I switched to an upper/lower split because my work schedule got hectic. Four solid sessions are easier to stick with than trying to squeeze in six, and I’m not constantly stressing about missing a day.

My biggest lesson was that contest prep isn't just about dropping pounds. I started posing practice way too late last time, and it showed on stage even though my conditioning was pretty good. Now posing starts from week one, right alongside the diet and training plan.

Ground turkey, rice, and frozen veggies have been my meal-prep combo for months. It's cheap, easy to track, and I can switch up the seasonings so I'm not eating the same flavor every day. I save shakes for when my schedule gets crazy instead of making them the foundation of my diet.