I'm in that stage where I still reach for the measuring cups and spoons and ask myself at the end of the day "did you get all your protein in??". It's hard to shift gears after months of weighing, measuring and recording everything that passes your lips.
I haven't made up my mind if I'll compete again. I still think about how I felt in June..the excitement...the anxiety...the stress...but, in the end, I did enjoy the journey.
It was harder this last time. The diet was more defined and changed from day to day (I guess that's why it's called a "diet"). My weight training and cardio sessions were more intense. The way I practiced my posing was adjusted based upon how my body was transforming.
The goal was to keep my muscle mass up while decreasing the body fat. The high water, carb cycling, intense cardio and low fat regimen is the recipe to accomplish that. Although it was very tough some days, I survived!
It's been kinda fun, (and I say that lightly), to talk about how I "acted" while I was preparing for this show.
Let me expand that a little bit...
I recently found out that on low carb days, my family didn't argue with me about anything! I was right no matter what I said (duh!)..I kinda relate it to the Snicker's commercial..you know, where the kid is unruly and aggressive (Joe Pesci), then eats a Snicker's bar (aka carbs!) and turns into a relaxed, easy going, passive person.
I feel that I survive my low carb/no carb cycling days by making sure I ate all my vegies, protein, and drank ALL my WATER to keep the hunger pains intact! Although my family has a different perspective on how I handled those days, (and I respect them for that)... I have apologized to them...(even though I really don't think I was a "Joe Pesci";).
I also remember that if I was upset about something, I'd first ask myself how many carbs I'd had for the day before I reacted. If it was low, my mouth stayed shut! Even in my big girl job...I just acted like Dora in Little Nemo..."just keep swimming..just keep swimming...." don't let anything get your panties in a bundle today, cuz you are probably overreacting!! Funny how I KNEW this about those days...you really do become more in tune with how your body feels when you are fueling it differently.
I've been asked what my plan is now...these days, I'm still conscious of what I am eating. I've had my share of treats..and have found out that adding gluten and dairy back into my diet is not an overnight process (no pizza or beer yet!!). My RA has been getting angry with me on days that I have more sugar than I should...so, I know for my joints, staying low sugar is a good option (and it's usually how I eat anyway).
I'm not really counting the grams of carb, protein and fat I take in...but I can feel the days when my intake is not balanced. I especially notice it in my energy level when I teach classes. I have to tell you...the first day back teaching and having carbs on board was AmAzInG!! I had not idea I could fly around the room and feel like I had energy to climb the walls and swing from the rafters!! What a feeling!!!
I'm slowly getting back into lifting weight...total body sessions after a week off...then upper and lower body sessions...I like to lift weights. I like feeling strong, and, at my age, to see muscle development is a good thing!
So...I don't have to make any decisions right now about the future. I'm happy with how things are going and know that if there are Joe Pesci and Dora days in my future, I'll be ready to *just keep swimming...just keep swimming...*
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Comparisons...
It's been a week since I was on the stage. At this very moment last Saturday, I was getting my food ready to take to the convention center. Nervous to find out how I placed in the categories I competed in.
Today, I spent some time really thinking about when I started this journey, way back on July 1, 2013. Not even a year ago... I picked up my first weight in many years and started logging my food into the "my fitness pal" app. I had a goal: to compete in NPC Women's Figure Category on October 12, 2013. (You can read all about it in my previous blogs!).
I placed 4th out of 12 girls in the Women's Master's 40+ division and also 4th in the Figure Class D division (also with 12 girls). I was please with the results, but, knew I could do better! I was hungry for more!
Today, I spent some time really thinking about when I started this journey, way back on July 1, 2013. Not even a year ago... I picked up my first weight in many years and started logging my food into the "my fitness pal" app. I had a goal: to compete in NPC Women's Figure Category on October 12, 2013. (You can read all about it in my previous blogs!).
I placed 4th out of 12 girls in the Women's Master's 40+ division and also 4th in the Figure Class D division (also with 12 girls). I was please with the results, but, knew I could do better! I was hungry for more!
NPC October 21, 2013 Women's Figure Class D
After my first show, my objective was to put on muscle weight, fill out those muscle bellies, and work hard to improve the balance between my upper and lower body (ie: build my back and shoulders so it looks like I have a waist!).
