I Knew This Time Would Come

Good Morning,

It’s Tuesday, of course my least favorite time of the week. This past week I finally hit THE MARK that I’ve been dreading through out this entire prep. The plateau.

I knew it was coming. In fact I’m pretty sure I didn’t just plateau, I think I went backwards a bit. This process is not perfect, I am not perfect, and it’s all about learning what works for me.

So in order to move forward with this it’s cutting time! Time to cut a few calories and switch up my percentages of carbs- to fat- to protein. Watch me turn into grumpy cat this week.

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I receive e-mails all the time asking how many calories I eat. And sorry, this is not an answer I feel comfortable giving. There is no “magic number” to weight loss. It’s what works for your body, your metabolism, and is highly dependent on your activity level. I will say that if I decided to compete again and go through a whole 13 week prep I will start my calories at a higher number, because it’s hard to cut when you already are at the lower end of the spectrum. So for now, I have a small cut of calories and instead I’m playing with my carb and fat ratios. So, LIVE AND LEARN! This is my first time at this, so next time I will be better prepared šŸ™‚

Actually I wasn’t as grumpy as I predicted but this was just day one. Plus it wasn’t a dramatic cut so I think my body was okay with it.

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When it was time for me to leave work yesterday, I braved the snow and hit the gym.

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I’m over the snow this season…

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Lucky for me it was a pretty darn empty gym for a Monday. Most of the roads in Maryland were bad, minus the beltway (which is the route I take to the gym). I was there in no time and sulked up the steps.

Yes, sulked.

I didn’t want to be there if I’m being 100% honest. I’m always in the mood to workout, but I much would have preferred sitting on the couch watching Ellen and The Chew. But I asked myself “how bad do you want this?”. I answered “pretty darn bad” and up the stairs I went to get my workout on.

And that workout? One of the best biceps and HIIT workouts I’ve had in a long time. The days you don’t want to go to the gym ALWAYS end up being the best.

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Here’s what I did to get that bicep burn:

  • Cable bicep curls using the short bar and holding a LOW squat. This one had my heart racing. Basically the bar is near the bottom and you bring your body down to it in a squat position while you curl towards you and back out. I was sweating like crazy! 40 lbs, 12 reps x 4 sets
  • Seated decline alternating bicep curls. The decline changes the burn. I used 10 lb weights because it’s harder to lift in this position. 20-24 alternating reps x 4 sets
  • Half bicep curls. In a neutral position do a half curl to the top (almost like a pulse) for 10 reps, then repeat 10 reps curling to the bottom. 4 sets!
  • HEAVY bicep curls. I used a 40 lb bar for this. Elbows in TIGHT! I could only do 5-6 reps for 3 sets.

Then I grabbed a resistance band and did several different curls: regular curls, side curls, single arm curls. Lighter resistance but more reps. I did 20 for each set of curls for about 4 sets. Make it burn in different ways šŸ™‚

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Cardio was 35 minutes on the step mill, 20 minutes of this was alternating 1 minute sprints with 1 minute climbs- straight through for 20 minutes! No breaks here. Phew! It felt really good though.

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Bikini girl back coming in šŸ˜‰

I pushed myself. I don’t have a trainer through this process to tell me what to do, how long to workout, or how heavy to lift. I have to motivate myself to keep going. And let me tell you, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is a great accomplishment knowing I am doing this part all on my own. NO ONE is the boss of me, but me! And frankly, I’m better off šŸ™‚

Okay, maybe this one pushes me around a little bit, but she’s so adorable she can get away with it.

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Phoebe LOVES green pepper. Actually Phoebe loves all healthy foods because it’s what Mommy eats! She prefers veggies over chicken too. Only my little pup! We fight over the tips of the asparagus though šŸ˜‰

Today I hit the world of glutes, quickly becoming my favorite day.

Have a wonderful day and Let the clock strike 4:30pm!

XOXO With a Cherry On Top,

-Minnie

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5 Comments

  1. Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne

    I remember when I was in Pilate last semester, and everytime he would say to get a resistance band I would dread it haha those things are no joke!!! Well even if you hit a plateau, I still think you are looking amazing!!! Hope today goes by fast for you, have a great day and workout :)!

  2. tam

    You’re doing so well, really proud of you. We all have off-days, its best just to forget it and think of tomorrow. Your progress is amazing to watch, its interesting for me to read. When you enter the cutting phases, do you usually have to reduce carbs and add fat? Just curious! Tam x

    1. Katie

      Thanks Tam! Everyone cuts differently. Some cut a little all across the board, some cut carbs, up fat. I started the cut carbs, up fat.

  3. Erin G. @ Treats and Sneaks

    My sisters dogs are the SAME way. My boyfriend helped out with puppy sitting once and decided to make himself a burger. My sister’s bigger dog put his paws on the counter and only stole the lettuce off the top of the burger. PS…I nominated you for the Liebster Award šŸ™‚ http://wp.me/p3S8vR-I1

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