VICTORY
I made it... one month- not a single cheat meal or sweet! As I mentioned in the very first post, this may not be hard for some, and for others you've done this already for a contest so it's nothing new, but for me, IT WAS. I share this in case any other brothers are in the same position as me.
I made sure not to change any other parameters during this time (more cardio, more fat-burners, etc)... I kept everything the same except for the need to increase the weights in the gym or meal frequency d/t hunger.
Difficulty-
Honestly, not THAT bad... I think having a goal is what helped (and putting myself "out there" on this board). Actually, if you take two groups of people in a weightlifting/nutrition program and you tell group A "do your best" and group B "here are specific goals", group B will usually be the one to come out ahead/do better. The cravings/temptations were there a couple times. Particularly when I had a very bad situation come up a couple of times I really wanted to "raid the fridge" for comfort... but I confronted why I was seeking that food and was able to overcome.
Results-
I lost about 12 lbs... maybe an inch on the waist- I had to physically add a notch on my belt and it's still too loose. My strength remained the same (actually increased- I always try to go up at least one rep or of that sort for constant progression) and that persisted. I never felt "flat" but also not "pumped" either... just, "normal" usually... BUT, my pump in the gym was the same.
As I mentioned at the very beginning of this- I "had" to do this for several reasons, one psychological (if I ever compete AND to overcome a weakness) and physical- my insulin sensitivity SUCKS! I think this helped my insulin sensitivity A LOT.
It's interesting, even though I can now cheat today, it's not that big of a deal for me... I went to the store to buy some goodies and my mindset was just not that into it (I did buy some Oreo's though!
) but it's really not a big deal for me. I hope to keep this up.
Future...
I may try one cheat day every two weeks at the most with a goal of maybe just once a month.
Thanks for your time and interest guys, it was a BIG help knowing I had guys here I would "let down" if I didn't make. Yes, letting myself down should be the biggest motivator, BUT, as much of a loner as I am, I do know the value and need of community in one's life.
Oh yeah! I get to have my birthday cake now too that's been sitting in the freezer! hahahaha