Bikini Contest Prep- 6 Weeks Out Progress Update

I went for my bikini consult to order my suit and I’ll share that with you next, just off to the gym now and wanted to post my latest progress update. Although things are coming together, and if I hadn’t committed to this contest, I’d be very satisfied with where I am now, but I still have lots more work to  do to get “competition ready.”  
My body fat is 19% right now, but it only came down from 19.75 in the last two weeks.  We are looking for it to come down at least one point a week, so my trainer was saying he needed to adjust my diet. I had to confess the Cheerios I was eating at night.  He explained that ideally I would lose another 8 pounds before the contest, so every calorie counts and eating carbs right before bed is not a good idea. In fact, he prohibited any carbs after 6 PM from now on. I promised no more Cheerios, and I would instead be drinking my protein shake like I was supposed to.  I’ve been doing that the last couple days and I am hungry at night, so I’ve been going to bed earlier. This is actually a good thing because then I wake up more energized in the morning. Eating my meals consistently throughout the day prevents me from getting any midday slump.   
I also admitted to my trainer that I have not been able to give up my coffee creamer. He tried to persuade me against using it but said I could keep using it as long as I only used 1 tablespoon. It’s a deal!
I really don’t know if I can lose 8 pounds in six weeks,  but I am uping the intensity of my cardio now. I’m making sure to get in five, 45 minute sessions at a more intense rate.  I’m typically on the treadmill and do 15 incline at 2.5-3.0 intervals. This should help me burn more calories. I also measure everything I eat so I know I’m getting precisely the exact amount. I realized one fish filet per meal is not enough, it needs to be one and a half to equal 5 ounces cooked. 
I share all these details with you to let you know exactly what it takes to do something like this and also to chronicle my journey. I really appreciate you following along and your supportive comments. Thank you. 
One of the things I like most about having a trainer to help get me ready for this contest is that I don’t have to stress about whether what I’m doing is working.  I can be confident that, if I just follow his directions, I will see changes and results.  When I used to workout before, I was never quite sure if what I was doing was going to get me the best results.  (Should I be doing more cardio?  How much?  Should I lift heavy weights or lighter?  What exactly should I be eating?) It’s not easier with the trainer- I still work my tail off, but the mental part is better.  I don’t feel like I’m spinning my wheels. 

On another note, Victoria’s Secret has the cutest swimsuits lately.  I ordered the one above and 2 other mix and match styles.  Love them!
Have a great Thursday!  It’s almost the weekend again!

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

39 Comments

  1. wow Megan, so intense! Your dedication is amazing and you looked ripped/fantastic! 6 more weeks and then you can reward yourself, stay strong sista!

  2. Megan! You look freakin' awesome! Good grief woman 🙂 Keep up the great work and I know you are going to kill it come competition day. I'm not sure I could give up my creamer or cheerios either…I feel like I am always eating food off my baby's table or the things she's thrown on the floor. haha Get it girl!
    Linh
    http://abeautifulrawr.com

    1. I know! I've gotten so in the habit of eating cereal late at night and it's really hard to give it up. I thought it would be okay- it's not like it's chocolate cake! But no, nothing "extra" is allowed right now.

  3. You look INCREDIBLE! I am so impressed by what you are doing. I think 8 lbs in 6 weeks is a lot since you are already at a great weight and body fat. But, for these competitions, you have to get extreme and that is what you are doing. Way to go!!!

    1. I'm very curious to see what I end up looking like on show day. I know my body won't stay like that for long as I reintroduce more variety of foods back in, but I like how this is going so I plan to keep eating as clean as possible.

  4. You are at 19% body fat?! It does not look like it at all! You have done a great job Megan. It's so hard to give things up, but in the end you'll be happy you stepped up to this challenge. I commend you. I don't think I could get on stage in a tiny bikini. You look awesome!
    Love that suit too!

    1. I keep meaning to go get my body fat measured in one of those pods for the most accuracy, but never make the time. We've been measuring with my trainer's calipers, so at least it's consistent and the results keep going down.

  5. You look amazing! I'm checking in all the time to see your progress and can't wait to see what the next 6 weeks bring. Keep it up, sister!

