Returning to competition after kids

[Anthony]

I was a pretty active body building competitor, then I had twins (with some help from my wife Nearly 3 years later, I think getting back into competing is possible - I am getting sleep, consistent gym schedule, etc. Planning for a late spring show.

For others in this situation before - how is dieting with little kids different from no kids? Any new challenges?

Thanks

[Ironbrian82]

I was a pretty active body building competitor, then I had twins (with some help from my wife Nearly 3 years later, I think getting back into competing is possible - I am getting sleep, consistent gym schedule, etc. Planning for a late spring show.

For others in this situation before - how is dieting with little kids different from no kids? Any new challenges?

Thanks

Anthony I can only imagine, you cant stop kids eating sweets chips etc, when your dieting on fish/greens chicken/rice, it prob makes dieting much harder, but if you got the will power go for it my friend, it will make you a stronger person if you manage to do it in the long run

[Anthony]

Thanks Brian. Any parents out there who can lend some practical experience?

[sassy69]

For whatever it's worth, I think you should look to all the women who come back from giving birth and being working and/or stay-at-home moms and still compete. (I'm not one of them, but I sit in awe of these ladies every time they hit the stage.) I expect your wife is more likely to be the one that dictates the food for the family and does most of the prep and day-to-day management of the kids. There are adjustments made, probably more in the time you spend preparing food (because time is still pretty precious when you have kids running around) and particularly the food you prepare when you have kids at the 'picky' age when they "love" a food one minute and won't touch it the next minute. I also expect you learn how to prepare snacks for them (to address the above issue) while you can still focus on your own diet. I don't think the difference is that much in terms of eating, except in your choices of preparation, the "transient foods" available for the kids, and of course, how serious you are in sticking to the diet instead of stealing your kids' snacks :cP

From observing others going thru this over the years, it seems like the food is an issue until you nail down a process, but the bigger issue is finding "your own time" to get in the gym regularly, as competition requires.

[Maniacal]

I have three kids and compete - you just do it. Your pantry is going to be filled with kid foods, so to speak, and you just don't eat them.

My schedule doesn't change - I wake up, shoot my gear, cook my meals, work, train, and so forth, only with family time interspersed as much as possible.

Anything else is simply excuses. Hobbies and such don't end just because you have kids, Indeed, you can be a better bodybuilder because you're forced into more of a structured environment which is what this lifestyle necessitates.

[supbro!]

I have three kids and compete - you just do it. Your pantry is going to be filled with kid foods, so to speak, and you just don't eat them.

My schedule doesn't change - I wake up, shoot my gear, cook my meals, work, train, and so forth, only with family time interspersed as much as possible.

Anything else is simply excuses. Hobbies and such don't end just because you have kids, Indeed, you can be a better bodybuilder because you're forced into more of a structured environment which is what this lifestyle necessitates.

100 percent true.

[Anthony]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Be careful with your assumptions Sassy I do most of the cooking and the one thing my kids will reliably eat is ground beef. *bodybuilder dad pride*

[Sunnyday]

Maniacal is right. I have 3 kids and they were 10, 4, and 2 when I started competing in 2011. You need to be meticulous when it comes to packing meals. Consistent gym time can be more of a challenge so have backup babysitters for the times when plans fall through, gym child care is closed, kids get sick, etc. It does put a strain on your spouse who picks up the slack as yo get closer to your show. I think it was John Meadows who pointed out in an interview (or maybe on Blue Collar Radio?) how selfish this sport is, and he said that after the competition is over make sure you give extra time to those in your life who picked up the slack so you could compete. Wise words.