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Appetites and Adventures

Eating for Abs + WIAW

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This is the point where food gets really fun.

 

And by “fun” I mean weird.

I’m 3 days out from my figure competition.  The asparagus started, (click here for the reason behind that), but I have a bit more variety this time.  Broccoli and green beans have never seemed so exciting!

Broccolii may get stuck in your teeth, but french fries get stuck on your ass

 

People comment a lot about my diet.  They are surprised that I’m still eating carbs, that I waited so long to cut hard. What you have to remember, my little snowflakes, is that every body is different.  I didn’t start out with a lot of body fat, so my cutting is different.  If I did eat like this for weeks on end… I’d be tired and skinny!

There’s not one right or wrong way to do it.  (Ok, there is a wrong way… people go nuts but you know what I mean.)

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My WIAW meals were strange… but (mostly) good.  After yesterday’s ab post, I got a few questions about what exactly I’ve been eating.  Here it is!  Eating for Abs: 101.

Note: I was still eating Greek yogurt up until Sunday.  Water depletion hasn’t started as of this post (that beings today – the real Wednesday).  Sodium is super-low.

WIAWbutton

Check out my 7 low-fat, low-sodium, protein-laced meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how more normal people are eating!

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Meal 1:

My day still begins with my morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos).  This morning I drank half, ran my sprints, and then drank the second half.  If I had a full glass before running I’d cramp up!

Then breakfast.  If you follow me on Instagram, you know I found some a curious new coffee flavor this weekend at TJ Maxx:

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Coffee

 

Which lead to one awesome #strangebutgood creation!  Chocolate-Peanut Butter Coffee Oats with an Elvis twist – I added banana extract and Smoked TVP Bacon Bits.  The King would have been proud.

I took the Southern further with chicken.  Cinnamon-Flax Baked Chicken and oats is really just a healthier version of the classic chicken and waffles.  Sort of.

Anyway, this sweet and smokey banana creation was legit good.  (The chicken is certainly optional.)  Topped with mashed strawberry “jam.”

Elvis Oatmeal

Peanut Butter-Banana (Elvis) Mocha Oatmeal

 

Bring oats, coffee, and water to a boil.  Cook until liquid is mostly absorbed.  Add in spices, powder, extract, and sweetener (can adding additional water/coffee if needed).

Allow to simmer until water is absorbed and your oats reach your desired level of thickness.

Place in a bowl and top was desired.  I used my bacon bits, mashed strawberries (warmed in microwave), and chicken.  Mmmmm… protein. 😉

 

Meal 2:

Turkey.  It’s not just for dinner.  This breakfast-y version will be this Friday’s #strangebutgood!  Eaten with strawberries and a sprinkle of smoked paprika (I’m obsessed)

Turkey and berries

Meal 3:

Lunch was pretty normal… or so I thought.  My coworkers seems to think my colorful plate was strange.  Either way, it was good!  Swordfish (a.k.a. the “steak of the sea”) with broccoli, red pepper, and the dreaded asparagus.

The eggplant chips may be a little weird.  I used this method, but made them dessert by seasoning with stevia and cinnamon.  They are better when I crisp them back up in the oven, but the microwave was my only option at work.

Swordfish and eggplant chips

 

Meal 4:

Rainbow Trout, baked with dill, lemon juice, and red onion.  With a crunchy side of sugar peas and broccoli.  I really like trout, but their teeny little bones are annoying.

Trout

 

Of course I had a little dessert.  Gum.  I bought this because it was on sale – I love the Apple Pie flavor, but Sorbet never appealed to me.  I was pleasantly surprised!  The flavor seemed to have lasted a little longer.

Sherbert dessert gum

 

Meal 5:

This meal was scarfed down at the gym after working out back and triceps and an hour of posing.  Swordfish with chopped broccoli and red pepper.  I would have eaten my hand, but this was decidedly better.

“Dessert” was my carb – sweet potato cubes sprinkled with cinnamon and cocoa.

Post-workout dinner and dessert

 

Meal 6:

I was desperate for dessert.  So I made cinnamon and ginger roasted asparagus.  And chicken.  It was strange… not so sure it was good.  4 more days.

cinnamon asparagus

Not one of my proudest moments.

