teresec22’s BodyBlog

Ok so it’s offically been like 6 months since I blogged. I tend to do that in the off season.  Anyway, speaking of off season- I am SO PUMPED I managed to maintain between 120 and 123 this entire season! My off season weight is usually around 130-134 because I tend to "cheat frequently".  But this year I came up with a new plan, and it worked.  I ate clean (as in contest clean) 5 or 6 days a week and took a cheat day once.  Sometimes twice, but usually one bad one.  Usually Sundays.  I looked forward to every Sunday too! Also, it wasn’t that hard to stay on the wagon during the week because I wanted to maintain a lean physique.  So… I’m starting my diet for the Lehigh on SATURDAY and hope to get down lower than ever- probably 103-104 and compete at about 107 after carbing up that morning.  I’m also doing the USBF Liberty State which is usually a week before the NPC Lehigh Valley. 

I’m really excited! Im working with someone new as far as the diet is concerned, doing a lot of carb cycling as opposed to consistently keeping them low. 

I’ll keep everyone posted.

xoxo

Well the first show is in 11 weeks, and 12 weeks until the "harder" one.  I say harder because it’s an NPC, non tested show so the competition is bigger and tougher.

I did something last week I never thought I’d do! Me, being a certified trainer for 3 years, actually HIRED out another trainer to give me a shoulder workout! She’s very reputable around the area and has competed in bodybuilding and figure before and I figured if anyone could help me put shoulder mass on, it’s her.  My boyfriend has naturally and genetically large shoulders so his 3-exercise simple workout wasn’t cutting it for me.  2 years ago I added two more exercises to it and saw results, but not enough.  I can never get the damn side cap.  So I hired out.  BUT it was definitely worth it! I can immediately feel the difference when performing the reps and it burns like a bitch but I love it.  That’s what I paid for!

I almost had a moment of weakness Sat evening in the grocery store.  Grocery shopping is HARD when you’re starving and dieting, lol.  It was after 8 pm, when the worst of the cravings always occur, and I thought to myself, "Maybe I won’t do the show.  I’ve been on the diet all winter and spring, took 8 weeks off, now I’m on again.  I hate feeling starving and I’m sick of it." Unfortunately I took in some carbs (too many, and yes, fat, I admit it) and woke up this morning feeling guilty and I am back on track with the original plan of competing in 11 weeks. Hopefully one cheat meal won’t set me back from my weekly goal (1.5-2 lbs).  Even if I lose one I’ll know why, and I’ll still be happy

Mornings and throughout the day I’m mentally the strongest but in the evenings I always question whether its worth it.  However, from past experiences I know that adrenaline rush when stepping onstage in front of 9 judges, friends, and family.  It is incredible and its definitely worth having the chicken instead of the pizza! Not to mention I just bought a really expensive pair of "in season" jeans, so there has to be an in season, right? haha

I LOVE the Muscle Milk pudding, it tastes exactly the same as regular, but a little thicker.  It contains 20 grams of protein but 6 grams of fat! Anyone that knows me knows I’m anal about fat content, whether its "good fat" or bad fat, so if anyone has any input, feedback is greatly appreciated! Which brings me to another concern… natural pb.  Every bodybuilder I know eats a tablespoon or two a day- some even leave it in up until a week or two before show day.  I know its a good fat, but the thought of 8 grams from one measly tablespoon scares me.  Should I leave it or cut it? I figure if I keep it in, it’ll cut back my cravings for the REAL peanut butter and I won’t cheat and binge on it like the last couple times!

Ok. One more- the last one, I promise.  SALMON. 21 GRAMS OF FAT in a 6 oz. fillet.  I know it contains the Omega 3 fatty acids and a bunch of other important minerals such as iron and phosphorus, but most days of the week on the training diet my whole DAY consists of less than 21 grams of fat! Between a tablespoon of pb, the salmon, and the pudding, I’m already at 35 grams! Help!

Ok, so I’ve decided to do 2 more upcoming shows.  I figured I’d take a break after the Lehigh (which had unbelievable competition btw) and wait until next spring to compete but there are 2 shows back to back Oct 18 and Oct 25. One is USBF (which was my first show) NEPA Natural, and the other is another NPC show in Reading, PA.  I’m 13 weeks out from the NEPA show and 14 from the Mountain Valley.  Although all my previous diets have been 17-19 weeks, I’m going to try to do these in 13.  I’m weighing approx 126 right now and previous "beginning weights" have been about 133.   So I have an advantage.  Anyway I’ll keep everyone posted. xoxo

Well, the last time I posted I believe I was 4 days INTO a long 19 week diet, and now there are only 3 to go.  I haven’t been the best at keeping people updated along the way.

I lost 16 lbs so far (134 to 118) and am hoping to get off about 6-8 more, about 5 of fat and 3 of water.   I didn’t sodium deplete yet (that starts on Sat) so I am still carrying a little water in the lower abs, hips, and back of the legs.  I’m hoping it will drain out after depleting sodium, more carbs, and the 1 1/2 hours of cardio I’m doing!