  6. You look awesome! I can't imagine 8lbs lighter! I completely agree about having a trainer, I currently don't have one, and second guess everything! But I'm also not preparing for a competition 🙂 I can't wait to see your bikini, you have such great style I'm sure it will be fantastic!

  7. Wow! You look awesome!! I want your abs and sometimes I feel like I am spinning my wheels without being able to use a trainer! I'm just reading online from different fitness blogs and trying different exercises in different ab routines.

    1. I've worked out with and without a trainer, so now that I know what to do, I probably could do it on my own, but I don't think I'd push myself as hard. Having that trainer makes me work so much harder.

  8. Wow! What dedication. You should be so proud! I was wondering what your trainer's take is on fresh fruit (berries, apples, oranges). I don't see it listed on the meal plan. Any thoughts?

    1. Allie, thank you so much. I am proud. It feels strange to say that, but I know how hard I've been working and what it has taken to get to this point, so I'm proud of that. 🙂 He just told me I can have any kind of melon, stay away from grapes, bananas, cherries. I can't remember the rest- I'll have to ask him.

  9. It's hard to imagine you could look any better!! You are an inspiration to us all (esp those of us waiting to pop out babies, gives me something to aspire to when it's all said & done!) Keep up the fantastic hard work and thanks for sharing your journey with us all. We're all cheering for you!

    1. Ah, so sweet Tammy! I remember how I felt pregnant and now I wish I would've kept exercising and ate better! So exciting to have a little one due! My sis-n-law is expecting any day now and I can't wait! 🙂

    1. I take the supplements I posted about before. In my water during my workouts, I drink my BCAA, and after my workouts I mix in glutamine. My trainer was recommended to me by my former trainer. I find it's best to ask around or go to a gym and watch the trainers and see who you like best. My trainer also competes in bodybuilding and has lots of experience getting women ready for competitions.

  10. I am SO impressed. I am at an all-time high with weight and I KNOW what to do, but I haven't done it yet. I don't know what's wrong with me. I have 30+ pounds to lose to even look good in a swimsuit. You look INCREDIBLE! You have to feel great!

    1. Thank you Lauren! I felt that way after I had my son. But, I was so ready to lose the weight that I jumped back in. I hated the way I felt with the extra weight. I KNOW you can do it! Once you just start, and you see small changes, it will motivate you to keep exercising and eat better. It's like, if we don't exercise, our eating can get out of control. BUT, after a hard workout, I always think, "I don't want to blow it by eating bad."

  11. Wow! I enjoy visiting your site to see the progress you've made. I'm a little frustrated with my body. I feel like I'm working out and eating without any real goals or direction. I am interested in investing in a trainer. How do you go about finding a good trainer? Would you recommend an online trainer?

    1. I have heard of online trainers on Instagram, but don't have any personal knowledge. One person I think would be good is Jessica Arevalo. She trains women online for bikini competitions and it always seems like they are getting excellent results. Of course, you don't have to do a contest to use her. I'd message her on Instagram and see what info you get back.

  12. OMG, i'm sooooo impressed by your dedication. you inspire me to go to the gym and eat better every day. i do have a question for you, Megan, and everyone else. i would love to start eating more frequent and smaller meals. but i don't have a desk job with predictable schedule. my business (window treatment specialist by appointment) takes me to people's homes at different times of the day. i also don't have the privillege of heating things up in the m/w. would love to hear from those of you with the same sporadic schedule – how did you eat clean and kept it frequent?

  13. I couldn't lose 8 pounds in a year!!! I can't wait to see your hot little body in person!! Did that sound weird? Oh well, it's true 😉

  14. I just happened to stumble upon your blog while researching girls doing their first bikini competition! You've have awesome results! Love reading about the whole process!
    I have been on my fitness journey for 14 months, added heavy lifting in 9 months ago, and just FINALLY decided I want to compete next spring. I had been aiming towards it but never actually set it as a goal.
    Your blog is helpful and I appreciate you sharing your journey! Keep it up! You look GREAT!

  15. Whoa, nice work Megan. So glad I found this site! This will definitely help me stay motivated and push through the plateau I'm on rite now. One question, I don't see options to share these posts to FB, Google, etc. Is that something you might add?
    Thanks! Erika

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