The 30-Day Experiment: Day 5...Adding Another Twist

So I've gone sugar-free for seven days now. While I had some near misses, it's not as hard as I thought it would be be. But it does take some thoughtfulness and planning.

For example, after pouring syrup on my kids' pancakes, I never think anything of wiping the small drop of syrup that oozes down the bottle with my finger and taking a quick taste. Well, last time I checked maple syrup is 100% sugar.

At work, I throw Splenda into my coffee without even thinking. I've loaded my purse with packets of Stevia in the Raw. Interestingly enough, I notice that I don't get the mild headaches that I used to when I was using Splenda.

When I pack my lunch, I usually throw a can of diet soda into my bag. I've switched to flavored seltzer and drink as much water as I can throughout the day.

Let's up the ante and add another dimension to this experiment. Beginning on Oct. 13, I'm also going to eliminate meat from my diet. How will I get my precious protein?? I'll still be eating fish, eggs, tofu, protein powder, beans and any other non-meat protein sources I can find.

I was contemplating going full vegetarian, but I think that could send me into a sugar frenzy!

To recap, I'll be sugar-free through Nov. 4 (ouch, Halloween is in there!) and meat-free through Nov. 11 (my son's birthday...hope he doesn't pick meat for his birthday meal!)

Want to join me on this journey? Leave a comment and let me know!

I'm Back...Why It Took Me Five Months

Okay, mea culpa...I know I haven't written since May. I never even posted how I finished in my competition! Ugh! Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm pretty sure I've avoided posting because I was less than thrilled with how I placed. In other words, I didn't place. It was incredibly frustrating to train for a competition and know I wasn't delivering the best package I could.

Compared to my two prior shows, I was way too soft to be on stage. That said, it was good practice to go through the dieting down, tanning, posing, etc. Although, it always sucks to eat humble pie. The competition was fierce. The other girls were in amazing shape! But I learned a valuable lesson: compete when you're ready and your trainer tells you you're ready. Do not prep for a date, thinking you're somehow going to miraculously lose 10 pounds in eight weeks.

This was how I learned to train for the past two years. Cut calories + increase cardio = bodyfat in the single digits while simultaneously destroying your metabolism. 

Here you can see the difference over my past shows:

June 2012

April 2013

June 2014

Since January 2014, I have been working with a new trainer (Team Franco). I'm following a new, healthier diet plan. It's commonly known as If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) or flexible dieting. Google it and you'll find loads of information. Essentially, I'm given a certain number of grams of carbohydrates, fats and protein. As long as I meet my numbers or macros, I can eat what I want. Obviously, the healthier and cleaner the food, the more I can eat. For example, one cup of steamed broccoli has approx. 30 calories, 2g carbs, 0g fat, 3 g protein. If I need 30g of protein during a meal, I can get it from 10 cups of broccoli or 1oz. of potato chips, which also had added fat. You get the idea.

So I competed, I sucked, now what? It's currently off-season time, otherwise known as time to build muscle. I've increased my calories (approx. 1,600) and macros (carbs 170g, fat 40g, protein 140g) and eliminated cardio. My cardio was just introduced (after at least 8 weeks of being off) to see what happens. Surprisingly I gained weight. I didn't realize reintroducing cardio could cause water retention. I'm trying really hard to not become obsessed with the scale, especially since I'm trying to gain muscle.

For now, I'm trying to eat as clean as I can and hit the weights hard and heavy.

The 30-Day Experiment

You'll see some interesting posts soon as I test different things for 30 days, such as no dairy, no sugar, no processed food, no meat, Paleo, Fighter Diet, meditating, yoga, etc. I want to see how my body responds...all while staying within those precious macros. I'll provide a weekly update. The first experiment is no sugar or artificial sweeteners for 30 days. This will not include supplements (protein powder, pre-workout, etc.) or natural sweeteners like Stevia. It means not eating or drinking anything that includes sugar as an ingredient.

Feel free to join along in this experiment and post your experience in the comments section below.