*****EDIT***** - now been moved by James into journals and am using it to track my prep for NABBA Scotland on 5th May.

Also entered the Prolab Classic in Lochgelly the week before, and may do the Caledonia ProAm the week after.

Progress Photos included at various points throughout and are taken every weekend now.

Please feel free to ask any questions about my prep you like and I will answer as honestly as I can be it about diet, training, supplements or gear/meds, anything at all.

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Have a question about blood sugar levels on low carb comp diet.

Am currently 9 weeks into comp diet - have 4 weeks til prolab in Fife and 5 weeks til NABBA Scotland.

Am now on pretty low carbs and am worried about not coming in quick enough tho not entirely sure how founded it is as this is my first year so I have nothing to judge by.

My concern is this - in the last week on low carbs (training days 50 gms and non-training (ie cardio only) days 20 gms) I feel my blood sugar levels getting very low ie feeling weak, dizzy - blood draining from face etc. I have managed to persevere mostly but last night I had to have a glass of fresh orange as i felt absolutely dreadful.

Am doing 45 mins cardio twice a day - am and pm. I work full time and dont have time for more than this so upping carbs and also cardio isnt an option for me.

Is this normal, just down to low carbs or should I worry and change things?

Cheers

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

Zara, it could be as simple as you need a few more carbs. Not everyone is the same.

Before picture Jan05 BNBF finals Oct07 Sponsored by Muscle Finesse

I myself suffer from reactive hypoglycemia, slowly trying to get to grips, it seams hard to control. For example after breakfast I had a low (oats and egg whites), ate around 30g carbs from oats and a can of tuna to elevate blood sugar....result was another low an hour later, ate a zero carb lunch, fine now.

I think its a lot to do with choosing the right form of carbs, eg my oats are oats so simple, might be too simple so switching to other brand.

IMO, you could try too up the carbs slightly, depending on your current body fat levels. Just remember that it is your first show, and you will learn as you go on.

All the best with your competition as well. Good luck

http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/m_2906859/tm.htm

MY JOURNAL MASS FX JUNGLE WARFARE STACK

ORIGINAL: kitty

Zara, it could be as simple as you need a few more carbs. Not everyone is the same.

Cheers guys

Kitty - maybe youre right. Have been taking advice mainly from other ppl who compete but all male. Recently some girls (who get into great condition) have advised carbs were too high and they all have MUCH lower so I dropped them.....

You know how it is just now - listening to everyone and stressing out

Only 4 weeks to prolab now so jst not wanting to take any chances of not coming in on time...........

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

Hi Zara - didn't realise you were competing mate! All the best

It's hard to coment without seeing your current nutrition plan and how exercise is fitted in. Please post you wake, meals, cardio, work, weights and sleep time, and note any particular time that these hypos seem to be coming.

I'm confident we can stop these without upping carbs too much at all - infact my suggestions may even speed progress.

A common pre-comp problem this

James Collier MuscleTalk Co-Owner + Head Moderator
Nutrition Consultant www.healthyaction.co.uk
Email: james@muscletalk.co.uk

ORIGINAL: James

Hi Zara - didn't realise you were competing mate! All the best

It's hard to coment without seeing your current nutrition plan and how exercise is fitted in. Please post you wake, meals, cardio, work, weights and sleep time, and note any particular time that these hypos seem to be coming.

I'm confident we can stop these without upping carbs too much at all - infact my suggestions may even speed progress.

A common pre-comp problem this

Thanks James - and hearing that its a common prob makes me feel better already! lol

Well.... here is my current routine/diet and I'll be brave and add a pic at the end taken yesterday to give u an idea of current condition.....


Training:

MON:
8.00am cardio 45 mins
6.30pm chest and biceps then abs & 45 mins cardio

TUES:
8.00am cardio 45 mins
6.30pm shoulders then abs & 45 mins cardio

WED:
8.00am cardio 45 mins
6.30pm abs & glutes & 45 mins cardio

THURS:
8.00am cardio 45 mins
6.30pm abs & 45 mins cardio

FRI:
8.00am cardio 45mins
6.30pm back and triceps then abs & 45 mins cardio

SAT:
8.00am cardio 45 mins
6.30pm legs then abs & 30 mins GENTLE cardio lol (poor legs)

SUN:
11am ish abs & glutes & 45-60 mins cardio

(dep on other factors sometimes legs get moved to sunday)

DIET.......

