9 Weeks To Go!

Today marks 9 weeks out from the show!

I re-evaluated my workouts last night and made some changes including some interval training days and longer cardio on the days that I do cardio.

My diet now stinks.  I ran out of stevia today and I'm thinking about not getting anymore.  Stevia has been an awesome sugar substitute during this process, but I began using it more and more every day.  I used to only put it in my oats in the morning to give them some flavor.  Then, I found myself adding stevia to my tea, coffee, and shakes.  It reminds me so much of sugar that I am beginning to crave it all the time.  I think I am going to back off the stevia for awhile and try and eat my oatmeal and drink my tea without it.  Besides, I am going to add berries into my oatmeal every morning up until competition.  I know some competitors are afraid of fruits because of the amount of sugar contained in them.  I am limiting myself to my fruit in the morning as the contest gets closer, but I will not cut it out until a few days before the show.  The things competitors should be avoiding are the "sugar free" foods that contain substances like aspartame.  Aspartame has been linked to memory loss, MS, various cancers, birth defects, hormonal problems, epilepsy, and emotional disorders.  Just google it.

Last night I spent a lot of time in prayer.  This last 9 weeks will probably be one of the most difficult mind games I've ever been through.  I just need to remember what is at the end of the road.  I've been training and eating pretty clean for over 3 months.  There is no turning back now.

I'm not the biggest fan of taking progress photos, but I do know that it is extremely helpful in motivating people through the last push of their on-season.  So, here's me at 9 weeks out.  I still have a long way to go and I am getting very nervous.  I know big changes will start happening as I get closer to the competition.  I just need to KEEP. PUSHING. ON.