Half way there!

Well 6 weeks left! Can't believe I"m halfway to contest date already! It's been an incredible journey of strength and discipline. I've had days where I wanted to give up, but have kept going. I've come this far already, no stopping now! This past weekend I attended my first figure show with my mom in St. Louis. I wanted to see exactly what I was getting into;) It was somewhat of a smaller show but I really enjoyed it. All the girls looked amazing and to know what kind of work it takes to get up there on stage you don't know unless you experience it. The months of dieting/training for 2 minutes on stage is what no  one sees. Crazy to think that the work put into a figure show is all for a couple minutes of stage time to show off your hard work. However, it is an unbelievable accomplishment to get on that stage and I can't wait to be apart of that group. Like I said before, many people don't understand the lifestyle, but after awhile it becomes almost of an addiction. Now that I see my body changing, it definately motivates me to push forward. I still have a long ways to go in these next 6 weeks. This week I start posing, which is a huge aspect for competition. It looks easy, however is very difficult to master, but I will do my best! People have asked me if I'm going to do another show...Well let me get through this one first! lol...Then I will decide!! Thanks for ready, I will keep everyone posted!

Emotional rollercoaster

I apologize for not blogging for about a month now, I feel like I've been super busy!!! I will try and do better! ;) I am now 7 weeks away from competition, and can't believe how fast it's gone! I've had a roller coaster of emotion these past few weeks. About three weeks ago I started working with on-line coach for my diet and workouts. I wanted some structure of someone telling me exactly what to eat and what to do. So far, I've been very pleased with my coach's methods. One thing I have learned is that losing bodyfat, ect. is about DIET not EXERCISE. It's about creating a calorie deficit. You need to have a sound diet to lose weight/fat. You can't eat like crap and make it up with exercise if your wanting to lose fat. I totally am a believer in that now.  When Erik (my coach) first sent me the diet, my body definitely had to adjust! Since my bodyweight is very low, it's hard to find that calorie deficit, so I am definitely on a restriction much lower than I was used to, which will only get lower closer to show! However, I am actually working out less than I was and getting great results! Currently 4 weight workouts a week, 2 core/ab strengthening workouts, and 2 cardio workouts. The first week of my new plan I truly felt like giving up...but i've stuck through it and realized I've come a long way and want to finish what I started! In these past 3 weeks I have gained mental strength that I  never knew was possible. Yes it is hard to resist the temptations of every day life with food, especially when everyone around you does not eat the way you do. I have learned that I am in control of my mind and that piece of pizza is no longer worth it to me with all the hard work I've put it. This process is only going to make me a stronger person in the end, and that is what I think about every time I'm tempted. I'm not going to lie, this is that hardest thing I've ever done in my life, much harder than I thought. Now I am very focused on my end result and nothing is going to stop me at this point! Whether I get first or last in the show, when i make it to that day I get on stage, I know that I will have achieved something that little or no people could ever do, and I will be proud regardless. Currently my diet is looking like this:
Meal 1:Oatmeal/eggwhites/blueberries
Meal2: Post workout-Protein shake/160 cal carb
Meal 3: chicken/sweet potato
Meal 4: Shrimp/rice
Meal 5: Top sirloin/veggie
Meal 6: 1/2 cup cottage cheese
Gallon of water per day
Non-workout days are a little different...I can finally start subbing foods this week! Still  need to stick within calorie ranges but nice to get a little variety. Like I said, the tough thing is that the calories will get lower closer to show, and right now I'm not taking in an extreme amount, about 1200/day. So here we go, 7 weeks left! No turning back now!
I truly believe that everyone has the ability to do whatever they want in life. This process has truly taught me that. The things you want in life are not always easy, there are road blocks and challenges. It's about what you yourself is willing to sacrifice and do to reach your goal. Hard work,determination, consistency,compliance...That is how I'm going to reach my goals...How bout you??? Til next time...

Starting Over.............

