First of all, in preparation for my first bodybuilding show, I was very lucky to come into contact with a trainer who taught the importance of NOT chronically dieting for competition. I was able to avoid most of the roadblocks such as chronic fatigue, muscle loss and general psychological discontent that most people encounter on their road to competition, or simply on the road to getting leaner.

The main things that "stood in my way" were really just everyday life. Having four children doesn't make it exactly easy to plan meals, let alone hauling all of them with me to the gym. However, those were things I decided before hand that I would accept. Doing this actually made is more of a challenge. It was actually rewarding as I found creative ways to include my children and others in my life with what I was doing. That way it was truly a part of my life and I didn't have to impose on other people to accomplish my goals.