Hell has now sustained!

[redsquirrel]

...wow, thanks. that really helps solve my problem

[Puddles]

Originally posted by redsquirrel
Any one have any ideas on how to have more concentration?

Two ideas, try substituting some fish for chicken and beef (sardines are especially good for the brain, boneless/skinless in olive oil tastes much like tuna and since sardines are little fish there's minimal mercury toxicity) and some supplements that should help are Ginkgo Biloba (leaf extract), CoQ-10, BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) and some 5-htp.

Ginko...your body is under more stress than usual and the ginko will help improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The CoQ-10 will help nerve conduction in the brain and peripheral nerves and also help with energy for muscular contraction of both the heart and skeletal muscles.

Also, make sure you're taking some down time for yourself to just relax or doing something calming that you enjoy. You NEED that! A weekly massage would probably be a good idea to help reduce stress too.

[redsquirrel]

Thanks hon, really. I truly appreciate the advice. I'll go and pick it up this weekend. My money is too important for me to risk not having as much as I want for a few months..LOL!!! The Ginkgo Biloba I will definitely try. I had thought about that, but didn't want it to interfere or anything. But, what's 5-htp? To save time, here's a list of supps I am taking now:

1 Fish Oil Cap @ 4 solid meals
3 Amino Acids @ every meal
3 Beef Liver tabs @ every meal
6 ECA ( 3 morning, 3 afternoon)
1 tsp. of flax 2 x/day

As far as myself goes, I'm going for a facial and wax tomorrow. I will probably start getting massages here next week. (our friend, the Jr Nat. women's winner) just gotbecame a chiropractor, and she gives me sports massages. Thanks again.
:kiss:

[Face]

[i] A weekly massage would probably be a good idea to help reduce stress too. [/B]

:agree:

When shall I come down :druggie:

[Puddles]

Originally posted by redsquirrel
Thanks hon, really. I truly appreciate the advice. I'll go and pick it up this weekend. My money is too important for me to risk not having as much as I want for a few months..LOL!!! The Ginkgo Biloba I will definitely try. I had thought about that, but didn't want it to interfere or anything. But, what's 5-htp? To save time, here's a list of supps I am taking now:

1 Fish Oil Cap @ 4 solid meals
3 Amino Acids @ every meal
3 Beef Liver tabs @ every meal
6 ECA ( 3 morning, 3 afternoon)
1 tsp. of flax 2 x/day

As far as myself goes, I'm going for a facial and wax tomorrow. I will probably start getting massages here next week. (our friend, the Jr Nat. women's winner) just gotbecame a chiropractor, and she gives me sports massages. Thanks again.
:kiss:

You should leave off the BCAA since you're already taking amino acids. Below is a copy of some info. on 5-htp, I suggested it mainly for it's enhancement of mood (helps you not be so grumpy when dieting). :)

5-HTP

by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is known as 5-HT, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells.
5-HTP was introduced to the over the counter market in 1994. Our understanding of 5-HTP's clinical role and its safety is still very early. We know very little about the effects of chronic 5-HTP use. Therefore, until we learn more, the idea is to take 5-HTP in the minimum effective dosage and to avoid its prolonged use. Tolerance may develop in some people with continual use. I tell my patients who use 5-HTP to take frequent breaks and to take the least amount that works. During these breaks, other forms of therapy could be substituted. As of now, I am not aware of any reports in the medical literature of anyone who has encountered life threatening side effects from the use of 5-HTP.

Benefits
Some people who take 5-HTP notice improved mood, decrease in appetite, reduced anxiety, and better sleep. I have come across some individuals who get wired instead of sleepy when taking 5-HTP.
Some find that 5-HTP helps curb appetite and leads to weight loss. This nutrient could be used temporarily for appetite suppression while other lifestyle and dietary changes are being incorporated regarding a life long plan for keeping weight off. Not everyone notices the appetite suppressing effect from 5-HTP.
5-HTP may be temporarily helpful in conditions that normally require prescription antidepressants, antianxiety agents, sleeping pills, and weight loss drugs. 5-HTP may also be helpful in some individuals with migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
5-HTP reduces the severity of a panic attack which may indicate that panic attacks may be due to low serotonin levels.
A study in rodents indicates that 5-HTP may be useful in controlling the excessive food intake sometimes generated by stress, even if given without decarboxylase inhibitors or other drugs.