7.30am:
eph & pink grenade, extreme glutamine caps

8.30am cardio

9.30am
350 mls eggnation, 1 scoop extreme protein
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, multivit, 1gm vit C)

12pm
1 chicken breast & veg (usually broccolli, sprouts or celery)

2.30pm
350 mls eggnation, 1 scoop extreme protein
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, 1gm vit C)

5pm
extreme nutri bar
(eph & pink grenade, extreme glutamine caps)

6.30pm training

8.30-9pm -ish
BSN Syntha6, BSN Cellmass

9.30pm
veggies and chicken or fillet steak if hungry (sometimes cant face food)

11pm
350mls eggnation, reflex micellar casein, extreme glutamine caps
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, multivit, 1gm vit C, reflex zinc matrix, GABA)

Sat 31st March 2007



Now..... i know there is an awful lot of liquid meals in there but I find them easier to take - chewing on all the chicken etc was destroying my soul LOL so I have adapted over the weeks. I am finding the blood sugar levels are dropping in the evenings during or after my PM training. I also find I am hellish tired and snappy in the afternoons which isnt the best at work unfortunately.

I have a cheat meal on Saturday nights and last night was the first time I have really taken advantage of it as up till now I wasnt suffering so bad.

I will also be entirely honest James (I know some girls dnt like to discuss) and say I am not natural - am using clen, eph, T3, T4, Anavar and Proviron. This will have a bearing on my progress which is why I mention.

Many thanks for your assitance

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

You look great Zara - you have alot more muscle that I thought yuou have. Great stuff.

You've 4 weeks to your first show? That is tight (looking at your photos) but do-able, but yes you need to keep output high and carbs low.

I'll be honest too - I'm not keen on a few aspects in that diet and no wonder you're feeling like you do. There's next to effall carbs there - thank goodness for that Extreme Bar and the Syntha6, or you'd have collapsed IMO! For the next 2.5-3 weeks up your am cardio to 60mins and swap your diet to someting like this (copy and paste with amendments):

7.30am:
eph & pink grenade, extreme glutamine caps

8.30am cardio

9.30am
25g oats
350 mls eggnation, 1 scoop extreme protein
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, multivit, 1gm vit C)

12pm
1 chicken breast & veg (usually broccolli, sprouts or celery)
20g basmati rice/quinoa/couscous (dry weight)

2.30pm
350 mls eggnation, 1 scoop extreme protein
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, 1gm vit C)

5pm
350 mls eggnation, 1 scoop extreme protein
1-2 oatcakes
(eph & pink grenade, extreme glutamine caps)

6.30pm training

PWO
30g whey in water + extreme glutamine caps

9.30pm
veggies and 80g chicken or fillet steak
2 small boiled new potatoes

11pm
350mls eggnation, reflex micellar casein, extreme glutamine caps
(axisHT, ProHMB, MRM smartblends, BSN thermonex, multivit, 1gm vit C, reflex zinc matrix, GABA)

##################

Obviously this is only from the info I have form your post, but it's the kinds thing you need. Notice the redistribution of low GI carbs. These are tiny portions, but their presence will improve your mood, will stop your hypos and will increase your metabolic rate - yes you might actually lose weight quicker

Oh one thing it lacks is some EFAs - what EFA supps do you have access to in your shop?

James Collier MuscleTalk Co-Owner + Head Moderator
Nutrition Consultant www.healthyaction.co.uk
Email: james@muscletalk.co.uk

ok thanks james -

the MRM smartblends in there is my EFA source. It contains EPA, DHA, CLA and GLA. I was also having a handful of nuts once a day but cut that out 1-2 weeks ago.

Now - is it possible and feasible to subsitute the oats at 9.30 and the rice at 12.00 for oatcakes too? The reason I ask is that oats and rice make me gag at the moment lol. Also my 9.30 meal is in the car as I am driving to work so oats would be tricky . I did have rice in with my 12.00 meal until one week ago but was advised by various people to drop it (and subsequently the blood sugar crashes began lol). If this is possible how many oatcakes would you suggest? The ones I have here are nairns and are 4.8gms carbs per oatcake. OR.... could I cut up a nutri bar (which is 36gms carbs) into 3 pieces say, and use that for some of the servings?

Also - when you say PWO whey in water.... would you recommend to continue with the syntha6 (15gms carbs) or just use the extreme protein for that too (1-2 gms carbs)? I am of the opinion that PWO carbs are important what do you reckon?

I have so many questions lol!

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

Looking great zara! Good luck with the comp

lol cheers mate

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

Looking in awesome shape there zaraleoni...