Ok, so I havn't blogged in awhile, but am sort of starting over with training b/c I decided to do a show in Des Moines on May 14th, which is about 6 weeks later than planned, so once again the 12 week journey starts over! I'm ok with that though. I've learned alot in the 6-7 weeks prior that will hopefully come in handy for these next 12 weeks of training/dieting.  A long ways to go from my stand point. Abs are starting to come in, still having alot of problems with hips and thighs though. Current stats are weight 103.6 and 15% bodyfat, as of Monday. Everyone wants to know "What do you eat??" Well I'm experimenting with different foods right now. I've learned that it's not sooo important as to what foods i'm eating but rather sticking with the calories and protein/carbs/fat ratios. Currently 1600 calories per day 180 g protein/140 g carbs/45 g fat. I have learned that my cheat meals may be hurting me. I'm still allowing myself two at this point, just need to watch my portion control, which has been out of hand lately on the cheat meals! I may look into an on-line nutrition coach for my competition b/c still unsure if I'm doing the right things or not. Anyone looking for fat loss...my one word of advice...BE CONSISTENT! Don't expect results when you do something half ass...and sorry to say people, there is no magic pill to lose weight or a specific exercise...it's a CONSISTENT diet!!! Things take time and nothing happens right away, which is why so many people give up. Training right now is 5 days of cardio ( 2 HIIT sessions and 2 lower intensity sessions) Weight training 5 days a week with shoulders/legs twice. Sticking with reps in the 8-10 range. Second leg/shoulder days are a little lighter. Right now I'm sticking to basic moves, nothing fancy, general muscle building exercises. For those of you curious...Here is my diet right now:

Meal 1: Preworkout-5 egg whites/.5 cup oatmeal/1 tbsp of flax/1 cup strawberries (I mix my egg whites and oatmeal together and form a pancake like i've told many of you before, actually even blended everything including the strawberries in my magic bullet last weekend and it was like strawberry pancakes! soo good!)

Meal 2: Postworkout (Usually within 15 minutes after workout) This meal gives me the most freedom of the day b/c this is when you want the simple sugars and carbs as well as fast digesting protein. I've found some on-line forums and have recently been having my shake with 1 scoop whey protein/.5 cup skim milk/and 100 cal pack of oreos and blending it/freeze/then eating after workout..delicious!

Meal 3: 2 rice cakes/1 tbsp natural peanut butter/15 almonds

Meal 4: 4 oz. 99% lean ground turkey/1 slice provolone cheese/1 earthgrain whole grain bun/1 cup broccoli

Meal 5: 4 egg whites, 1/4 cup oatmeal, 1/2 tbsp peanut butter

Meal 6: 4 oz ground turkey or lean steak/romaine lettuce/ red pepper/tomato/pico de gallo

Meal 7: Casein protein shake

Now this diet works for ME and MY body....It takes time to figure out what your body needs and it depends on how you workout/goals/ect.

I just want to say I'm not blogging to show off, brag, ect. Just want to inform those about an unknown sport that takes alot of discipline and willpower, I want to give tips/advice for those struggling with weight loss, ect. I want to inspire others to be better people and help others reach their goals. This is what keeps me sane through this process when I feel like giving up. There are not many people who understand this lifestyle. I always get funny looks when I carry a huge cooler of food around all day long;) But that's what I have to do in order to achieve my goals. I'm sure I will be criticized along the way for the things I do and the new habits I have, but you know what, I'm ok with that. I don't care what people say, this is my dream and dammit I'm going to do it. I've always been a procrastinator, but this is finally something that I have made my mind up I'm doing. I'm not passionate about many things, but fitness is definitely a passion of mine. Doing this competition is a passion of mine. I've learned alot about myself already. I feel I am changing into a different person, for the better. I'm very focused on what I'm doing which is carrying over into other aspects of my life. I love the intensity and the challenge of this. So I ask each and every one of you reading this, what did you do today to get closer to your goals? What didn't you do? What do you have to do better? Every night before I go to bed, I want to always go to sleep knowing that my goal for the future is only going to happen based on the things I did today. Good Night Everyone...Come Back!



Lifting heaver=Leaner physique!

