9 weeks out

Height: 5'10". Current Weight: 133.0 lbs. We are 9 weeks out from NPC Bikini-San Jose Fit Expo. 6 solid weeks into cutting. We're down to single digits, y'all!

Today's Topic: Supplements and Gear (powerlifting and pharmaceuticals).
A lot of people ask what kinds of supplements I take. When I began my journey I simply bought some whey protein and drank a protein shake after working out or made myself some protein pancakes--they were generally pretty dry and gross haha. I'm a big fan of anything from Optimum Nutrition because I can generally find it on sale and I really like the flavors they offer. It's a respectable brand and I'm cool with it. I really like Protizyme's Peanutbutter Cookie but it is SO ridiculously expensive that I refuse to buy it anymore. I also take Creatine. I have since January and while I'm not sure as to the ways its helped me OVERTLY, I do notice that I'm more rested in between workouts and sore for lesser periods of time. I was also able to build a fair amount of muscle (which is now really starting to show as I'm in the midst of this cut) when my creatine level was at about 5 grams a day. I take Fish Oil at meal time and a minimal amount of BCAAS in the morning before I workout. I workout fasted except for a pre-workout called Serum by Magnum Nutraceuticals. This particular pre-workout REALLY gets me going and I don't crash after, which I love. The final supplement in my arsenal is a fat burner--which I'm not going to disclose the name of because you won't be able to find it. My coach works for a supplement company and was able to put me on a low dosage of this (VERY MUCH LEGAL) thermogenic and I think it's done WONDERS for my fat loss.

In terms of gear I use when I lift--chalk. That's it. No suits, no knee wraps, not even a belt--YET. My very first (hot pink!) powerlifting belt should be coming to me from Inzer in the next week. I'm THINKING about competing in the deadlift at a mini-meet at my University on May 9th. Hopefully this belt will get me tight enough to hit a 250+ deadlift (if not for the competition, then in training before my show). In terms of pharmaceutical gear aka steroids--I'm completely natural. You may be reading this thinking: "Well, duh, why would you take steroids or any illegal thermogenic if you're competing in bikini?" You may be surprised to know that the VAST majority of pro bikini competitors have cycled on some kind of gear--be it HGH to cut, or Anavar to build muscle in the off-season. Unfortunately, this is just the way the sport of bodybuilding goes. I don't have a problem with people who take steroids--like in powerlifting when individuals use deadlift and squat suits or bench shirts, you have to use any advantage you get to really put yourself in the best position to win. Bodybuilding inherently involves steroid usage, and while I think I'm VERY far away from ever needing to take some kind of substance, I don't think they should have as big of a stigma on them as they currently do. Bodybuilders--even those who CLAIM to be natural--most likely juice, and that's okay in my mind. As long as you're using proper dosage, and doing proper PCT (post-cycle therapy) I think you're just one of thousands doing the same.

Feeling: Yesterday I had 2-3 ounces of Pecan Praline Frozen Yogurt from Yogurtland! It was the first time I've had something "not quite clean" in FOREVER. It was 20 cal an ounce, 0 Fat, 4g carbs, and 1g protein. If it fits your macros! Anyway, the dairy definitely bloated me up a bit, but that's okay. I deserved a tiny cheat. And anyway-I hit 133 exactly on the scale today so I don't mind. Feeling good otherwise. Still increasing my lift numbers (hit 195 x 3 with proper form yesterday in Deadlifts). Staying positive, very happy with how things are going right now.