Good luck with the comps

Head Anabolic Mod @ http://www.underground-muscle.co.uk NOW AN OPEN BOARD

PED MEMBER OF THE YEAR 2007

Very pleasing shape Young Lady! Good luck with the show, I’m sure you will do well!

All the best

Regards

J

Age: 26
Height: 6ft
Weight: 83kg (12/5/06)

http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/Drop_it_like_its_Hot%21%21/m_1116927/tm.htm

not awsome enough yet but thanks for the compliments guys

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

Zara don't want to take this too far off topic being in Diet/Nutrition, but just noticed this thread and wanted to say you're looking fantastic!

I didn't know you were planning to compete either so huge good luck and let us know how you progress over the coming weeks and during the comp. Do you plan to start a journal, or even an update thread elsewhere?

Looking excellent girl - well done

Looking good!! Good shape

ORIGINAL: zaraleoni

ok thanks james -

the MRM smartblends in there is my EFA source. It contains EPA, DHA, CLA and GLA. I was also having a handful of nuts once a day but cut that out 1-2 weeks ago.

That sounds good - just want to make sure there's some EFAs

Now - is it possible and feasible to subsitute the oats at 9.30 and the rice at 12.00 for oatcakes too? The reason I ask is that oats and rice make me gag at the moment lol

Hmmmm - I'd prefer oats and rice but I'll leave that to you. They are such small portions though. Don't be such a girl! (oh hang on a minute you are!lol)

Also my 9.30 meal is in the car as I am driving to work so oats would be tricky.

how about blending the oats with the protein and eggnation? Then neck it before you get in the car. Down in one!

I did have rice in with my 12.00 meal until one week ago but was advised by various people to drop it (and subsequently the blood sugar crashes began lol). If this is possible how many oatcakes would you suggest? The ones I have here are nairns and are 4.8gms carbs per oatcake.

2-3 Nairns oatcakes

OR.... could I cut up a nutri bar (which is 36gms carbs) into 3 pieces say, and use that for some of the servings?

The Nutri-bar was ok til now, but we need to get stricter so it will have to go

Also - when you say PWO whey in water.... would you recommend to continue with the syntha6 (15gms carbs) or just use the extreme protein for that too (1-2 gms carbs)? I am of the opinion that PWO carbs are important what do you reckon?

PWO carbs do have a role, but you have a tight schedule, so my advice would be leave carbs then and inc them in your 9.30 meal. I'd use Extreme Whey as opposed to Extreme Protein

I have so many questions lol!

Ask away, questions are good. Just don't go finicky on me mate - you're a pre-comp bodybuilder in your final weeks. You have no time to mess about. Eat what you're told - it won't hurt you


BTW do you have a front leg shot, so we can see how your quads are coming in. This is a useful way of assessing progress.

James Collier MuscleTalk Co-Owner + Head Moderator
Nutrition Consultant www.healthyaction.co.uk
Email: james@muscletalk.co.uk

ORIGINAL: James
Hmmmm - I'd prefer oats and rice but I'll leave that to you. They are such small portions though. Don't be such a girl! (oh hang on a minute you are!lol)

ok ok haha - will give it a go as much as poss - hold nose and eat quick lol

ORIGINAL: James
how about blending the oats with the protein and eggnation? Then neck it before you get in the car. Down in one!

eewwwww yeah ok if needs must - more nose holding!

ORIGINAL: James
The Nutri-bar was ok til now, but we need to get stricter so it will have to go

ahhh ok.... there goes the one decent tasting thing in the diet then

ORIGINAL: James
Just don't go finicky on me mate - you're a pre-comp bodybuilder in your final weeks. You have no time to mess about. Eat what you're told - it won't hurt you

Ha ha - I'm always getting told what to do am used to it now - have even stopped complaining too lol

ORIGINAL: James
BTW do you have a front leg shot, so we can see how your quads are coming in. This is a useful way of assessing progress.

yeah i do........... taken same day bit of an angle though not dead on......... but its my ass thats worrying me lol!

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm

ORIGINAL: lradford

Zara don't want to take this too far off topic being in Diet/Nutrition, but just noticed this thread and wanted to say you're looking fantastic!

I didn't know you were planning to compete either so huge good luck and let us know how you progress over the coming weeks and during the comp. Do you plan to start a journal, or even an update thread elsewhere?

Looking excellent girl - well done

lol cheers hun - I hadnt planned to, didnt think there'd be much interest lol

TEAM GASPARI: ZARA-LEONI FORD  
http://www.gasparinutrition.co.za/team_gaspari.htm