Expectations

Oh expectations, how you like to ruin me.  Remember when I said I was going to blog several times per week?  I even did it for a week or two.  I also was all gung-ho on keto.  I did that for a little over a week before tweaking my diet (still clean) to keep me sane.  When signing up for the Phil Heath, I said I wanted to do several shows this season.  As of now, I don't have any shows on the horizon.  At the start of each week, I have lofty aspirations of having an immaculate house by the end of the week...we all know that that has probably NEVER happened.  See a pattern here?  I set these expectations in the disguise of a goal quite often.  I would venture to say I'm not alone in this process.  To what degree you set these "goals" for yourself, I'm not sure.  I know that I shouldn't feel bad when things don't pan out the way I planned, but isn't that human nature?  Maybe it's the control freak in me...

I'm transitioning out of comp-mode with my eating and workouts, still.  I'd brainwashed myself that if I don't do/eat XYZ, then I'm not successful that day.  Lies, they're all lies.  Slowly, I'm changing that mode of thinking.  I've become a big fan of the "if it fits your macros" or as some half-jokingly call it - "if it fits your mouth".  IIFYM or flexible dieting is all about finding that sweet spot of balance.  There's nothing you can't have.  I am a HUGE fan of My Fitness Pal and use their app on my phone all day long.  It's the only way I can make sure I'm staying in my calorie range and percentages.  I've customized it for myself and play around with my percentages based on not only my goals, but how I'm feeling that day.  Am I run down because I stayed up past midnight on Pinterest?  I'll allow myself more carbs that day.  Am I feeling bloated because I ate chips and salsa the other night?  Bye bye carbs.  I typically stay in the range of 30-40% carbs, and split the remainder between protein and fat.  No need to count sugar for me as it all translates back to carbs.  I've also pretty much cut out all my fake sugars.  They weren't being very nice to my body anyway.

Ok, so now that summer is quickly approaching, and for me that means kiddos are out of school...I needed to start planning what my summer routine will look like.  *I had a friend joke about her making a 30/60/90 day plan for her family...but I guess that's kinda what I'm doing, isn't it?!*  In a perfect world, I would be lounging by the pool while the girls played and I wouldn't have to worry about them drowning or the pile of laundry waiting at home.  A girl can dream, right?  Instead, I know they will require me getting in the water with them.  This will be the perfect time to use them as little water weights and do some laps around the pool.  The park will also be a great place to get some plyos and HIIT in.  I'm planning on (without huge expectations put upon myself) doing this 12 minute AMRAP - as many rounds as possible - this evening from Kama Fitness :  

Whatever your goals are, set mini goals along the way.  No one is going to fault you for things not happening on an exact timeline.  Treat each day like a new day.  God willing, you get to wake up each morning and start over.  Maybe you had a kick-ass day the day prior, that doesn't necessarily mean today will be the same...it could be even more amazing or a complete let-down.  Pick your battles with yourself and above all else, just keep going.  Set your intentions and move forward!!  

17 days and counting

17 days.  Yup.  For real.  So close, yet so far away.  Let me rephrase, the comp feels close, my post comp food seems so far away.  I was just told to stop looking at food porn.  I wasn't trying to!  Honestly!!  Last night while I pinned "Chocolate M&M Cake Mix Cookies", I was clearly seeking it out.  Not intentional today while I browsed through my Instagram feed of mostly fit bods and inspirational quotes.  Darn you Stella & Dot and your doughnut cake!  *sigh* I have to remind myself that doughnut cakes will only make me look like a doughnut.  I don't want to be doughy anymore.

My competition prep is nothing extreme in my opinion.  I get a lot of food, my calories aren't crazy low.  The difference is, I've been working out hard and doing cardio 5 days/week.  I was probably MORE tired and run-down feeling before I started this comp.  I was eating crap whatever I wanted 14 weeks ago and rarely working out.  That being said, I don't feel like it's a diet I could sustain.  Trust me, "bulk" season is much more enjoyable.  Cheat meals are fun and even though I'll feel a little "fluffy", I know what my end result is...more muscle!  I'll be looking to my coach for guidance, but I'll be interested in following the theory of "If It Fits Your Macros", commonly hashtagged as #iifym  It's legit.  A lot of my fit friends follow it with great success and never feel deprived.

I'm someone who likes to start packing for something really early.  Like say, 2-3 weeks away...hehe!  My bag is set out and as I think of things that I'll need, I toss it in the bag.  Last time, I had a rolling luggage bag of cookies, candy, and other nonsense crap.  Need I remind you that my last comp was in Dallas...??  Ha!  I learned my lesson.  I literally ate 2 or 3 cookies and one snack size candy bar.  Done.  I told my mom tonight that I may come back 15lbs heavier since we have a whole road trip home.  Whataburger or Sonic, maybe some Taco Bell (yes, I know it's not real meat, but it's delicious).  I'll probably make Shane find our way through West to grab some kolaches at the Czech Stop...what else.  Oh wait, we were talking about packing.  Suit, heels, hair spray, black robe, cute post comp clothes, comfy driving clothes, my new makeup that will work with my ridic comp tan, 3D Fiber Lashes (because I'm beyond obsessed...to be blogged about later), toothbrush.  Done.  Boom.

I'll check y'all later, I have some Pinteresting to do...