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Appetites and Adventures

My Figure Delay + WIAW

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Knowing when to hold off is important.

 

But I really hate it. 

Yesterday I did a leg session with my trainer (I am walking like a granny today).  I was going to do my next figure competition in March, just 4 weeks from now.  We talked about my progress and decided to delay .

This is why:

Back progress

 

My upper body has filled out a lot.  Shoulders are wider, back more developed… he actually said my upper body is competition-ready now.  BUT do you see my butt?  It’s not catching up.  Why, oh why doesn’t chocolate cake go straight to my butt and legs?

So we made the call to hold off until May to give me more time to grow so that I can present better in a couple more months.  We’ll be going super heavy, making some TBD diet changes, and focusing more on my rear.  The diets changes I had made (mostly more fat) have been good, but the gains haven’t been quite to the point we need.

I’m disappointed.  My bum bums me out… but I know my trainer is right.  🙁

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In happier news, I finally have a WIAW post where I got to eat at home!  I don’t really mind being on the road, but not eating out of a baggie is a welcome change.

WIAWbutton

Check out my 7 home-cooked meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how others dined this week!

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Meal 1:

I’m still loving my morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos).

30 mins later I made my new favorite breakfast: toasted Ezekial English muffin with some warmed no-salt deli turkey, nutritional yeast sauce, and a runny egg.  I ate it with a side of sweet lime.  Sweet lime = Strange But Good.

Yolk porn

Savory Nooch Sauce

  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Cumin
  • Cayenne
  • Liquid smoke
  • Pinch of xanthan gum (to thicken)

 

Meal 2:

I really love having salmon with fruit for meal 2.  Today I ate it with my sweet lime, raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds), basil, and a little cayenne.  Sweet lime really is amazing – like a mild orange.

Salmon and sweet lime salad

 

Meal 3:

Lunch was post-workout, so it was a Carrot Cake Whey creation.  This is one of my go-tos. I love carrots.

Carrot Cake Whey

Carrot Cake Whey

  • 1 scoop vanilla whey protein
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 C greek yogurt
  • 1/4 C raw oatmeal
  • Enough water to mix

 

Then I decided I deserved a little treat – kombucha!  I drank it in the car with the moon roof open.  I’m loving being home where it’s 60 degrees and sunny by lunch!  I re-set my HRM post-workout to catch the leg day after-burn.  125 cals in the hour following my workout!

Leg day afterburn

 

Meal 4:

After talking to my trainer, we are going to be looking at keeping the fats high.  This way I can shovel in more calories without being too stuffed to want to eat (which is what happened when we tried to drastically increase carbs).  This is the fun part!  I made bison burgers… cooked with bacon.

Bison and bacon

 

The bottle in the background is Robbie’s sugar-free, low-sodium BBQ sauce I found at Whole Foods.  I’d made my own before my first competition, but when I saw this I had to try it.  I like mine better, but this wasn’t bad!

Eaten with cucumber slices and some unpictured hummus

Bison burger and cucumbers

Meal 5-7:

That’s not a typo – this was like 3 meals in one.  I had dinner at Lure with local bloggers and friends, Beth and Amy.  I love these girls – we laughed through the entire meal.

When we sat down we were gifted with a giant punch bowl from the owner.  It was some sort of apple cider and rum concoction, and it was absolutely fabulous.  We must be getting old, because we actually couldn’t finish it all.

Lure Atlanta

For my app I ordered brussels.  It’s actually a side item, but it sounded so good.  Roasted brussels with grapes, pumpkin seeds, and lemon aioli.  I loved the flavor together, but the aioli was so rich that I only finished half (it was a HUGE serving!).  There was some (unpictured) sesame bread involved too.

Dinner was a delicious grilled Arctic Char fillet coated in berbere spice served with young carrots and farro verde.  I almost licked my plate… but saved a little room for dessert.  A chocolate and peanut butter mousse cake.  It was so good I forgot to take a pic until we’d eaten all but 2 bites of the slice.  Bad blogger.

***

The protein count for the day: 150.1g.  I think… you never know with restaurant meals.  Either way, I sufficiently refueled after a brutal leg day.

Have you ever had to take a step back to perform even better in the long run?

Do you enjoy traditionally savory foods with a pop of sweet from fruit?  It’s a favorite Strange But Good in my kitchen!