June 21, 2014...the day arrived...I had hoped that everything I had done would pay off. Did I do enough? Should I have worked harder? This prep was so different than my last show, and even though I was tired, I wanted to go out there and show the judges just what this old lady can do with a couple months in the weight room!
I have been looking at the pictures from last Saturday's show. I competed in Women's Master's 40+ Figure and Figure Class C.....plus....Women's Master's Physique and Women's Open Physique Class.
NPC June 21, 2014 Women's Figure Pictures:
NPC June 21, 2014 Women's Physique Poses:
There's a couple key pearls I'd like to share. I weighed the same at both competitions. My body fat was about 1% LOWER at this years competition. In my off season training, I had put on ~8lbs of muscle. I didn't take any supplements, except protein powder when needed. I took a multi vitamin, plus my prescribed meds for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. All physical changes were accomplished through food intake~and~lifting weights 6 days per week.
The judges told me to build my back and shoulders...well...I did and it resulted in First place in Master's Physique and First place in Master's Figure 40+, AND Overall Figure Master's winner, plus, 2nd place in Figure Class C and Physique open. Whew!! That's a lot of shoes on, shoes off rigmarole backstage!!
So, now what....time to relax the body. I said this would be my last time competing. Yes, it's a lot of work. But the thrill of walking on stage and showing how all your hard work has paid off is so rewarding. The days of hunger and exhaustion just magically disappear when the trophies are placed in your hands. What to do...what to do...what to do???
I have so many thoughts that are buzzing around in my head..that I think I will need to address them in another blog :D....Stay tuned...
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Throw Back Thursday...
I feel so different this time. I remember last October and the nervous excitement I felt before Brittani and I headed to Minneapolis. This time, I will be alone back stage...
In October, Brittani was my lifesaver. I was in a fog..didn't know what to do, when to do it, where to go and for what length of time.
There are "things" that need to take place before you put on your shoes and step on stage...under the bright lights...into the little box....in front of the judges....
You need to eat a small concoction of carbs to fuel the body (dictated by the Master). Then, you need to make sure you PUMP up to get the muscle bellies looking full. You also need to get in line and have lovely people oil you down so you look fantastic under the lights. Don't forget to make sure your suit is glued down so it doesn't creep into places it shouldn't!! And, if needed, get your spray tan fixed if you accidentally got water on yourself, or, if you were sweating. (The tan turns green if you sweat, not good!).
The back stage ringmaster will yell out which order should be lining up to "walk" to the other side of the stage...who should be warming up...who should be getting ready to line up next.
It's a small area where all this happens...dumbbells and exercise bands are all over the place. You gotta find what you need and a small space to work on what you need to do. There are some mirrors set up...not many..if you want to go through your poses one more time and see yourself.
The atmosphere is usually jovial. Maybe because everyone are looking forward to the after the show food???
The competitors are very supportive of each other...I especially witnessed this with those that had competed previously...they seemed so relaxed and would engage in casual conversation so much easier than us virgins. "Where are you from?" "Is this your first competition?" "YOU look great!" "Just have fun!" (yeah, right! Maybe, when all the nervous bugs leave my body!!). To..funny stories of situations that happened during the prep season-to- talking about what they are looking forward to eating-and-NEVER eating again!!
The one thing that everyone backstage has in common is that they have all changed their lifestyle, nutrition consumption, personal and social life, and exercise regimen for THIS ONE DAY!
Some are there to cross off a personal goal, an achievement that they never thought they could come close to.
Some are there to move onto the next step of competing at a National Level with the dream of moving on to the Professional level.
Some are there because this is part of their lifestyle...to compete in a annual show and have that be part of their yearly bucket list.
No matter what the goal for the day is...we've been through a life changing 12+ weeks of preparation that we all can relate to.
I've had days where I've been so exhausted I've sat in my bed and cried. I've asked myself the question of "why is a lady of my age doing this??" How can I get through another day of feeling like the end is so close, but feels so far away.
Do you know what I do?
I tell myself "Suck it up, Buttercup!"
You can do this!!
You are healthy, you are strong and you've got people that believe in you and support you...Now, start believing in yourself!
Wipe away those tears...go make your egg whites and drink your water...You are one step closer to saying, I DID IT!
In October, Brittani was my lifesaver. I was in a fog..didn't know what to do, when to do it, where to go and for what length of time.