Dosage
I consider any dose above 50 mg a high dose. Most 5-HTP products on the market are sold in 50 and 100 mg doses. Some people do well with 20 to 50 mg. I'm not aware of products on the market sold that are less than 50 mg. Those who do well with small doses can open a capsule and take a portion mixed with water. Medical supervision is recommended for if high doses are required to treat a particular condition. 5-HTP is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

[redsquirrel]

Thanks. I LOL when I read at the beginning- part of htp is tryptophan- that made me laugh. Where can I get some?


An update:

I started the gear last week, so I guess I shouldn't be too upset, BUT I am. So, the water weight in my skin from the AAS. made my pinches not read properly, and the scale stayed steady at 147. BF only dropped another 1/2%. Funny thing is- I have never been below 13% in my life, so now is when it's going to get interesting. I'm starting to see 2 abs!! That makes me really excited, because that is where I hold most of my fat. Legs are looking a bit more cut. Even though the pinches didn't change that much, my body is starting to look different. Now I'm starting to get really anxious about what I am going to look like. The anticipation is gonna kill me!! LOL

Didn't have the clamps put down too hard, although I did start T3 and Clen to get a head start on getting my BF down along with the Var and Primo. My 1/2 grapefruit @ lunch was cut and my 1 scoop of protein @ my 6th meal was cut as well. I was told next week it's gonna get shitty. Cardio 3 mornings/ week AND sprints!!! All this in addition to the 7 days of cardio I'm doing now!! SUCKS ASS!!! That's alright- I'll be in the shape to stomp some bitches down!!!!!

[Puddles]

Damn, Red, that last paragraph! :wacko: Glad I don't work or live with you for the next few weeks! :p Hang in there, those first 2 abs starting to peek out are just the beginning! Scale staying the same but your bf dropping 1/2% and you're retaining water...you KNOW that you're headed in the right direction. You've got less fat, still keeping your muscle, and the water will come off near the end. Nice progress! :)


The 5-HTP can be bought anyplace that sells vitamins and it's not expensive.

[redsquirrel]

I think I'm gonna muster up the courage to post my progress pics this weekend. I need some feedback from people other than myself and the ball and chain. I know my weaker parts are my rear delts and legs, but I would like more objective comments.

I have 7 weeks left to diet, and I am just not feeling like I am going to make it. I'm 12.5% BF right now, and I feel like I'm going backwards almost. I still have a long way to go IMO, and I feel like I do not have enough time. When I think of 12% BF, I don't think it looks this way. If I really am 12.5%, then am I still going to look like this only thinner @ 10% or 9%? I know the threshold is different for everyone, but why does my body look so different than someone who is say, higher BF? My legs are more cut, but her abs are better, and her shape is better, but I have more gerth. ......ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS: WTF!?!?!??!?

I mean, when does your body start changing in leaps and bounds?? My first show is just a tune up for the show 3 weeks later. However, I'm not getting on stage unless I am less than 9%; plain and simple. I won't get up there. I know how people in the audience rip on people who aren't in condition. And, if I'm not, I'm not getting on stage.

I don't know- maybe I'm just dillusional. Last night I did legs, and I got home and felt like I'd been hit by a truck. The no carb thing was really killing me. I got a carb meal last night, so I'm feeling a little better today. I'm sure I'm freaking out for no reason, just another day in the life of a female BBing competitor. But,I'm really starting to have doubts...where's trip when you need him? LOL.

