Can anyone tell me what their typical daily meal plan is when not preparing for any contests? I have my 1st contest (Figure) this Saturday and although I can't WAIT to eat some yummy cheat foods I do want to retain all that I have worked hard for all these weeks! I ate a healthy diet before I started the contest diet but was not nearly as strict. I want to be able to keep my shape and eat healthfull ybut yet at the same time be able to go out with my boyfriend/son/etc and enjoy a good dinner somewhere or on a weekend go have some pancakes for breakfast or have some of that potluck at work.

So far, I've found that EASING gently back into normal, daily diet is better than jumping in with both feet and eating anything in site for longer than a day or two..post contest. I reverted back to a bev diet plan - adding back in 25g of carbs in increments. I waited for my slower metabolism to adjust to MORE food.. and let it catch up with eating normally. So far, it's worked well and after my weight stabilized from depletion and added sodium.. I went to a stable weight and have maintained for almost 3 weeks. I will then bump up again incrementally with added protein/fat and carbs.. adjust.. and go from there. SLOW is better.. otherwise, in 2-3 weeks you are right back to where you were 16 weeks pre-contest!! Some people follow a Lean/Gain type diet; rotating carbs throughout week; other just want all out MASS and get right down to it. I've added in a few 'extras' that weren't okay pre-contest.. but they are good, allowable diet plan foods.. just more of them! I'm sure that one cheat meal a week or every other won't spoil the look you desire to have. Just be cautious! Speaking from past experience..I've found myself right back to where I started.. before I knew what hit me!!