3 Weeks Out

I am now 3 weeks out. Well, technically a little under. When I first started cutting down a few months ago, my goal was to get down to 11% body fat. The way things are at this point, I realize that I won’t be able to reach that goal. I found myself so fixated on that number. But at the end of the day it’s how I look on stage that matters. The judges don’t know what percent I am. Making sure I look conditioned, my muscles are nice and full and I hit my poses right is going to go a long way. I stressed myself out trying to hit that 11% mark. But I’ll probably come in closer to 14%. As of my last assessment this past weekend, my body fat is around 16%, and I weigh 119 lbs.  

There are a few factors that got in the way of hitting my goal number. When I first started cutting down my mom got sick. So as much as I tried to be on top of my eating, circumstances led me to veer off of my diet. Then there’s stress. Aside from all the health issues associated with it, stress certainly does not help when trying to lose body fat. When you’re stressed, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol which is linked to the storage of body fat, especially abdominal fat. I have been more stressed in these last few months that I have in years. That didn’t help my cause. The other set back was all those extra carbs I was taking in that I didn’t account for. It’s when I lowered my carb intake and really tried to keep my stress in check, that I started dropping down. My body should change quite a bit these next 3 weeks. My carbs are super low right now. I’m taking in only 46g per day. It’s tough. I’m enduring the lack of energy, hunger and suffering that all competitors experience. Something I didn’t go through last year. As tough as it is, I remain focused and driven. And although my body fat will be higher than it was at my last show, I have a bit more muscle giving me a different body.  I went to get fitted for a new suit over the weekend which got me even more excited. It’ll be ready the week before my show. I can’t wait to see the new me in my new suit on that stage!

No matter what happens on June 25^th, I’ll be happy. Despite all the circumstances, I think I’m still in a good place and think I’ll do well. Whatever the outcome may be, I’ve got a great head start for the next show in September. And as an added bonus, I got my body beach ready just in time for summer!