Jounal Entry #1/ Week 1/ Nov. 14

I stated in previous posts that I would be journaling my diet leading up to the Ironman on February 17th in Pasedena. I started my diet last Thursday but it wasn't "official" until Monday because I went out to dinner on Friday for my boyfriends birthday and even though I still ate pretty clean I let myself have one more glass of wine before the long 14 weeks began.
Every time I start dieting for a show I have a different feeling and a different form of motivation. This time I was ready and I wasn't as scared as I have been in the past because I have a better idea of what to expect. I actually couldn't wait.
This time I started off a little leaner then in the past but still at around 135 lbs. So I hope that means I have put on more muscle which was my goal during the off-season. I also tried to tapper down my cardio during the months leading up the contest prep and mainly just tried to eat a little cleaner without depriving myself. So this time I don't have to start off doing SOOO much cardio. I know it will increase as the weeks go on but it is definatly bearable now.
I also find that lower carb diets work better for me. (That doesn't mean NO carbs) I carry a lot of excess water weight so right off the bat I lose that when my carbs are lower. I also think I have become a little more efficient at utilizing stored fat for energy with this method. I do, however, start to feel a little weaker and not as mentally sharp. But that could just be the decreased calories, or maybe I am just not that smart. ( No, that can't be it :0) )
I am hoping that starting out a little earlier and with a little bit more mucsle, I will come in looking a little more dense. But we will see as these weeks progress. Feel free to ask me anything else that you would like me to cover or that you are curious about. I will be writing a journal atleast once a week to chart my progress and changes. -V