Keeping an open mind & Monster Shakes!

Saturday morning came along...  Weigh in day and workout with Shawna.  I had my mind set and was prepared for the gains I was sure I would have made.  I only missed two meals from when I was sick and I know things aren't fitting quite as loosly as they were.  So, I stepped on the scale and I was down 2 lbs!  What???  I wanted to cry.  I was worried they would think that I wasn't sticking to it, but my full belly, gas and bloating said otherwise!  It was a miserable week, as the gas was worse then ever, but I was pushing through.  I had my kids practically coaching me at night with each bite of dinner... "come on Mom...  You can do it!".  One of the nights, I got up from the table and completely spaced out, went into the living room and was half asleep.  As my son was clearing the table to do dishes, he brings me my unfinished dinner and says "Mom, you need to finish this."  So great having my own personal coaches at home too!

Shawna and I got to talking and I am going to keep my options open, when we get closer to the first show.  She said that to get the muscle mass I need/want and to be a viable competitor in NPC, it may take me quite a bit more time.  For now, I am going to eat, train, and plan for figure, but as I get closer to the show and as I lean out, if they think I would have a better chance in bikini, then I will go that route.  I want to do well, so I will trust in whatever Jon and Shawna recommend for me!  My ultimate goal would be figure, but if it takes me a little longer to get there, that's ok.  I want to look like I belong up there!  So, even if my nice little muffin top makes an appearance, I will be ok with that, keep eating and know that the time to get lean will be here before I know it!

Speaking of eating...  As I was grocery shopping on Sunday, I happened to check my email and behold...  a new meal plan was waiting for me!  I was a little nervous in opening it.  What would I find?  If I found my lunch moved up to 3 servings of the soup, I was going to have a panic attack!  I did a quick scan and YES!  NO MORE BEANS!  Jon, my stomach thanks you and my family thanks you.  In the evenings, I was quite an uncontrolled gassy mess!  After further reading, all I could think was 'Holy carbohydrates!'.  Dave's killer bread, oatmeal, bananas, white rice and red potatoes galore!  I can do this!  I decided to check out the calorie range by putting the meal plan in Myfitnesspal and it is around 3,000 to 3,100 calories, depending on the type of meat I select for dinner.  I have some new monster shakes twice a day... over 800 calories each!  Surprisingly, eating this was a lot easier than my previous plan at 2,600 calories, so I think this will be a success!  Let's see if the new monster shakes will help me pack pack on some (good) weight.

My 800 calorie
monster protein shake
x2 per day! 

Training went really well this week.  Even with Lance out of the gym due to his shoulder injury, I really focused on lifting heavy and moving up in weights wherever I could.  My shoulder session with Shawna went really well.  I love how she can push you beyond what you think your limits are.  Sunday, I was back at legs and I managed to pull my groin doing hack squats.  I stopped any movement after I felt the pain and only worked on exercises that didn't aggrevate it.  I think I still finished with a pretty strong workout, because my quads and hamstrings are sore.  Groin is feeling better...  I have been icing it whenever possible. (Note to self:  when icing your groin at work, ensure the ice bag does not leak!  I had quite the attractive wet spot on my pants! LOL)  Today was a rest day and headed back in for chest and arms tomorrow.

I am really trying to keep my spirits high and stay focused.  I am so anxious for this, it is probably annoying to a lot of people, because it is all I talk about!  I feel bad about that, but when you have this much food to wrap your mind around eating and getting in the time in the gym, it is a big focus for me!  If there is one thing that I could stress to women about is the fear of 'bulking' when lifting weights.  Now that I am actually trying to do this, I actually see just how HARD it is!  Don't be afraid to lift and lift heavy, even if you are looking for fat loss!  You have to eat like a beast to really bulk and even then, it is still difficult!

I have been having fun looking a different suits (both figure and bikini) to get some ideas on cuts, rhinestones, colors, etc.  You can check out my Fitness Competition board here:  http://pinterest.com/racebettie/fitness-competition/

Well, I think that is about all for now!  Wish me luck on this new meal plan...  It has been good so far today, but I still have 2 meals to go! :)  At least they are the easier meals!