Meal 7:

After that last meal, I’d had enough.  Bed time.

***

Protein count for the day: 145.9g; Sodium: 457.4mg

Is there a food you burnt yourself out eating too much of?

What would be the first thing you’d at post-competition?  I’m still deciding…

 

Comments

  1. I always find the science of eating for bodybuilding and figure competitions so fascinating. It is so precise and it is interesting to hear that it can be quite different for different people (though that makes sense when you think about it). Good luck in your competition! The time has arrived so quickly.

    • It is fascinating! You can do alot of damage if you don’t pay attention to your individual needs. Thank you!!

  2. Haha, it may be a little weird to other people, but not by my standards still;)
    Except that you ate asparagus at dessert. That’s where I draw the line at weird 😉
    At least your competition is almost near and you’re going to rock it!!
    I still have yet to try that gum, but I really want to nowww.
    I’ve felt burnt out on oatmeal before, but that was a while ago.
    Eat nut butter for sure!

  3. OKAY ROAST those green beans up like french fries! I love em roasted with salt, pepper and olive oil – SERIOUSLY AWESOME!! And uh, how did that eggplant SMELL at work after being microwaved? lol.

    What’s funny is I don’t get burnt of from food – I literally have been eating the same dinner (aside from going out) every day for the past like 4 years… And never fail, I am always left wanting more!!

    If I ate junk foods, etc… I think I WOULD GO CRAZY after a competition – CRAZY! Bring on the most unhealthy, fattening crap ever… Actually you know what? I probably wouldn’t – I would only do that if I KNEW I was going to die tomorrow anyways. lol

    • You totally inspired me – I did that with beans and asparagus for lunch (but without oil or salt). It was AMAZING with lime juice and curry spices. Thank you!!!

  5. I’ll tell yo u what, Laura- if you send me some of that PB & Chocolate coffee, I will make it my mission to find a way to send you some authentic mango lassi :)! I always knew you were one of the most committed people I “know”, and eating asparagus and chicken for dessert only confirms that- more power to you, my friend!

  6. I love your food. So genious. And Not strange to me, I throw tons of cinnamon over everything. I am getting sick of Sunwarrior Protein Powder. I had so many smoothies with it, I guess I need a break!
    Whatever you eat after your competition, cover it with nutbutter!! 🙂

  7. Oh god, I just had horrible flashbacks of the time I did chicken and asparagus five times a day, every day for 3 months. It’s still amazing to see how you keep this kind of diet interesting!

  9. Wow, your food gets stranger every day. Chicken and oats for breakfast, asparagus for dessert? I couldn’t do that. You are so dedicated!

    • It’s so good! I have a recipe somewhere on here for more “normal” mocha oats. 🙂

  12. Ok…NOW I have to ride over to TJ Maxx to find that coffee!! And you’re still tempting me with the eggplant. Need to take a ride to the produce market!! Have a great day, Laura. Can not WAIT to hear about the competition!!

  14. i will do a competition if you feed me. I don’t think i’d feel deprived.. too much. The flavors are key, right?

    • Yes! It blows my mind how many competitors eat the same, unseasoned food all day long. Not necessary!

  16. I can imagine that if I ever did a competition, I would get a lot of use out of extracts…gotta keep those flavours interesting!

    And post-competition, I would probably dive into a big-ass chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting first thing. Or onion rings. But probably both.

  17. You know what I would eat after? The marinated tofu pita from The Earl with a side of tater tots. That is the best meal ever! Or pizza. Or maybe frozen yogurt. But probably the pita with tater tots.

  18. Peanut butter oatmeal sounds amazing! I’m so impressed with your dedication. I’d be loading up on cinnamon and gum like crazy if I were eating that much meat and veggies! You’re doing amazing.