 

Comments

  1. Awe, I’m sorry about the news Laura! I think you look absolutely amazing in my opinion!
    I know it must be disappointing but now you can do even better the next competition set!
    That carrot cake whey sounds super duper intriguing to me, I love anything with carrots, so I’m sure that would be a winner. And I still need to try bison! I’ve heard excellent things about it.

  3. Sorry you have to delay, love bug, but your trainer is right. They always seem to be! 😉 I just trust mine now lol it seems better that way lol.

    Anyways, as alwayyyyys your meals look AMAZING 🙂

    I think it’s great that you’re doing high fat, definitely a great way to get those cals up!

    Love you

  5. Your back looks great! And I’m sure your butt will catch up eventually. I love adding grapefruit to my chickpea salad, so juicy and tart, with a hint of sweetness.

  6. I’m sorry that you have to delay. I’m with you that knowing when to hold off, while important, is HARD!! As others have said, you do look awesome. And I’ve never had sweet limes and I’m super intrigued. I love salmon and don’t think that I’ve had it paired with fruit really? That’s on my list to try!

    • Christine, thank you so much. It is hard. Bah.

      Salmon is SO good with fruit – especially citrus!

  12. Oh bummer! I would have never known that your butt is not ready… looks great from here! 🙂 That’s awesome that you caught the afterburn… I need to pull out my hrm again. So many fun facts from one little watch!

  13. i still think your ass is smokin! But(t) …. i have been there. My bum is now plump(er). I think stairmill and spinning are key for me. Or walking uphill on treadmill! Hmmm, i know i am not an expert in this field, but just a thought

    • I’ve been doing incline walks every mornig and I take the staris every chance I get. My trainer doesn’t want me doing cardio while trying to gain… but maybe some sprints are in order! Thanks Lindsay!!!

  15. For the record, I think you’re looking incredible! I’m sure the delay will be for the best in the long run though.
    And I almost always need something sweet in my meals, so a little bit of fruit is a favourite way to do it.

  16. Your butt looks good to me! But good for you for recognizing that you should delay the competition.

    How did Lure compare to the Optimist?

  17. Your meals look great! Especially that carrot cake whey shake! I think you look great but I totally understand the frustration. I’m sure holding off will lead to some great things with your next competition though! I have no doubt you will get there 🙂

  19. SuperFit is the same. He will tell us if we are ready or not…and I love that about him 🙂 As much as it sucks that there is a delay, just think of how much better you will be come May!!! I’m working on my butt too…when I gain, it kind of goes everywhere…mostly in my triceps. Odd eh? Ah well 🙂

    Food looks delish as usual Laura xo

    • It’s awesome to have honest people in your life, isn’t it? I totally gain in my upper too! One day I’m going to find the magic pill that make it go to your boobs. 😉

  20. Sorry to hear that you’re gonna have to delay competition. But if it’s worth anything, I think you look great! Your shoulders are killer! And I think you have a great butt (is that appropriate?) haha but at least now you know you’ll have extra time to make it EVEN better and you can be more confident when the time comes. Besides, May is JUST around the corner anyway!

    • Ohhh… sriracha is such a good idea! I haven’t been using it as much lately. That needs to change!

      Thank you, Heather. 🙂

  24. Sorry to hear about the delay 😕 Having to be patient and listen to common sense is always a pain in the butt, eh? I think you already look pretty darn amazing, so just think how much more amazing you’ll look with a few extra months 🙂 No use in pushing to meet a too-soon deadline and not being rewarded the way you should. You’ve been working so hard and deserve to come out on top in that competition!

  25. “My bum bums me out” LOL… that made me laugh! But (butt… lol jk I’m done.) in all seriousness, I am sorry that you have to delay your competition. I know how hard you work, and how dedicated you truly are. But just think about how awesome it will be when you really are 100% ready! You’re going to ROCK it. Props to you for knowing when to delay!

  26. Aw dont worry when you step on stage next time you will killll it! Your back looks unreal!
    Loving the look of all your eats as usual too – I sometimes like savoury + sweet but it depends what the combo is and what sort of mood im in.

  27. Meal #2 sounds amazing! I need to come visit again for the food (and food inspiration) alone ;D Giiiiirl, your back is looking fabulous! But yeah, good to step back when you need to (especially since you already got that “first competition” out of the way–Now it’s time for you to rock that stage!). I’ll keep stalking your progress/competition prep as always 😉

    • This whole thread has made me literally laugh out loud with all the punny comments. 😉 Thank you, Tina! Your support means a lot.

