In 2011 I managed to shed 40 kilograms through hard work, training, and eating right. Having accomplished this, I believed I was an expert. When I look back on it, the main reason I was able to lose weight was simply that I ate a lot less and moved a lot more.
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I took on this transformation contest. I knew that changes in weight and body composition would be minimal as I didn’t have the need to shed huge amounts of fat this time around. Having completed the contest however, I can honestly say that I have learnt more about myself, successful nutrition habits and training that at any other point during my fat loss journey.
My nutrition set up for the contest consisted of a 16:8 fasting protocol. This was something I had never tried. Once I became used to the morning fasts, they began working in my favour and giving me a great deal of energy. The other enjoyable aspect was that at night I had the room to indulge in large amounts of food (whole healthy foods of course). I cycled my starchy carbs, consuming them only on resistance training days and eating higher amounts of fat on off days. I also abstained from alcohol, gluten and processed sugar, save for the occasional cheat meal. I could not believe the enjoyment I received from eating this way and the improvements I saw in the mirror.
Prior to the contest I was definitely guilty of overtraining. I would sometimes spend 6 days a week in the gym and become stressed when I missed a day. I made the commitment for the contest to only head to the gym 3 days a week. On off days I would walk, do some bodyweight exercises or play sport. I discovered that this gave my life much more balance than I had before and less stress as I no longer obsessed over fitting in gym time.
This contest has taught me about self-control and awareness and assisted me in developing much healthier training and nutrition philosophies. The accountability and support of the forums kept me on track and helped me to keep moving forward. The lessons I have learned will stay with me well into the future.
TT Programs used:
- Meatheads 5x5
- Meatheads 100
- Hardcore 2010
