Hi, there, ShadowBoxer. I did a search on “vascularity” here on the forum and found some pretty interesting discussions. You might want to give it a go.
Re diet motivation, unfortunately, it comes from within. The things that push our buttons are different for each of us. For me, it was just hitting rock bottom. The scale just kept going up. I didn’t care what I had to do, what price I had to pay, how hard I had to work, how much I had to starve. I had just reached that point.
Mostly, stay involved. Read up on diet here on the forum and in the article archive until you find something that works for you.
But the single most important thing you can do regarding your diet? Keep a food log and track the food you put into your mouth. You find yourself not wanting to eat out as much (because you don’t know the macronutrient breakdown or the calories). You stop snacking out of boxes. You start eating cleaner. The list of benefits goes on and on. Plus with precise information on your diet, you can draw upon the knowledge and wisdom of the T-Nation.
Bottom line, you’ve got the work ethic. You’re putting in the time. But with a layer of fat, no one (including yourself) will be able to appreciate it. Diet is 80%. Working out and cardio, MAYBE 15%. Supplementation MAYBE 5%. Put your time and energy into what’s going to give you the greatest return.
Good luck to you!!!