Here I am Week 5 day 2. Originally I would say that I have 8 weeks left, however, I have contemplated for a few weeks now about what show to participate in. After thinking about it, since I am inexperienced and new at this, I've decided to compete in a local show in Des Moines on May 14th. I'm looking into the organization at this point making sure it is an open competition. So, this changes things but not much. Instead of 8 weeks, I now have 14. Even though I truly feel like I could be ready in 8 weeks because of the rapid changes happening in my body, this gives me a little bit more of a chance to learn more about diet, training, and all other aspects of the figure athlete. I'm still in the learning phase about what things are working for me and what's not. I really won't change things at this point, I will start doing more cardio to continue to lose bodyfat. I've switched my diet around a little bit, adding different foods, but still maintaining the same macro nutrients (proteins, carbs, fat) and calories. Some new foods I have tried are sweet potatoes (a great carb source that makes you feel fuller longer!) Still eating the hell out of oatmeal/egg whites!:) 99% lean turkey breast cutlets and Round Steak are some protein sources I've been eating for lunch/dinner. Pre workout i'm eating 4 egg whites/Cliff Energy bar. A tip of mine is that if you are working out, you always want to let your food/workouts go hand and hand for maximum results. Eating an hour before your workout will fuel your body and give you the energy you need to get through your workout. Eating immediately or within an hour after your workout will restore/rebuild/replenish your muscles and put fuel back into your body. Women ask me how they can get toned, ect. Word of advice.....LIFT HEAVIER WEIGHTS. So often I see women in the gym lifting 5 lbs, ect. and expecting results...NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. You need to lift heavier to fatigue the muscle and give it a chance to grow/tone up. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn at rest, in turn the more of a fat burning machine you become! Paired with cardio to burn fat, I recommend doing sets of 10-12 reps for exercises, at 10 reps your muscles should be fatigued and barely be able to lift anymore. If you do 10 reps and feel you could do five more, then up your weight. Pushing yourself in every workout will get you results, making things easy for yourself is a waste of time. A hard workout is a productive workout and one workout closer to your goal of weight loss, toning, fat loss, ect. I will post some pics soon of my current progress. Good night everyone!

Fatigue sets in-WEEK 4 DAY 1

The start of week 4....Can't believe I've already been at it that long!! Still a long way to go though. At this point I am yet to choose a competition. I am wanting to go watch a competition before I compete in one just to get a feel of everything. Bad part is that there isn't a competition near here until April which is when I was hoping to compete. I may have to push back my competition for a month and do one in May. Which means another 4 extra weeks of dieting/intense workouts! It actually  may help me in the long run, so I can figure out exactly what is working for me, and since I'm new at this, i'm trying to learn as much as possible. I did not lose any weight last week, however, feel like I lost about a half % of bodyfat. I can definately see more definition everywhere on my body. My hips/thighs/legs still remain my problem areas. I am going to up my cardio this week to 6 times with 3 days going twice a day to ignite some fat burning. Calories still remain the same, but I have switched a few things. Post workout I am drinking 1/2 scoop protein powder with 1.5 cups of Silk Chocolate Milk Light (DELICIOUS) by the way. I felt like the fruit was giving me a stomach ache from too much sugar. The milk still gives me the carbs I need with a little less of the sugar. Dinner I am doing turkey breast cutlets with veggies. Trying to find foods with the same macronutrients (protein/fat/carbs) just switching it up a bit. Also mid morning I decided to try a rice cake with a table spoon of natural peanut butter along with my shake. Surprisingly the rice cake and peanut butter taste really good! Good choice for a healthy snack. I'm changing my lifting this week/pairing different bodyparts up than previous. My next goal to tackle is to learn the posing portion of figure. I definately need to choose a competition date soon.

I have felt very tired these past few days. The dieting/workouts are definately catching up to me...however I somehow feel great/tired all at the same time!! I feel like I have sacrificed a social life to do this, but can't say I had much of one before! haha....I'm doing this for me and I want to live my life with no regrets...I'm very passionate about fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Even when the competition training/dieting is over...I hope to continue to compete and still live this lifestyle, maybe not as extreme during in-season, but things won't change much. I will still remain very active and continue to eat healthy no matter what. My husband has been very supportive throughout this craziness and has even lost about 14 lbs himself so far! I'm very proud of his determination and drive to lose weight and live a healthier life. Well time for bed, tomorrow another day, another journey. Good night!

Egg whites and oatmeal:) Week 3 day 1

Egg whites and oatmeal...yes....the staples of my clean eating. And believe it or not, these are two of my favorite foods! Thank goodness!!! It truely is like a "treat" for me to eat this as weird as it sounds. These are great fat burning foods and everyone should incorporate these into their diets!!! I know not everyone enjoys these foods, however, you can always make things taste better with fresh fruit, or actually what I do is mix them together and make pancakes which is how I eat them! Delicious! Truvia is also a good sweetner you could add to your oatmeal to give it a more sweeter flavor. For someone trying to increase their metabolism and lose fat I recommend adding these foods to your diet every day: 2 eggs, 1 cup oatmeal, 2-3 cups veggies, 2 servings of fruit, and a 8 ounce whey protein shake mixed with water or skim milk. These foods are high on the fat burning meter and will reduce cravings.Try it out for a few weeks with your current diet plan! Remember eating every few hours, 5 meals per day will speed up metabolism and burn fat! To figure out daily calories for weight loss take your bodyweight x 16.

