The Cut – Week 2. Oh! Hello abs.

They’re baaaackkkkkk. Well. There are certainly 6 (8 if I really squeeze) little bumps on my tummy. I think they’re abs, its been a while, I can’t really remember. So, on that note, can you tell I’ve had a better week? Feeling completely in the prep zone; food on point, training being annihilated. And all because I woke up with those little bumps that to so many, mean so much. And it was after only 8 days of prep. #WINNING. (Blurry ab shot… proof!)

After struggling not prepping for nearly 4 months (the boss will tell you, all I did was moan about being ‘fat’), I can now really understand the benefit of not dieting all year round. So many of my #fitfam friends kept assuring me it was for the best and that my body will react much more effectively when I started dieting again. “Yeah, but I’m fat and I don’t have abs” was generally my response, or at least is what I thought in my head whilst nodding reluctantly. BUT okay, you can say it – I TOLD YOU SO. My body has grabbed onto prep with both hands, given it a shake and said “I’VE GOT THIS MEISH”. And thank God it has! Results are certainly my biggest motivator, as is the case for most people, so body, keep them coming! 

To give you all an insight to the world of prepping, it isn’t all just measuring food into endless Tupperware, training errrryday and eating so little that you feel like a cat could lick you and push you over. Nope. Supplements are the absolute key to success, any pro or competitor that I know will tell you. Get your stack right? Oh boy, your body will love you. 

If you’ve never really supplemented before, unfortunately, this can take time and a process of trial and error. Throughout my last prep, Adam and I tried various supplements to encourage my body to change in the way we wanted. Mostly with success. 

So, my recommendations for beginners to training and dieters? Well, as I said previously, do bare in mind that everyone is individual. Therefore, what I may suggest or what works for me, doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. Secondly, (just as a reminder) I’m female. (Well, physically. Although I certainly believe I have bigger metaphoric balls than a lot of men I know. But that’s totally besides the point.) So guys, maybe check with that dench guy in the gym who looks like he knows exactly what he’s doing when you see him day in, day out… training arms and chest. #justsaying.

• Whey Protein – an easy, quick and tasty way of getting more protein in your diet in order to aid muscle growth, repair and recovery. Simples.
• BCAA – Branch Chain Amino Acids. Protects those gains you’ve made (muscle) when you’re on a calorie deficit. AKA, they promote protein synthesis and reduce the rate of protein breakdown. Hurrah!
• L-Glutamine – What if I were to say over 60% off your muscle is made of this beauty of an amino? Nuff said.
• The basics – omega 3, daily vitamin and calcium and vitamin D. Protect your joints, bones and encourage fat metabolism by ensuring your body gets all the minerals and vitamins it needs. That’ll do.

Any you think I’ve missed out? Feel free to share. 

So to start week 3, I’ve lost another kilo, comfortably back in my size 8’s, and looking forward to the weekend already (I’m going to a spa… I know, check me out). Don’t worry boss, I plan to take all my meals prepped and of course, the essential travel George Foreman for the room. Freshly cooked chicken, salmon and steak. You can’t beat it, ay George?... Well, I would say that and mean it if this spa wasn’t all-inclusive. Humph.