There are "things" that need to take place before you put on your shoes and step on stage...under the bright lights...into the little box....in front of the judges....
You need to eat a small concoction of carbs to fuel the body (dictated by the Master). Then, you need to make sure you PUMP up to get the muscle bellies looking full. You also need to get in line and have lovely people oil you down so you look fantastic under the lights. Don't forget to make sure your suit is glued down so it doesn't creep into places it shouldn't!! And, if needed, get your spray tan fixed if you accidentally got water on yourself, or, if you were sweating. (The tan turns green if you sweat, not good!).
The back stage ringmaster will yell out which order should be lining up to "walk" to the other side of the stage...who should be warming up...who should be getting ready to line up next.
It's a small area where all this happens...dumbbells and exercise bands are all over the place. You gotta find what you need and a small space to work on what you need to do. There are some mirrors set up...not many..if you want to go through your poses one more time and see yourself.
The atmosphere is usually jovial. Maybe because everyone are looking forward to the after the show food???
The competitors are very supportive of each other...I especially witnessed this with those that had competed previously...they seemed so relaxed and would engage in casual conversation so much easier than us virgins. "Where are you from?" "Is this your first competition?" "YOU look great!" "Just have fun!" (yeah, right! Maybe, when all the nervous bugs leave my body!!). To..funny stories of situations that happened during the prep season-to- talking about what they are looking forward to eating-and-NEVER eating again!!
The one thing that everyone backstage has in common is that they have all changed their lifestyle, nutrition consumption, personal and social life, and exercise regimen for THIS ONE DAY!
Some are there to cross off a personal goal, an achievement that they never thought they could come close to.
Some are there to move onto the next step of competing at a National Level with the dream of moving on to the Professional level.
Some are there because this is part of their lifestyle...to compete in a annual show and have that be part of their yearly bucket list.
No matter what the goal for the day is...we've been through a life changing 12+ weeks of preparation that we all can relate to.
I've had days where I've been so exhausted I've sat in my bed and cried. I've asked myself the question of "why is a lady of my age doing this??" How can I get through another day of feeling like the end is so close, but feels so far away.
Do you know what I do?
I tell myself "Suck it up, Buttercup!"
You can do this!!
You are healthy, you are strong and you've got people that believe in you and support you...Now, start believing in yourself!
Wipe away those tears...go make your egg whites and drink your water...You are one step closer to saying, I DID IT!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Getting a couple points straight...
I thought it would be good to share a little history about me. This was mainly brought to mind because I've had so many comments lately of people saying that they couldn't do what I'm doing. Well, I was saying the same thing about a year ago...
I was the girl that had good intentions, but would not always stick to a scheduled plan.
I was the girl that wanted instant results, and would give up when I didn't see anything happening in a week.
I was the girl that would have "just one more cookie" that turned into...well, who really counts how many cookies you eat??
I was the girl that would think that eating less would produce the results I wanted.
I was the girl that would eat out of boredom, or when I was stressed.
I was the girl that would eat what everyone else was eating because I didn't want to be different.
So, you see, I'm pretty normal. I AM just like you. The only difference from today compared to almost a year ago, is that "I" decided I wanted to make a change..to challenge myself...to see if I could do it.
I really didn't think I could. Every morning I would wake up and say to myself...Why are you doing this? Do you need to do this? Are you sure you want to do this?
The answers were..."I really don't know"...."No, not really"....and "I'm not sure".
However, at the end of the day when I stuck to my plan for the day, my answers to those three questions began to change...
Why am I doing this? I like the idea of a new challenge, to do something different, to change what I'm currently doing to see what happens
Do I need to do this? Well, no. But, why not? Life is short (stay awake for it!). Let's see what happens when you do change things up a bit.
Are you sure you want to do this? Each day the answer would turn more toward YES. Especially, when I would start to see changes happening.
The physical changes didn't happen overnight. But the secondary benefits started within days...I slept better, my joints felt great, I had more energy, my skin became clearer (yes, I still get pimples like a school girl!). I just felt....better!
It really wasn't about what the scale said. Did I notice I had more energy throughout the day? Did I feel better and more energetic when I exercised? Did I not rely on caffeine to get me through the 3pm hump everyday? Yes...Yes...and Yes!
