My Journey To My First Figure Competition, 1 Week Out!

Stats: 130.9 lbs; 9.16% Body Fat; Last week: 131.7  lbs; 9.20% Body Fat

Calorie intake: 1650-1800; With a macro split of 112C; 183P; 52F; I aim to keep protein at 1.4 g/lb of body weight, fats at .4 g/lb of body weight and the balance in carbs.   On days where I upped the calories, I added more protein and fat and kept the carbs the same.  Towards the end of last week I started raising the carbs in prep for Peak Week and then they will drop on a schedule each day.

Cardio: 3 Bike HIITs this week

Lifting: All body parts with high reps of 50/30/20 sets

Rest Day: Sunday; I had all my kids home all last week on Spring Break and was able to stay on plan AND go have fun with them each day!

 

Picture Update:

A little change of suits and not revealing the Contest suit until show day!  Overall I really brought my glutes up and am happy with my arms and core as well.

Just a reminder of where I started in October 2009….225 just after having baby #4!  Old habits, old me, but still part of the journey!

 

 

My goals for my building season are to grow the shoulders.  To me that’s one of my weaker areas, but overall I’m very happy with the progress of my first prep…..Mission accomplished!

 

 

 

I get asked all the time if I’m ready to “eat normally” again after my shows this season and to me my lifestyle now is my new normal!  I’ve learned over the last three years of my journey what foods fuel me to feel and look the way I want to and those are the foods I’ve been eating and will keep eating ongoing (some pictured in the left corner above).  I’ve learned how to eat for the body and mindset that I most desire and I’m a product of my choices.  We all are, really, because as Dr. Phil says, “Your body is an adaptation to your lifestyle.”  In my building season (notice I don’t say “off season”), I’ll increase my calorie load of the same types of foods so I can build more muscle.  I’ll also allow myself planned cheat meals and treats, but overall this is my lifestyle.  THIS is my normal and my body is smiling on that choice!

 

Today in Indy we enjoyed time after church at a nice restaurant near us that overlooks the lake.  I love training and talking fitness, but I love my family time more.  They are my joy and these are the people God gave me to nurture for years to come.  Good health, happy kids, hardworking husband and living in purpose to educate those around me on wellness…..I feel so blessed right now!

 

…..and as I head into Peak Week, I’ve cleared the to-do list of anything that can wait and I’m keeping the focus on sleep, water and nutrition.  All the building and dieting work is done.  Now it’s time to follow the plan and reap the rewards of my diet and fitness investment.  In the meantime, I’m going to keep my Mommy hat on and do what I’ve been called to do…work my plan, take care of me so I can in turn take care of my blessings!

Thanks for reading my journey to the stage!  I’ll have updates on my show and will make that the grand finale to this series.  I hope and pray you’ve been motivated to go after your own dream, fitness related or otherwise.  Remember, the plan God has for you is often larger than the life you’re living.  I encourage you to keep your ear to His words, get uncomfortable and go for what scares you.  There’s a BIG life out there for you and it means keeping you well inside and out so you can pull off that wonderful plan.  Now, get to work….you’ve got this!

-Mindy