  32. The reason I started cooking dinners for my family as a tween was out of a desire to never have to eat my mum’s lamb and prune casserole again.

    however, I’ve since come to appreciate some sweet with meat.

    But not that casserole.

    Sorry mum.

  33. So you know I love roasted grapes, but I’ve never thought about roasting them with Brussels. Interestingly enough, I have both in my fridge and/or freezer RIGHT NOW….

    I may have hit upon my Strange But Good creation for this week. 🙂

    [Of course, I will probably forget about this until Thursday night when I realize I don’t have a post ready.]

    • It’s really good with farro too. And goat cheese. My favorite lunch spot does that on the regular!

      Will you just come make me your SBG? It always looks so good. And strange. 😉

  34. Your back looks amazing woman! And I can totally relate to having no bum as well as delaying goals. Although I am still looking to October as my competition, I am prepared to take an entire year to work on building if need be.

    I have yet to try bison burgers but those do look mighty enticing! As do all your meals…I hate looking at your posts when I just finished eating because then I’m like “Damn I wanna eat THAT now.” Ha!

    Keep your chin-up (see what I did there?…like the picture? ahhh nevermind) and your next show will be here before you know it!

    • I was actually worred my trainer would make me take a year. Glad it’s just a couple more months! I’m so impatient…

      Thank you so much for the kind words… and that totally made me laugh. 😉

  35. You’re making incredible progress! Trust me, I hear you on getting specific muscle groups to pop. You know I’m working on mine! Speaking of which, remember when I told you I PRd with the leg press, yeah, well my butt is killing me today, which made running close to impossible this morning. I did it, but let’s just say the hangry beast is out today with all this muscle repair!

    I’m sorry you had to postpone, but I’m glad your taking the time to get what you want. You’re really doing great Laura!

    • I am in the same boat – I can barely walk today. Damn hack squats. And the hangry is in full force! We should have coordinated and gone out for a (GF) pasta dinner. 🙂

  36. You are SO CREATIVE with your food & I love it! I am still thinking of new flavor changes for that PB-Choc microwave cake to come – I eat it as part of my mini meal vs. a snack! 🙂

    You really are looking great so take it out to May & show them who is boss! 🙂

    • I am so, so glad you liked the cake! It’s so simple… I think a banana version is in order. 🙂

      Thank you for all of your encouragement and inspiration, Jody!

  41. Up top you look hardcore my friend and don’t worry, that butt (already fabulous!) is definitely getting there 😀

    Cheers
    CCU

  43. sorry again about your delay in competition! but just think how much better and stronger you will be for when it comes!!! You are going to KILL it 🙂
    HUGS
    xoxo

  46. Aww, sweetie!! I know it’s for the best and I know you’ll be kicking some major ASS (pun intended) in May but I also know that this has got to frustrate you right now! But hey, on the bright side…BACON FOR THE WIN!!! Oh and hey, let me know if you ever find out the secret to the whole chocolate cake to the ass thing…I could use a bit more junk in my trunk too! 😉

    PS, I’ve decided on my next visit…which will HAVE to be before May (I’m SO not waiting that long) that I want to try some of your homebrewed ‘buch…you know, since I’ve recently become RE-addicted to it! lol

    • Hee hee… you’re punny. 😉 Thank you!!! I’m hoping the bacon helps. Eaiting is such a sacrifice… all in the name of growing an ass. Hahaha!

      Pleaseeeeeee come back before May. There’s definitely a bottle of ‘buch in it for you. And – if you time it right – I can send you home with a scoby to brew your own!

  47. Sorry to hear that your “rear” is lagging behind my friend, but that is where it is supposed to be you know. 😉

    Seriously though keep at it and I know you’ve got the desire to get the results you want.

  48. Hi there! I’ve been linked to your blog for several weeks now and you give me so much inspiration! I work out a lot, mostly running and I’m working on incorporating more strength and stretch into my daily routines. Your fabulous meal ideas are a perfect match for me. I’m not as creative as you- I get into food ruts pretty easily, just for that! Ease! So I’m glad I came across your blog. Question: how long is the time between your meals? Thanks, Irene

    • Irene, thank you so much for reading and commenting! I am glad you’ve found the strength training tips useful.

      Since I eat 7x a day, there is only about 2 hours between each meal.

Trackbacks

  1. […] my best efforts, I’m probably not the largest cook around.  But you can trust me.  If you don’t trust […]

  2. […] this post, it has grown a good amount!  Even my mom commented on how it’s looking better. 😉 […]

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