I have to add that having the support of my family has made a tremendous difference. My poor boys have not had birthday cake this past year...Mother's Day and Father's Day went by without the traditional visit to cold stone creamery...Mama's not baking cookies and bars and making hotdishes!! I make my food, it's all measured and I cannot share. I know my food smells good cuz you are hungry (because I don't cook for you), but you cannot have any. Bad mommy!!
On the flip side (like flipping pancakes!), my family has been my lifesaver. Telling me I'm doing great! Mom, your ripped! Mom...Front Double Bicep pose...do it now! My house is crazy at times! But, I love it. I couldn't do it without them.
The people you surround yourself with are also a huge influence on how you progress. Are you able to feel proud about all your changes? Do you feel comfortable talking about your lifestyle changes and know that you wont be judged? Will they encourage you when you are feeling like giving up?
I am so blessed to have people that wrap me up in their arms everyday and tell me to keep going. I get funny Facebook stickers from some that represent how I'm feeling, or, pics of encouragement to stay strong. Texts and emails from people that I have encouraged to make changes in their own life. Pinterest shares of recipes and motivational quotes.
So, let's readdress the questions today:
Why am I doing this?
Because, I am determined to do something different and achieve a new goal at my age.
Do I need to do this?
Yes. I want to prove to my inner voice that I am stronger than all the negative thoughts that can creep into my head on a daily basis.
Are you sure you want to do this?
I'm in too far to turn back now!! Let's do this, give it 100% and never look back with a "I wish I would've..." statement.
Each day is a challenge, but as you become stronger, so does your determination and willpower to keep going.
I will always be that girl that enjoys food and having fun in life...but, after going through this experience, I now go through life with a different outlook and attitude toward my health! Fuel the body with goodness, and goodness will follow:)
I was the girl that had good intentions, but would not always stick to a scheduled plan.
I was the girl that wanted instant results, and would give up when I didn't see anything happening in a week.
I was the girl that would have "just one more cookie" that turned into...well, who really counts how many cookies you eat??
I was the girl that would think that eating less would produce the results I wanted.
I was the girl that would eat out of boredom, or when I was stressed.
I was the girl that would eat what everyone else was eating because I didn't want to be different.
So, you see, I'm pretty normal. I AM just like you. The only difference from today compared to almost a year ago, is that "I" decided I wanted to make a change..to challenge myself...to see if I could do it.
I really didn't think I could. Every morning I would wake up and say to myself...Why are you doing this? Do you need to do this? Are you sure you want to do this?
The answers were..."I really don't know"...."No, not really"....and "I'm not sure".
However, at the end of the day when I stuck to my plan for the day, my answers to those three questions began to change...
Why am I doing this? I like the idea of a new challenge, to do something different, to change what I'm currently doing to see what happens
Do I need to do this? Well, no. But, why not? Life is short (stay awake for it!). Let's see what happens when you do change things up a bit.
Are you sure you want to do this? Each day the answer would turn more toward YES. Especially, when I would start to see changes happening.
The physical changes didn't happen overnight. But the secondary benefits started within days...I slept better, my joints felt great, I had more energy, my skin became clearer (yes, I still get pimples like a school girl!). I just felt....better!
It really wasn't about what the scale said. Did I notice I had more energy throughout the day? Did I feel better and more energetic when I exercised? Did I not rely on caffeine to get me through the 3pm hump everyday? Yes...Yes...and Yes!
I have to add that having the support of my family has made a tremendous difference. My poor boys have not had birthday cake this past year...Mother's Day and Father's Day went by without the traditional visit to cold stone creamery...Mama's not baking cookies and bars and making hotdishes!! I make my food, it's all measured and I cannot share. I know my food smells good cuz you are hungry (because I don't cook for you), but you cannot have any. Bad mommy!!
On the flip side (like flipping pancakes!), my family has been my lifesaver. Telling me I'm doing great! Mom, your ripped! Mom...Front Double Bicep pose...do it now! My house is crazy at times! But, I love it. I couldn't do it without them.
The people you surround yourself with are also a huge influence on how you progress. Are you able to feel proud about all your changes? Do you feel comfortable talking about your lifestyle changes and know that you wont be judged? Will they encourage you when you are feeling like giving up?
I am so blessed to have people that wrap me up in their arms everyday and tell me to keep going. I get funny Facebook stickers from some that represent how I'm feeling, or, pics of encouragement to stay strong. Texts and emails from people that I have encouraged to make changes in their own life. Pinterest shares of recipes and motivational quotes.
So, let's readdress the questions today:
Why am I doing this?
Because, I am determined to do something different and achieve a new goal at my age.
Do I need to do this?
Yes. I want to prove to my inner voice that I am stronger than all the negative thoughts that can creep into my head on a daily basis.
Are you sure you want to do this?
I'm in too far to turn back now!! Let's do this, give it 100% and never look back with a "I wish I would've..." statement.
Each day is a challenge, but as you become stronger, so does your determination and willpower to keep going.
I will always be that girl that enjoys food and having fun in life...but, after going through this experience, I now go through life with a different outlook and attitude toward my health! Fuel the body with goodness, and goodness will follow:)
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Learning something new...
Here's what I've learned....
- I no longer like Tilapia
- I LOVE the taste of peanut butter with egg whites
- I get bloated after adding crystal light packets to my water (so now I just drink plain water)
- When I drink all my water, I don't even miss my Diet Mountain Dew (Haven't had one in a couple months).
- Drinking a liter of iced water when I first wake up, wakes me up!!
- Going to sleep before 11p makes me feel energized during the day
- If I stick to the plan, the changes do occur
- I know where all the good bathrooms are along my work routes
- I can follow a gluten and dairy free regimine
What I need to learn...
- Patience
- Drink my 12 liters of water as early as I can so I'm not up 5 times during the night to evacuate
- This is about what I can do, not what others are doing
- Believe in myself
- Physique poses....and routine...in 2 weeks!
Yep, you read that last bullet correct...Along with the Figure category, I will also be competing in the Novice 35+ Physique category. YIKES!!! That's right, Caryn, just add a little more stress to your last two weeks. How did this happen..well..it goes a lil something like this...
When I met with Christine last week, she asked me to take off my stripper shoes (she didn't actually call them stripper shoes, that's my name for them). She walked me through the 5 poses that I'd have to do if I competed in the Physique division. She suggested I do the Novice division at the upcoming show. My initial reaction was...WHAT?? Seriously??? Am I being PUNKED?? (spell check doesn't even recognize that word! Make sure you google it *punked* if you don't know what I'm referring to :)
We talked about my progress. It is kinda evident that Physique would fit my body structure better (build the back and shoulders to make it look like I have a waist).
So, I told her I'd think about it....and I did...for a day (don't have a lot of time to decide!!)...
I also talked to THE CHAMP (aka Brittani- my daughter), to see what she thought. Could I pull it off? Am I ready to cross pollinate? And, most importantly...WILL YOU HELP ME!!!???
The Champ said YES...do it!!...why not?? (um, maybe because I don't know what I'm doing???).
So here we are, 2 weeks out from the show and I'm practicing model turns with heels on, and also barefoot. Toes pointed forward, and toes pointed out. Squeeze and contract the muscles (Get BIG!) and lift shoulders and arch the back. Oh...and, don't forget...I also need to pick a song and put together a one minute lil routine to it.
Brittani walked me through the poses yesterday. She makes it LOOK so easy!! It's not! I will be practicing like a mad woman!
I woke up this morning and told myself that I am committed to take this new experience and make it successful. Getting back into that little box, on that stage, with all the bright lights, looking at people that are judging me on how my I look, and SMILING :D.. at this point~ equates to success in my book!
The goal now is to make sure what I do *inside* that box reflects all the hard work I've done *outside* the box!!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Finding the Energy!
I'm tired...I'm hungry...I'm excited...I'm nervous...and, sometimes, a little edgy.
Each day I keep telling myself to keep going...put down the spoon and don't eat anymore peanut butter. I know you are hungry, but get through it and reap the benefits when you see your body making the changes you are working toward. What gets me through? I know this is not forever...in fact, we are 3 weeks away. I also keep telling myself that all this hard work, in and out of the kitchen, will be soooooo worth it.
My meetings with Christine are going well. My body fat is where it was before my last show and she feels it will continue to drop a little lower. She has changed up my eating and weight training schedule for the next week. I will now be adding cardio blasts into my weight training circuits. I've been lifting higher reps with short rest breaks the last couple weeks, so adding in high cardio bursts will definitely challenge me. But, for those that know me...when have I ever backed down from a challenge? :)
I'm still carb cycling and will be eating high carbs this weekend (Yay!!). However, they are limited to a certain "kind" of carb...rice, potato, yam, cream of rice...no more fruit...only complex carbs for this lady (that started last week!). I then go to "0" carbs for a couple days~which, I've been doing for the past couple weeks. I've gotten through it. My head feels a little fuzzy and I am usually pretty careful about making big decisions on those days. (If I show up driving a convertible, or, a tattoo on my body-you know I probably did it on a low carb day!).