I took a different approach with the cardio this time.  The last 4-5 weeks, I decided to do it twice a day instead of one long haul.  Some days it works out better than others.  Last time, one long haul was pretty boring and dragged out, I’m not gonna lie.  This time, AM cardio is easier because I’m fresh out of bed, but the cardio later on in the afternoon after my lift SUCKS a lot of times.  I don’t know if it’s because I’m without energy, or just because my body is burned out from doing it earlier.  I don’t mind doing cardio, but I like the adrenaline and endorphine rush.  The "slump" is not fun to push through, especially when you’re running on about 30 carbs a day.

As far as carbs, tomorrow, they totally GO.  I’m at about 25 a day now, with a half packet of oatmeal being my only starch.  All the others come from veggies, shakes, condiments, etc. The oatmeal is going tomorrow, so that will be approx 12-15 less carbs for me which should help me cut weight easily over the next 2.5 weeks.  My muscles will look flat until the Friday before the show when I can carb up again, but that’s the price you pay.  Talk about energy- there won’t be ANY.

This time around seemed to be easier (and go by faster) than last time.  Probably because last time was my first show and I wasn’t mentally prepared for what was in store for me.  This time I was, and the last 16 weeks flew. 

I PROMISE to blog at least once a week to update readers on the carb/sodium progress.

Oh, and I’m STILL craving peanut butter of course! I cut the natural pb out 13-14 weeks out so it’s been a LONG time!

I know it’s been forever since I posted.  Truth is, after the competition I took a break from dieting and keeping up on the blogs and competition articles.  I still worked out regularly (6 times a week weights and 5 days of cardio) but to be honest, I didn’t give a DAMN what I ate.  I tried to keep my protein as high as possible to gain more muscle, but along with that, my carbs, fat, sugars, calories, and cholesterol (haha) was equally as high. I competed at 108 and now I am back up to my normal weight (130).  Granted I have been wearing my "off season jeans" and those shirts that are form-fitting on top but loose in the tummy (girls can relate).  I wanna get back into my size 4’s (which were semi-baggy by the way) and my form fitting torso shirts but probably not for another 2 months.  I started back up on the diet this past weekend, 18 weeks out from my May 10 show in Bethlehem, PA.  Oh, and I should mention I got breast implants which add 1.5 to 2 extra lbs, but that’s hot fat .  I needed them really bad.  I was literally less than an A in my last show and an extremely miniscule B afterwards. Not to mention I’m Italian, so it helps offset the hips and thighs.  The thighs come in handy on show day tho, and my squat is up to 185 for 4 sets of 10.  Not bad for a girl at 5′2.  My goal is to get it up over 200 for at least 6-8 reps before I start carb depleting and losing strength again this spring.  We shall see. 

I took 2 weeks off after the surgery with the exception of walking at 3.5 on the treadmill and doing some stability ball crunches.  Today was my first day back to running and the horrific stairmaster (never-ending escalator to hell).  I would have opted for the elliptical, but they were all taken.  My gym gets crazy during the "after work" time slot.  Even with the employee/trainer status, I still can’t boot someone off

I must admit it sucks to be back on eggwhites, oatmeal, chicken and fish.  And shakes.  I can’t even tell you how many BK drive-thrus I went though this winter.  Everyone thinks fast food is so gross. I friggin LOVE it! Being a trainer and competitor you would think I’d fall into the class who stays away from it all year but no, I confess, I drive through quite frequently.  I also called Domino’s delivery so many times I added them to my speed dial.  I also work at Olive Garden 2-3 nights a week for extra cash so I had plenty of steak alfredo and breadsticks.   I’m a rebel. 

I’m hoping with the new boobs and an extra week of dieting than last time, I will place better.  However, I’m competing for NPC this time which is generally tougher since the show isn’t "tested".  The classes are 14-17 as opposed to 8-10 like last time.  Anyway, that’s the news. I wil try to post more regularly and let everyone know how it’s going. 

