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Post Competition

jennifer52484
jennifer52484 Posts: 888 Member
in Social Groups
I was warned by my trainer that post competition depression could set in. Not sure if it has, but I definitely can't stop eating sugary things. It's only been a week, but my stomach is enlarged now. Any pointers on how to get my focus back? Maybe it's that sense of freedom, but i'm pretty sure that is what made me "fat" in the first place.

Replies

  • SierraElegance
    SierraElegance Posts: 86 Member
    I've only been off a few days and I'm up almost 9 pounds! I really thought I was in a good mindset and I wouldn't go crazy, yet I am! I am supposed to take a break from working out for this week, but I really need that so I don't focus so much on food. It's so hard to find that balance!
  • MotorCityFemmeFatale
    MotorCityFemmeFatale Posts: 222 Member
    I first ate a really great post comp meal. Then, I took at least a week off (sometimes two) from each comp. Raised my calories quite a bit and ate in a IIFYM way.
  • busywaterbending
    busywaterbending Posts: 844 Member
    true competitors with good coaches are always on a nutrient dense, low carb diet. That way, there is not a chance of that "come down" after a competition or the need for a sugar binge. Sugar binge = insulin, cortisol spike. Makes you loopy. Makes you lose focus and the adrenaline you got on stage was enough of a hormone surge...adding insulin and cortisol from a drastic change in your diet is what makes you crash.

    I'd change coaches if they are not coaching you on how to control your hormones via good eating and prevent emotional swings. Competitions should be healthy. Getting there and maintaining it should be easy and a lifestyle that your coach taught you how to easily maintain. If you have to change your life so drastically for a competition that being off your competition diet is considered a big change, a crash, or emotional downer then you are doing it wrong.
  • KikiD22
    KikiD22 Posts: 114 Member
    ^ THIS

    I gave myself a couple of days of "treats" after my first show, but pretty much kept it light. Treats for me were things like bananas, greek yogurt, and sushi though, all banned on my regular diet. Not really all that bad though. I've kept within 5 pounds of my stage weight and am maintaining that until it gets closer to my next competition.

    I had heard horror stories about post-competition depression, bloat, etc., but my coaches were very good about helping me keep on track and getting me a new diet within a couple days of my show.
  • endjl
    endjl Posts: 28
    My trainer/coach has indicated it is best to "diet out", meaning gently get back into a regular diet. Regular diet does not equal cheeseburgers and pizza. lol
  • musclemama2
    musclemama2 Posts: 10
    I never "binged" but the first time I did experience kind of a low after the high of the comp and all the months leading up to it. I think it was that the newness and excitement was over and I was like "now what?". I got over it by posting a message in the gym asking for someone who wanted to compete that fall. A lady contacted me and we trained together for 6 months and I got to relive the excitement all over again through her eyes. Comp 2,3 and 4 I was fine and never had a problem.
  • Annaruthus
    Annaruthus Posts: 301 Member
    I had a post competition low, but I just think I wasn't prepared for how I would feel following my competition. It was really all about the food. I just couldn't stop eating it. However I managed not to gain too much weight. My goal is to stay within 10 pounds of my competition weight, since I'm bulking during the off season. Managed that so far.

    I watched a video by Erin Stern on youtube about the "scarcity" we create in our minds when we diet for competitions. So by creating this "scarcity" in your mind, when you feel like you are "allowed" to eat something that you previously put on the No list, it is very hard to resist. I'll be ready after April's competition, now that I've experienced it once.
  • Ariana_75
    Ariana_75 Posts: 224
    I watched Erin Sterns video as well just before I competed for the first time. The part where she said that having a post comp plan is crucial really stuck with me. I ordered a 'Healthy & Fit' post comp plan from my trainer and it has really helped to keep things balanced. I did go a bit over board the day after the comp and felt horrible!! My stomach didn't like me for a few days and I felt ill. But once I went back to the gym and started eating according to the meal plan, everything went back to normal. It`s been two weeks so far. To help my sweet tooth, I make some of Jamie Eason`s protein bars which helps the cravings without feeling guilty.

    I keep hearing that the best gains are six weeks post comp. I have upped my cals by 300 from maintenance and I am definitely starting to see the changes. I am looking forward to putting on muscle even if I have to lose the abs until the next comp =)
  • Annaruthus
    Annaruthus Posts: 301 Member
    That has been the saddest part for me, losing sight of my abs! I'm with ya girl!
    I watched Erin Sterns video as well just before I competed for the first time. The part where she said that having a post comp plan is crucial really stuck with me. I ordered a 'Healthy & Fit' post comp plan from my trainer and it has really helped to keep things balanced. I did go a bit over board the day after the comp and felt horrible!! My stomach didn't like me for a few days and I felt ill. But once I went back to the gym and started eating according to the meal plan, everything went back to normal. It`s been two weeks so far. To help my sweet tooth, I make some of Jamie Eason`s protein bars which helps the cravings without feeling guilty.

    I keep hearing that the best gains are six weeks post comp. I have upped my cals by 300 from maintenance and I am definitely starting to see the changes. I am looking forward to putting on muscle even if I have to lose the abs until the next comp =)

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