  19. Asparagus for dessert? Oh girl. I’m pretty much in awe of your dedication and determination. BUT! Just 3 more days!! And you’re going to freakin’ ROCK your competition and celebrate with a huge plate of nachos and a slice of chocolate cake for dessert… At least that’s what I’d be doing anyways 🙂

    • Thank you!!! I learned last time that nacho cheese… no bueno. It was good… but less so at 5am. TMI? 😉

  20. Hehe I but between coffee and asparagus, your pee is gonna smell mighty funky 🙂 yes that is creepy, but I know you’ll find it funny. Also, you HAVE to try the Extra lemon squares gum (go to target). It. Is. The. Bomb. Seriously. You can even taste the crust.
    Good luck in your final days of prep, lady! Rooting for you all the way! You are so dedicated to your goals that there is no way that you won’t achieve what you set out to do–and I love how you are also still very in tune with what your body needs. So many people forget about that part.
    OH MA GERD I need to DM you on twitter about a few restaurant questions. And dammit I still owe you recipes! I’m a failure 😉

    • You have NO idea. So bad. 🙂

      Lemon is good, but Apple Pie still wins for me!

      I’m slow responding right now, but ask away sand I’ll reply ASAP. 🙂

  21. Strangely enough, I think cinnamon is something I’m burned out on. I used to put it on just about everything sweet, but I’ve been over it for a while now. It’s kind of funny, I warned Tony that this week he would be eating completely for fuel and not for pleasure. He’s taking it pretty well so far, though this is day 3…we will see how he feels by Friday. I need to get some Glutamine. I keep forgetting! Recommendations on brands? What does it taste like?

    • I don’t think I could ever burn out on cinnamon. But, never say never…

      I’m not brand loyal on glutamine, just make sure it’s Japanese grade (I think most are). It’s all tasteless. How are Tony’s abs today?

  22. Yeah…I am going to need to find me some of that coffee…..You rock..thinking I am going to try making some of your weird concoctions. Cant WAIT to hear about this weekend. Go get em girl and shake that ass!

  23. WOW on those oats!!!! YUM! Did you try the coffee as coffee only & if yes, how did it taste? 🙂

    I love the variety & craziness you bring to food. I never in my lifetime would think of the stuff you do to food! 🙂

    SO TRUE on all bods are different for you dieting! I have to admit that I thought about the carbs you were eating too so close to competition BUT me, I am so opposite you in the bod department. I gain fat & muscle easy AND I had to start my competition diet at least 12 weeks out & way more strict than you. But as you wrote – different bods! 🙂 I figured you & your trainer know bet! 🙂

    • It was good… but not like eating a PB cup. 🙂

      I am a hard, hard gainer… without those extra carb calories I’d be like a starving thrid world kid on stage. LOL!

  24. I love that adding cinnamon makes it feel like dessert. I agree! Following along with you as you’ve prepared for this competition has been so interesting. I love the “science” aspect of what you’re doing. I also love that you are so SMART about it all, and take into account what works for YOU. Very inspiring!

    I tried looking for butter extract at Whole Foods last time I was there . . . and mine doesn’t sell it!! Brutal. So, I’m still on the hunt!

  25. this unfortunate soul is allergic to stevia, or rather, has issues with cross-reactivity with ragweed. :/

    that swordfish meal looks like my idea of a perfect meal (except the dessert eggplant, but i understand being desperate for dessert in this situation!).

    this time you should eat some sort of dessert. a cheesecake perhaps. i think that’s what you’re craving.

    • That is so, so sad… I don’t know what I’d do without it right now.

      The egplant is actually good (unlike the dessert asparagus).

  26. I love that you point out that everyone is different. SO important, especially on food/fitness blogs.
    So glad that someone else appreciate sweet + savoury. Those eggplant chips sound great and I’ll have to try them with cinnamon. I love tuna + nut butter, if you’ve never tried it, GET ON IT!
    TJMaxx and Marshalls have amazing finds always. If not strange. But I love strange.
    I try to not burn out on foods, I’m so afraid of doing so that I preempt myself.

    good luck with your 3 days- you’re so dedicated and I’m sure you’ll fire it up!

    • Thank you!!! I hate when people pressure themselves to fit some crazy mold.

      I have a tahini-tuna salad recipe… I’d imagine any nuttiness would be ah-mazing in tuna. I miss fats!!!!!!!