[redsquirrel]

Originally posted by INTIMID8OR
Im sure you look awesome RS but if you feel uncomfortable posting your pics try posting them in the MOD section first .... Or send them to a couple of your lady friends on board ,Just a thought .....;)

You are too sweet.:kiss: :kiss:
I will take that into consideration....I'm sure you want them all to yourself, though!!! LOL!!

But, it's not so much that I am uncomfortable posting the pics. I look ok, but I am seriously starting to doubt my body's ability to drop all this fat. The scale isn't moving; which is attributed to me starting AAS last week. But that's not making me feel any better. I'm 5'4", and weighing 147lbs 7 weeks out!! I may be a heavyweight for the first show. My LBM is at 128, and I need to be @ 132 to be in the middleweights for the second show...And I'm doubting my abilities in general. Part of the reason I'm doing the first show is because I've never done a show before. But, I'm not going to get up there and look like a fatty....I'm starting to see why so many become head cases on a diet.:drunk:

[trip]

6 ECA a day, well............you have a very active mind normally so adding the eca is only going to make concentration a harder thing, don't really know if any supp will help that much cause the adrenalin is being tapped all the time, try some stuff and see just try not too get hopes up

Give the clen, t3, var and primo a few weeks to do their work, you are doing everything else 100% correct, don't really see what more you can do

Try and have some trust in your plan and your actions, you're doing it all right, so in long run you should get their, all probababilities and indications say so, ie, it's all good

It seems in the middle you tend to REACT to every little thing, which adds stress, and makes you doubt all the things you are doing right.

Instead of you and hubby ( damn forgot his name ) having disucsions about what you are doing wrong, try and spend alot, and I do mean alot of time discussing what you are doing RIGHT.

You want to get some massive amount of positive re-inforcement to combat the negative thoughts. And yes, it will feel a little funky at first, and you will fight it, yet try it and see

You want your stress level to go down, kind of like talking a person down off of a ledge, no yelling and screaming and pointing out obvious, nice and calm and soothing spending time discussing all the right and good stuff.

In general inspiring post, all ready a winner at Superior Muscle, takes alot to even get this far.

Good Luck

[redsquirrel]

Thanks for the reply, trip. And the positive reinforcement.

I actually just got off the phone with sonis. If no carbing for 2 weeks and 7 days of cardio @ night doesn't drop my pinches, he is going to have me do something else. I mean, I just can't go 3 weeks with no change. We are tossing around eliminating the healthy fats, and putting carbs back in. We are kind of at a loss on what else to change at this point. I don't want to jump the gun, because maybe my pinches WILL change this week. Maybe it is working. Maybe this is my threshold. Since my body has never been lower BF than this, maybe it needs an extra week to get over that hump. I'm most concerned about the time frame. I just hope the current plan works this week!!;)

[redsquirrel]

Well everyone, guess what!?!?!?

I woke up this morning, did a little ab pose...and they are FINALLY starting to come in!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!! :woot: :woot:

I thought I would NEVER be able to break through the wall I was hitting for the past two weeks!:mad:

THEN, I jumped on the scale...AND I AM DOWN TO 145!!!! WOO HOO!!!!:staypuff: :staypuff: :elephant:

[redsquirrel]

YEAH, SURE. LOL!!!


Since I'm starting to come around, I'm going to take some progress pics starting this weekend!!

[trip]

lol, guess you are doing things right, have some faith..j/k

great feeling achieving them goals micro-inch by millimeter

[redsquirrel]

Originally posted by trip
lol, guess you are doing things right, have some faith..j/k

great feeling achieving them goals micro-inch by millimeter

They are micro inches,too. You think when you start a 12-15 week diet, you'll see dramatic changes weekly. In all actuality, it's small changes that add up. The weirdest thing is, I'm probably 12% right now, 5'4" @ 145lbs...and I feel like I look like a terd. I'm sure the leaner I get, I'll think so even more.

BUT, all I know is that something is finally working. I'm chiseling away at that wall, and it WILL come down!!!:agree: