Clean Bulking

Well, it’s been nearly a week of being off the competition diet and I haven’t noticed any changes yet physique or energy-wise. My calorie intake has been averaging about 300 additional daily calories due to an increase in carbs and healthy fats and this seems to be sustainable for my energy needs. My macros are about 42% carb / 32% protein / 26% fat compared to last week’s (peak week) ratios of 36% carb / 41% protein / 23% fat and the week prior’s (general competition prep diet) ratios of 40% carb / 37% protein / 23% fat.   I have to say, I am so happy to be able to indulge in my post-workout Syntrax Mint Cookie whey again! It may cause mild bloat but not enough to bother me; especially when it tastes so heavenly hehehe J

I can also happily say that I’m back to sleeping through the night! The week before a competition is just so stressful mentally that I was constantly waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep because of all the random thoughts running through my head. Not to mention needing to pee 24x7 due to trying to reach my suggested fluid intake of at least a gallon a day. Competing is a full-time job and while I am eager to jump back on the band-wagon and start prepping for my next show, my body is very thanking for a break!

Workouts this week have been great. I’ve cut-back significantly on cardio, doing it only twice this week and for only 20 minute segments. Oddly, despite not having run in a while, my shins have been bothering me again so I’d prefer to save my legs for weight sessions for the time being. Here was the breakdown of this week’s workouts:

Monday: elliptical, back & chest

Tuesday: legs

Wednesday: core

Thursday: stairmaster & shoulders

Friday: bi’s & tri’s

Tomorrow I think I’ll do another cardio session, maybe a run, and then embark on that “madness in the gym” workout I mentioned previously. It’s a long one but since its Saturday I won’t be so pressed for time. Then I’m contemplating using Sunday as an “off day” and may do a yoga class instead of my usual routine. My body is just in need of some serious TLC and I think a little yoga will help to stretch out tight muscles and maybe even help my mind to relax!  I’m wrapping-up the April CSF workouts right now and then I’m going to design my own plan for May. I’m finally done with the CSF program. The more people I meet in the bodybuilding community, the happier I am with my decision to leave. Unless you “drink the CSF water” (or Isagenix to be more precise!), they have no interest in helping you succeed. Additionally, as someone who already has a solid basis of knowledge when it comes to both training and nutrition, they really had nothing to offer me. If ever you are debating trying out this company, please contact me and I will give you the low-down in detail!

Also, doing a little marketing here, don’t forget that FitFierceFun.com is now up and running and now that I have a little more free time I can take on some new clients! I have a few people I’ve developed monthly workout plans for lately but it’s all been for friends/colleagues as I haven’t had any time, energy, or money to spend on marketing. Word-of-mouth is probably the best way to build a good reputation so please share my website with anyone you know who may be interested in starting a new workout plan but who maybe doesn’t know what to do or where to even begin. I seriously love designing workout plans and coming up with exercises specific to what an individual’s goals or needs are makes it even more fun for me!

I’m writing this entry on a tiny little window that I keep switching to when no one is looking as I’m sitting here wasting away at my desk on this beautiful sunny day LOL. It’s Friday and I so don’t want to be here! In a few minutes I’m stepping out to enjoy some sushi lunch with the maXtreme creator to talk business. Mmmm my tummy is growling thinking about it! I’ve allowed myself a few clean treats this week (and one very un-clean treat Wednesday night when my parents took me out for a celebration dinner of Truffled Lobster Mac & a glass of Pinot Grigio) Yummy!!! All-in-all though week one of “clean bulking” is off to a good start and I’m ready to keep rolling!