  28. I personally think all of your meals look delicious, and especially the one with the chicken and oats. I’m up for anything! (This coming from the girl who has to eat soup for every meal though… Hehe 😉 )

    I still find the whole idea behind asparagus to be amazing. I’m not quite sure why, but it’s pretty neat.

    I’m burnt out on zucchini, butternut squash, and carrots. I just had them way to frequently and now just the sight of them (especially butternut squash and carrots) makes me want to hurl (awesome mental picture, no? 😉 ). Right now I’m mainly eating kabocha, acorn squash and peas. Hope I don’t get tired of those or there will be literally nothing left! Haha.

    • Chicken and oats are growing on me!

      Those are may FAV veggies that you are burnt out on!!! I like the others too. Except acorn . can’t stand it. Weird.

      • It’s weird because those used to be my favorites too. Probably just my foodie cycle and I’ll be eating them like crazy in a few months again 😀

  29. I would probably go for a huge Mexican feast! And then go out for ice cream afterwards! Can’t wait to see what you indulge in!

  30. Love the rainbow trout! Saw your comment about making skin into chips…not sure I can do that as it kind of grosses me out…lol

    Eats look fabulous! Like you said, everyone is different and no two diets will be the same. It’s all so individual!

    As for post-comp eats, LC’s Healthy Bites. I’m not sure what else. I’m really liking what I’m eating and I’m not craving anything specific at this point 🙂

    3 more sleeps!!!! So excited for you!

    • You scale it first, but it’s really not bad!!!

      I am getting Healthy Bites too! So pumped. 🙂

  32. I am so impressed by your motivation Laura – Sending you lots of good luck and you are going to rock it. Some of your eats are little strange to me but its always interesting to read how your body has transformed. I would totally settle with a bag of Oreos and Sushi

    • But most of the time they really are good!!

      Totally had sushi last night. 🙂

  33. again girl good luck! we love trout too but get sick of the bones. but still yummy 🙂
    not sure what I would eat post comp if I ever did one – maybe some cookies or brownies haha, probably dessert based or maybe a nice burger, oh I don’t know haha

    • I nearly died when I saw the cookies you guys were testing the other day. 🙂

  34. You are so right, every body and everybody is different! That’s one reason why I love your blog.

    Good luck!! I know you are going to do amazing. Your dedication inspires me for realz!

  35. Chocolate PB Cup Coffee? That sounds amazing even to the total non-coffee drinker that I am. Care to send me some ;)?
    Once again I’m amazed by how creative you still get on such a restricted competition diet. Seriously, you make even eating this way seem appealing. Yay for broccoli and green beans being allowed this time around. Let the broccoli-bombing begin :D.
    As for foods I overate on there aren’t many but one semi-funny story I remember from childhood. We were on the way to the mountains for a skiing holiday and my mum had packed a huge bag of liquid-filled multivitamin hard candies. Well, still being quite the sugar addict back then I ate WAY too many of them. Actually, just thinking of them makes me cringe right now still. Maybe not the kind of food you meant when asking but the first thing that came to mind.
    Oh, sorry I forgot to report back on your vegan bacon bits. Admittedly, at first I thought I wasn’t too keen on them when eaten straight from the oven. But storing them in an air-tight jar afterwards the flavours developped and have gotten better by the day. It’s been ages since I last had bacon so I can’t vouch for authenticity but they’re definitely good in their own right. Thanks for sharing that fun recipe!

    • Thank you so much!

      I’m glad you ended up liking the bits. Don’t be afraid to play with the favor to suit your tastes! 🙂

  36. Am I allowed to say that I wish I started with your body fat?! 😉 You’re doing a GREAT job getting some more variety in this time – you look less burned out on the same foods this time around! And that breakfast looks delicious! Eventually I will branch out from my protein shakes, but they are so darn good!

    • I am less burned out… but good lord I WANT fat!

      protein shakes have their place, but I limit it to one a day. “Real” food is preferable.

