Well, I’m all of one week into Project Big Ben, and let me tell you: it might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’m pushing outside my comfort zone, and at times, that can feel overwhelming. I’m constantly having to remind myself:

You made this choice for the right reasons. You planned well. Stay the f*&!ing course.

It’s hard, though, when I feel more bloated than a beached whale After a day of eating more oats and potatoes than I did over the course of an entire week while I was trying to stay 181. It’s hard when I go to the gym expecting to have added 100 pounds to my total overnight and haven’t (yet).

So instead I try to focus on looking in the mirror, where I can finally see myself starting to get some of that old thickness back. Or savoring the feeling of actually sleeping at night, instead of tossing and turning and dreaming about my next meal. And I try to embrace the process, even when it’s uncomfortable — because hey, if it were easy, everyone would do it. And, the funny thing is, the scale hasn’t moved all that much. I’m looking better, feeling healthier, and all I had to do was eat more. That’s really encouraging in itself.

A Quick Look at My Diet

For those following along, here’s approximately what my current diet looks like:

Off Days: 2500 calories, 250 protein/250 carbs/50 fat

On these days, I’ll typically do two egg/beef meals:

  • 4 egg whites plus 2 whole eggs

  • 3 ounces extra lean ground beef

  • Half cup oats

And three meals with chicken:

  • 5 ounces chicken breast

  • Quarter of an avocado

  • Large potato

Dynamic Effort days: 3500 calories, 250 protein/550 carbs/30 fat
ME days: 4250 calories, 250 protein/850 carbs/0 fat

These days are both pretty similar. I’ll do three chicken meals:

  • 5 ounces chicken breast

  • 2-3 large potatoes

I’ll also do a “fun” meal pre and post workout. I usually make protein pancakes preworkout, with oats, coconut flour, and egg whites. Postworkout I’ll have a large bowl of Ezekiel cereal and a protein shake.

I don’t want to give away too many diet details, because Justin Harris is writing my nutrition plan, and that’s his information to share as he chooses. I can’t recommend him highly enough, though — he is by far the smartest guy I’ve worked with, and his planning has been perfect.

What’s Next

I’ll start meet prep for the US Open soon, and hopefully by then I can finish filling out the 198 class. I think it’s doable, although it will definitely be a challenge.

In the meantime, I’ll continue these updates — Look for a full day of high-carb eating next week!