I weighed this morning and lost about a half pound, which I feel is a good number right now. I definately feel like my body is looking more cut. I am going to up my cardio this week to 5 times. Next week is when the REAL hard work starts. I will up cardio to twice a day 30 minute sessions to really ignite fat burning. I have been starting pretty slow b/c I don't want to lose to much muscle. Here's a breakdown of my current diet:
Breakfast: 5 egg whites, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tbsp ground flax (made into a pancake)
Mid morning: Protein shake/1 cup strawberries
Lunch: 4 oz lean ground turkey, 1/2 cup brown rice/1 cup broccoli/15 almonds
Mid-afternoon/preworkout: 4 egg whites, 1/2 cup oatmeal
Post workout: 1/2 protein shake/apple
Dinner: 4 oz shrimp/stir fry veggies (pepper,tomato,onion,broccoli,mushrooms, 1/2 tbsp olive oil/romaine lettuce with 1 tbsp vinegar
Before bed: Casein protein shake/1 tbsp natural peanut butter (Casein protein digests slower  so I won't lose muscle while I sleep.
As far as supplements, right now I take glutamine for muscle recover in the morning/post workout, and an Amino energy powder to give me an energy boost when I wake up as well as preworkout.

Yup that's right, 7 times a day i'm eating....Looks like alot of food huh? Well reality is I'm only taking in about 1600 calories with 45 g fat;140 g carbs; 160 g protein
I must eat every few hours to keep my metabolism going. I may in a few weeks switch my workout time so my post workout meal is actually my dinner. For right now this is working so I'm sticking to it! As the weeks get down I will eliminate fruit b/c of the sugar, as well as take out the peanut butter to create calorie deficit depending how my body responds.
Thank you for visiting! Remember, YOU are the only one in control of your goals, the amount of work you put in is equal to the results you receive. Stay focused!

WEEK 2, DAY 10

Still a long ways to go, but feel I have made good progress so far. Lost 2.5 pounds last week and 1% bodyfat. I'm hoping my weight will slow in a few weeks, if not I may have to adjust my daily calories. I'm not wanting to lose any muscle right now.Current stats are 102.4 pounds and 15% bodyfat. I know many of you are thinking geez! Why would I need to lose anymore!!?!?!? Well for the average person they would be thrilled with those stats! Lol...however, remember that I AM only 5 foot! haha...For contest I  need to get down to around 96 pounds and 10% bodyfat. I am focusing on trying to put on some muscle so hopefully my weight can stay to around 100 pounds for contest. Currently i'm eating 6-7 times per day for a total of 1600 calories. If I start losing muscle I will have to up calories for a few weeks and maybe cut cardio and heavier weights. Currently doing 4 days of cardio at 30-45 minutes with high intensity interval training. For those who don't know, HIIT is where you sprint/fast pace for a certain period of time and then recover, sort of a 1:1 ratio of sprint/rest. I am lifting 4-5 times per week with one day per week doing a circuit/bootcamp workout. Am starting to do legs twice per week , because I feel like my legs need to lean out a little and my thighs/buttox is where I carry the most fat (like most women!) Mentally I am staying focused right now, I am allowing myself 2 cheat meals per week which I usually choose on Friday and Saturday night. Nothing more than that though. Cheat meals will get fewer as the weeks go on so I am definately enjoying those right now to keep me sane! So far the eating/working out is very routine to me, but I'm sure I'm going to have rough days ahead of me! Especially when calories start getting restricted and more cardio is taking place!!! Right now I take things one day at a time...I wake up and figure out what am I going to do today to reach my end goal? Not really looking days/weeks/months in advance...In order to stay focused, i'm taking little steps and focusing on the day i'm in, and saying to myself, "Here's what i'm eating today, and this is my workout." Then wake up and do it again. Once again I appreciate the support from all those around me!! Thank you for visiting..many more to come!!!