  37. You’re counting down to your competition, I’m counting down to California. And we both like chocolate peanut butter.

  38. Those oats look amazing!!! I think all your meals look delicious though!! I thought I kept my sodium low….hot dang girl 400mg is impressive!! You are going to rock your show this weekend!!! You have worked so hard and it deserved to be recognized!!! BTW — this was THE PERFECT follow up to yesterday’s workout and Abs are made in the kitchen post!

    • the last time around I thought sodium under 500mg was impossible… once you get used too it, it’s suprisingly NOT. As long as you make all your own seasonings and don’t eat shell fish. 🙂

      Thank you!!!

  39. You are almost there…mere days aways…you can do it!

    Also, I forgive you for calling me a snowflake because all I want is for Spring to get here and stay here.
    The food I burnt out on was green beans last summer. We got pounds and pounds in our CSA last year and it got to the point where I couldn’t stand to look at them. Hell, I think I’ve only eaten them twice since then and why I didn’t think to freeze them is still a mystery to me.

    Back to you. You are almost there. The end is in sight so you better test drive those stripper heels.

    • I can’t believe the weather! they said today in the UYS we have places with record highs, record lows, record snow, and record rains. WTH?!

  40. I think your lunch looks pretty normal and really tasty! Maybe someday I will get burnt out on oatmeal and yogurt bowls. I eat both of them almost every single day. At least with both of those things there are so many different flavor combinations you can use. I’m getting so excited for you and your competition!

  42. You know…I was THISCLOSE to dipping my asparagus in peanut flour “goop” tonight! Haha! I ended up going for mustard instead…and then had the goop on a rice cake! But still, I wonder… 😉

    Gotta hand it to ya for eating soggy microwaved eggplant. It’s SO not the same, but I totally get it…I mean, I do spend 10 hours at the hospital where my only heating devices are a microwave and a toaster (on the other side of the building…oh the things I do for toast!) Oh, and I feel I should share…do NOT put a Quest bar in the toaster…unless you want to burn down the building! 😉

    I’ve burnt myself out on a lot of protein shakes and bars in the past…I blame the fact that I tend to get fixated on a certain thing and that’s basically ALL I eat for weeks on end. Luckily that hasn’t happened with my eggs yet. Oh sorry…I didn’t just say eggs…SHIT I didn’t just say it again! 😯

    Post comp = PANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCAKES!! Duh!

    • I would 100% do that!!! Peanut goop… mmmm…

      You put a Quest bar in a toaster?! For real? That must have been the biggest mess ever!

      Are you bringing me pancakes?!?!?! 🙂

  43. I’ve had that coffee!!! When I’m not getting my coffee from Target, TJ Maxx + Marshall’s are where I like to stock up. 🙂 I liked the sorbet flavor, but it cannot compete with Apple Pie…or Lemon….or Orange Creamsicle. I actually like the Strawberry Shortcake one, too. Maybe I just like sugar. And gum.

    Not gonna lie, I think your swordfish lunch looks phenomenal. I kind of want it.

    • Orange and Strawberry at the 2 I cannot get on board with… have you had the root beer? So good!

  44. Bahaha. I absolutely LOVE your first picture!!!

    Grilled chicken (not actual grill, but like on a George Foreman grill) is something I get sick of, and quickly!! I’ve started cutting it up and tossing it in veggies, which has helped a little!!

    And post competition … cinnamon sugar donuts or bread pudding. Slurp!

    • I get sick of the Georga Forman becasue I HATE cleaning it! Seriously – such a pain. 😉

      Mmmm… bread pudding. Good call!

  45. Okay so I have to admit that I eat (willingly) asparagus about 363 days a year and have for the past three or four.
    Perhaps I’d feel differently if someone forced me into it.

    What I really wanted to comment is 2 things.

    1: GOOD LUCK.

    and 2: I am nominating the “Peanut Butter-Banana (Elvis) Mocha Oatmeal” for the Strange But Good standing champion. The chicken pushed it over the top.
    Not sure what could top that. I love the way your mind works.

    • But 5x a day?! It’s just a lot. A whole lot.

      1. Thank you

      2. It IS pretty strange… maybe I should have save it for Friday’s link up? 😉

      • OH. Yeah, I didn’t think of the 5 times a day factor. I don’t even think I could do that with Peanut Butter!

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