capricorn

Thanks for the tip!!

Thanks Rabbit. Yeah I'm trying out some different proteins now - I think I just need to mix it up a bit. BTW I got 3rd in my division. Woohoo!

Hello All! I competed in my first bikini competition a week ago. I've only been vegan since Jan. 1, and I was excited to be one of the few, and I think the only vegan competitor at this particular event. I placed 3rd (hooray!) But I want to move forward differently. The day of the show (I felt) I did not step on stage looking my best. I looked better a week before and the days that followed. It has taken me a week to physically get over competing. I would really like to hear what other competitors do for training, water and food the 2 weeks and particularly the week before competition. Water or no water the days before and day of show? Carb depleting followed by massive sugar? Intense workouts with no carbs in your body? Water pills? etc.,etc. Since I am new to this I am pretty confused and uneducated. I have two coaches and they led the way this last time, but I feel I need to deviate from their plan for better results. They have never worked with a vegan, but they are totally supportive. I just feel there must be a better way. Or maybe competing just isn't for me. Thoughts?

I posted this as and update to my introduction, but I thought I would post here also. Hello Again! So this is the final week before my first NPC bikini competition. I'm so fortunate that my coaches have not tried to change my vegan lifestyle. They are super supportive. This is new for them so they are seeing it as a learning experience also. Since this was my first competition I went by their guidelines and just tried my hardest to keep my macros right...I am soy and gluten free so it has been a bit of a challenge. In this last week I am currently on no carbs, but will incorporate a small amount tomorrow and up until the show on Sat. In general I feel pretty good, but I have I have 0 energy and massive brain fog which is expected I guess. Over all I think my physique in on target, but I know I need build out hamstrings a little more for my next competition. I am doing my homework now for future competitions. I cut out fruits weeks ago and I am eating basically broccoli, asparagus, romaine and beyond beef, and plant fusion protein...but the sodium in that as well as my plant protein shakes is really making it tough. I don't normally eat a lot of sodium. If anyone has experience or thoughts here it would be helpful. I have read that some people eat fruit all the way up to show time...my coaches don't subscribe to that, but I am willing to push my boundaries. I have seen several vegan competitors post their diet plan, but it is for 12 weeks out, not for 1-2 weeks out. Just curious what others are doing and finding success long term and at crunch time.

Hello Again! So this is the final week before my first NPC bikini competition. I'm so fortunate that my coaches have not tried to change my vegan lifestyle. They are super supportive. This is new for them so they are seeing it as a learning experience also. Since this was my first competition I went by their guidelines and just tried my hardest to keep my macros right...I am soy and gluten free so it has been a bit of a challenge. In this last week I am currently on no carbs, but will incorporate a small amount tomorrow and up until the show on Sat. In general I feel pretty good, but I have I have 0 energy and massive brain fog which is expected I guess. Over all I think my physique in on target, but I know I need build out hamstrings a little more for my next competition. I am doing my homework now for future competitions. I cut out fruits weeks ago and I am eating basically broccoli, asparagus, romaine and beyond beef, and plant fusion protein...but the sodium in that as well as my plant protein shakes is really making it tough. I don't normally eat a lot of sodium. If anyone has experience or thoughts here it would be helpful. I have read that some people eat fruit all the way up to show time...my coaches don't subscribe to that, but I am willing to push my boundaries. I have seen several vegan competitors post thier diet plan, but it is for 12 weeks out, not for 1-2 weeks out. Just curious what others are doing and finding success. Thanks!!

I am a new vegan. I was Pescatarian for 8 years. For years I was reluctant to make the vegan lifestyle change simply because I wasn't sure that I could get the nutrients that I needed to continue to make gains in training. Of course once I did switch my body felt better very quickly and I have been rewarded with faster recovery times, great gains and no nagging conscience over the food I am consuming. I stopped eating fish this last November and finally gave up eggs by the end of 2013. I have been totally vegan since January, and started training for my first bikini competition in February. The vegan part was easy, but getting the food right for the May competition has been a challenge, but I'm getting through it. I look forward to learning from you all.