’t have caffinated coffee. I brewed some decaf–it’s just not the same. My partner, on the other hand, took 3 Hardcore and read the directions after the fact (ha, ha). He felt nauseated. He had been using the Lipo and just thought he could use the Hydroxycut in the same manner. As we discovered–follow the recommended introductory usage. I will stack the Hardcore with the Hydrazide in a few days.

Training has been going as planned for the past couple of days. My diet is on point with the exception of having a turkey burger tonight instead of tilapia. Not up to 2 gallons of water a day, yet, but getting there. I seem to lose track after the 8th 16 oz glass or 20 oz glass of water.  My bladder is getting a good workout (LOL).

Well yesterday my carb/protein ratio was off. Today I started breakfast with tuna (it was disgusting and my stomach was not happy until noon). I had it with egg whites and it was too much food. I didn’t want my 10 a.m. snack, but had a protein drink and had my snack for lunch. It’s tilapia and asparagus for dinner. I should meet my carb depletion goal today.

I was able to get in a little cardio with my children yesterday. Today I trained this morning and did light cardio this morning and intermediate cardio this afternoon.

I’ve had about 1 gallon of water and will try to get another 1/2 gallon down before bed.

Hopefully my shipment of MuscleTech Hydroxycut Hardcore,  MuscleTech Hydrazide will arrive tomorrow and I will begin taking the Hydroxycut Hardcore on Thurs.

I entered the contest the beginning of April. I used Hydroxycut for fat loss and Creatine 6000 for strength, endurance and increased muscle mass. I have made substantial progress and will treat the end as if I am preparing for a bb competition. Therefore, this week I will begin experimenting with carb depletion. I plan to reduce my carb intake by 10% and increase protein by 5%. Carbs will be fibrous veggies. Protein will come from tuna, tilapia & almonds. Today I had a broccoli & mushroom egg whites omlette–it was pretty good. No more yogurt for me:(. I bought some grapefruit for a.m. consumption, but will keep fruit intake low this week.

I also want to begin drinking 2 gallons of water daily. I tried yesterday but was only able to down about 1.5 gallons.

Training will be the same–two days weight training & 5 days cardio.  May add a.m. & p.m. sessions, but my children are out of school early this week so it may not happen.

I got serious about fitness seven months ago as an attempt to manage my anger. At the time it was the best defensive response to a break-up. Since then the physical results and improved health are motivating factors.

I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. I feel great and I haven’t had this much attention in quite a few years. At the beach yesterday, a young man, probably early 20’s, approached me and told me that I was beautiful–what a nice compliment. I’ve been spending more time on my clothing selection. This is a return to the before motherhood "diva" me. But something more significant has occurred. I’m not wheezing this season, my blood pressure and cholesterol are normal. I used to spend approximately $130 monthly (copay) on medication, now I use the money to pay my trainer.

Additionally, my mindset has changed. When I started this fitness journey I had a specific goal that I wanted to achieve (lose 13 lbs & back flab), then I thought that I would just "maintain". Boy, I’ve come a long ways. I’ve learned about clean eating and have embraced a healthier lifestyle. It’s no longer a chore to think about what I can and cannot eat. I plan in advance, set nutritional goals, adjust when necessary and have decided that I will not eat certain foods. It’s not a big deal anymore.

I also do not use my children as an excuse for an unhealthy lifestyle. I plan my workouts and eating around their schedule and sanctify that time for self care.

I’ve successfully modified my figure, but more importantly my attitidude about living a healthy lifestyle.

I decided that I wanted to use the Hydroxycut w/o caffeine again to see if the abductor fat could be reduced. I began taking the fat burner last Tue. I don’t want my weight to drop below 140lbs, but it may have to do so for the best presentation possibility.

I have been able to work out 3 days a week (usual is 2 days) for the last two weeks, but have noticed a pain in my heel, which is not a pleasant feeling when I am walking. I probably strained something while using the stair climber. Anyway until the contest is over I will have to live with the discomfort. I’ve tried using ice and taking Motrin, but guess I need to be more consistent. I plan to increase my workouts to 4/5 days, but may us outdoor bike riding as my cardio.

Last week my diet was compromised b/c I was at a Disney Resort for a conference. What a nightmare for those who try to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle. I was under calorie the first two days and generally speaking was unable to meet my daily protein goal, but stayed within the clean eating parameters.

I was able to work out at the resort, the gym was a joke, but I’m flexible and worked with what they had. It was interesting to see that most of the folks who used the facility were not in shape (not mad at them for trying), but at a glance, they seemed to be clueless about equipment usage and didn’t appear to be gym regulars. It was nice to be stared at–I guess they were observing my fit physique (ha, ha).

I had an opportunity to premier my bikinis. Disney resort pools & man made beaches are a far cry from the ocean front and there were many body types sporting bikinis. I thought I’d feel a little self conscious, but didn’t. Even though my thighs are still a work in progress (my personal achilles tendon) it felt good to strut my improved physique.

During this contest period I have had a number of challenges, mom’s stroke, knee injury, now heel injury, and travel, but have made some strides towards my overall goal of toning my thigh and abdominal region. My abs are flat and beginning to show a little muscle. My thighs are trimmer and more muscular, but they also seem to be taking a lot longer to whip into shape. Additionally, I have some loose skin that needs some elasticity–guess the skill will tighten eventually. In my case it’s probably a good thing that my thighs are a little out of order b/c it keeps me humble. Afterall I don’t become overly egotistic.

I’ll post progress photos within the next two days. I’m still tired from the trip and would like to be at my best.