WELL I didn’t do as well as I would like to have, but I placed.  I received a 5th place trophy in the women’s figure open and a 4th in the novice.  However, there were only 5.  lol.  Not to sound cocky, but I seriously believe I got ripped off.  I know everyone says that when they don’t do as well as expected, but I had random strangers coming up to me backstage saying that I should’ve placed either 2nd or 3rd.  Therefore, I KNOW it wasn’t just my friends and family being bias.  Anyway, I’m glad I placed in the top 5, but I really wish I could’ve taken 2nd.  Two girls that placed ahead of me were too skinny (skin and bones) and the other was actually flabby! She had DD’s tho, so that probably helped.  The girl who finished first definitely deserved it but I also was beat by this lady who was 47, had a mullet, and her posing routine was horrific! She lacked confidence and poise and she looked like a hunchback.  All of the girls were nice, but the judges ripped me off.  HOWEVER, it WAS a learning experience and now I know for the next competition exactly what to do differently.  I AM glad I got 2 trophies to kind of say it was all worth it.  My stomach is in pain as my abdominal walls have been ripped apart by an excess of carbs, fat, sugar, and sodium.  My protein today (post show) was probably a tenth of my bodyweight (LOL) whereas my carbs and fat are probably triple!! You could say I’m taking a few "cheat days" to put it mildly.  In fact, the pizza guy should be here any minute.  You got it baby, and yesterday, I had an uncountable amount of cookies and brownies.  I deserve it after 4 months of fish and chicken! Haha after this week, the junkfood high will fall and it will wear on me (and my body) and I’ll be back to my high protein, low fat, moderate carb lifestyle.  Until the end of January when I have to start the next competition diet, anyways.  Just wanted to let everyone know how it went and there are pics posted under my pictures category. 

Well, first figure competion is 5 days away! Somewhat nervous, but I’m mainly glad it’s going to be OVER.  I know that sounds terrible but after being on this hellacious diet since 6/16 (and it gets worse and stricter every week) I am looking forward to piles of cookies and trays and trays of pizza! Anyway, focus.  I always let my mind wander to food, lol.  I started the diet at 133 and am now 109.4 (as of this morning).  I switched over to distilled water and the carbs are still at zero.  Well, probably about 15 counting the fibrous carbs from broccoli, green beans, and asparagus.  Since I’ve been "off" carbs for 2 weeks, my muscles look flat and depleted (which they are).  I can’t wait until Thursday and Friday when I can carb up! Not only will my muscles regain their fullness, but I will regain some of my sanity.  I’m cranky as hell toward coworkers, friends, and God help those that I DON’T like! haha.  I’m very tired and sluggish and the gym (usually LOVE it) is now a dreaded obstacle.  Weds. leg day is my last workout.  Speaking of legs, I’m not completely happy with them.  My upper body has come in much leaner, tighter, and even striated in some areas.  My legs are still carrying some fat on the inner thigh and top of the hamstrings.  I know it’s typical, but I feel disproportionate.  Oh well, there’s not too much I can do in 5 days, we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes!

Well, today I am officially 2 weeks out from competition so I began cutting back sodium big time.  I want to get any excess water out and bring it back in gradually the Weds before the show.  It really sucks not being able to use condiments, sauces, or anything "unneccessary" on the chicken or fish.  I was a religious ketchup user (mind you I got the "1 carb, reduced sugar" kind, but still… ) and I love mustard and horseradish for my turkey.  I also used to season my grilled chicken with taco seasoning or Tabasco sauce, but no, not anymore.  Just plain ol’ grilled chicken off the Foreman grill with a green veg.  I find myself sitting in class or behind the desk at the gym just daydreaming about a gigantic pile of fresh, plump, chocolate chip cookies or a whole pizza pie with extra extra cheese and pepperoni.  I know I’m not the only one, but it’s kinda funny when you think about it.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the way I look lean, but the people who stay on a diet such as this 365 days a year are few and far between.  Two more weeks and I can eat whatever I want, and in whatever volume.  Two more weeks and I can reduce my cardio from an hour and  a half back down to 30-45 minutes.  Two weeks from tonight I will be on stage, tanned up, oiled up, and *hopefully* receiving at least a top 5 trophy.  However, if I don’t, I’ll take this as a learning experience and just chill until the next diet that starts at the end of Jan. If I could get thru the last 15 weeks, I could do 2 more.  Wish me luck!

Okay, so I have been on the diet from HELL for the last 14 weeks since June 16. I have a figure competition in 3 weeks. You know the drill: chicken, egg whites, oatmeal, tilapia, greens, and protein shakes.  Cheat days- NEVER.  However, my true weakness of the world is peanut butter.  Love pizza, love ice cream, love sweets, but peanut butter is my ultimate dream.  About 2 weeks ago, my boyfriend (who also competes) brings home 2 jars of Skippy peanut butter! NOT the "all natural" or the reduced fat, but the good ol’, regular, creamy, sugary peanut butter.  I was going to kill him! Not only does he bring it home, but he put in the one cabinet I go in on a regular basis! Now granted, I have good will power (clearly) but as I mentioned, peanut butter is my ultimate weak spot.  I am sad to say that last night, I indulged in about a half of a jar.  GUILT, GUILT, GUILT! I threw the other half of the jar away because I didn’t trust myself.  I am 3 weeks out.  The question is, is this going to screw with me more physically or mentally? I know a good "fat shock" does the body good here and there, but ah! I consumed about 100 grams of fat and about 1,000 calories! I know it won’t set me back, but if I place badly, I’m always going to wonder if it was truly the damn peanut butter.  Haha.  That’s all for today.