Intro

Ever since I started my first pre-contest diet, I became intrigued with the effects of food on the human body, especially mine.  On August 5th, 2012, I was about 170 lbs. and at about 12-13% body fat.  I worked out 5 days a week without drive to succeed myself, just lifting weights with the same routine day in and day out.  17 weeks later, I was in the best shape of my life at the 2012 NPC Excalibur Bodybuilding Competition, my first bodybuilding show on December 1st, 2012.  I was 148 lbs. and at about 5-6% body fat.  I actually cut down to that weight 3-4 weeks earlier and just tried to maintain it up until the show.  It was my first experience doing a serious cut diet so I overestimated how much time I would need to be in contest shape.  But here it is...

1st Place - Novice Bodybuilding Division, Lightweight Class (154 lbs. & Under)

I took the next 2 weeks off after the competition to indulge.  Rookie mistake.  I ballooned up like I was a pregnant woman.  My skeletal and usually veiny feet have become engorged with water weight.  I began to eat clean again to allow my body to regain balance.  It took another 2 weeks, but I believe it has leveled out.

Now the next stage of experimentation has begun - the bulk.  I want a clean bulk to increase muscle mass with minimal fat gain.  I want to allow myself a cheat meal or two, where I do not count calories or macro nutrients and indulge!  A clean bulk takes time and patience, and I don't have much of the latter.  This is the first time I'm experimenting with a bulk and documenting it, so let's see what happens...