Avoiding the Post Comp Blues

I thought I'd do a little follow up on my VLOG from Saturday regarding having a post comp plan.

Personally, I think there are several main problems that figure gals (and probably bodybuilders as well) run into generally after that first comp; one is simply not being prepared for the body to lose that super leanness that was achieved for comp day. Unless you continue to follow a super strict food plan, like say Pauline Nordin, you will "fill out" after comp. After all-that super duper lean look really is not sustainable year round for a healthy balanced lifestyle. So number one tip; be prepared for that filled out look you'll see in the mirror.

Second is many of these gals really pig out after the comp; I'm talking full on junk food frenzy. To me, this is just not healthy-for your body or your mind. My tip is, if you go out for a big party after the comp, be kind to your body! Go ahead and have a few treats-perhaps a slice or two of pizza and a slice of choc cake. I can pretty much guarantee if you eat a whole pizza, a bag of m&m's a couple of choc muffins and a few beers you will regret it the next day. You will be shocked at what you see in the mirror. I've seen pics of gals who have gone crazy after comp and literally looked 4 months preggers after one night of bingeing!

Once you've had a few treats, and I should probably emphasize a few, get back to a healthy balanced eating plan. What does that mean? Well, eat your chicken, fish, lean red meats, veggies, rice, pastas, oats etc. Get back to eating till you full, and so that you are not hungry between meals.

For me, personally, I didn't go out after the comp. John & I were exhausted so went back to the hotel and I had a nice pre-made salad, with chicken and rice. I had my favourite dressing-which is ranch dressing and some shredded cheese-both things I hadn't had in about 12 weeks. So that was my treat; but everyone is different obviously. I'm just throwing out what I did as an example of one way of dealing with after the comp.

The next day, I had oatmeal w/protein powder and honey for breakfast, a 6 inch subway sandwich for lunch and some turkey enchiladas (home made) for dinner. And stuck to similar meals for the following couple of weeks. John & I went out to dinner to celebrate both of our birthdays since they were both during comp prep; and I had a good splurge there....a reef and beef dinner and a lovely slice of very decadent choc cake for dessert.

As far as training, I highly recommend taking a break that first week. Go for a few walks-but stay away from the gym. Others may have differing views-but I say rest. Your body has been through a huge ordeal over the last 12 weeks; give it a break! Once you are ready, say after 5 days to a week; draw up a training plan of 3 or 4 days a week; whatever you did before you were actually in "comp prep mode" and get back at it. You will most likely find yourself very strong compared to the last few weeks of comp prep and may find new vigour and motivation just from that!

I found an article at Bodybuilding.com relating to exactly this issue. You can read that article HERE.

Have a fantastic week!