I don't really feel that I've gotten cranky, I usually get quiet when I'm hungry, or, as my TRX class peeps know, I usually talk about food :O).
When I teach class, I tell myself to KEEP GOIN! Don't slow down! Find those fat cells and make them shrink down to a raisin!! I've also notice that when I'm on lower carbs, my heart rate doesn't go up as high, which results in fewer calories burned. But, I'll take a 550 calorie burn in a 60 minute exercise sessions any day!! On Sunday's, I typically do a 5 mile walk ( at about a 4.5mph pace) and based upon my body weight, that's only about 377 calories burned. I am a sweat junkie. Getting a good sweat while walking is tough (usually doesn't happen), but, put me in my ZUMBA class and within 20 minutes I'm drenched!! Liquid Awesome everywhere!
A good friend of mine is doing her first competition this weekend. I'm so excited for her. I LOVE watching people follow their dreams, and sometimes, having the dream find them and pull them toward it. This young lady has shown perseverance and strength over the last 6 months. She kept going and believing in herself. I am ready to watch her put all her hard work into play!!
That's the key to anything you want in life. How bad do you want it? What are you willing to do to get it? How will it impact your life (if negative~throw it out!)? When it gets tough and you want to quit, what/who will keep you going? Do you have the support you need to encourage you when you are ready to stop believing in yourself? I go through these same feelings...but, believing in yourself, trusting your journey and knowing that you will be stronger, more confident and SO proud of yourself, makes all the sacrifices worthwhile.
Each day I keep telling myself to keep going...put down the spoon and don't eat anymore peanut butter. I know you are hungry, but get through it and reap the benefits when you see your body making the changes you are working toward. What gets me through? I know this is not forever...in fact, we are 3 weeks away. I also keep telling myself that all this hard work, in and out of the kitchen, will be soooooo worth it.
My meetings with Christine are going well. My body fat is where it was before my last show and she feels it will continue to drop a little lower. She has changed up my eating and weight training schedule for the next week. I will now be adding cardio blasts into my weight training circuits. I've been lifting higher reps with short rest breaks the last couple weeks, so adding in high cardio bursts will definitely challenge me. But, for those that know me...when have I ever backed down from a challenge? :)
I'm still carb cycling and will be eating high carbs this weekend (Yay!!). However, they are limited to a certain "kind" of carb...rice, potato, yam, cream of rice...no more fruit...only complex carbs for this lady (that started last week!). I then go to "0" carbs for a couple days~which, I've been doing for the past couple weeks. I've gotten through it. My head feels a little fuzzy and I am usually pretty careful about making big decisions on those days. (If I show up driving a convertible, or, a tattoo on my body-you know I probably did it on a low carb day!).
I don't really feel that I've gotten cranky, I usually get quiet when I'm hungry, or, as my TRX class peeps know, I usually talk about food :O).
When I teach class, I tell myself to KEEP GOIN! Don't slow down! Find those fat cells and make them shrink down to a raisin!! I've also notice that when I'm on lower carbs, my heart rate doesn't go up as high, which results in fewer calories burned. But, I'll take a 550 calorie burn in a 60 minute exercise sessions any day!! On Sunday's, I typically do a 5 mile walk ( at about a 4.5mph pace) and based upon my body weight, that's only about 377 calories burned. I am a sweat junkie. Getting a good sweat while walking is tough (usually doesn't happen), but, put me in my ZUMBA class and within 20 minutes I'm drenched!! Liquid Awesome everywhere!
A good friend of mine is doing her first competition this weekend. I'm so excited for her. I LOVE watching people follow their dreams, and sometimes, having the dream find them and pull them toward it. This young lady has shown perseverance and strength over the last 6 months. She kept going and believing in herself. I am ready to watch her put all her hard work into play!!
That's the key to anything you want in life. How bad do you want it? What are you willing to do to get it? How will it impact your life (if negative~throw it out!)? When it gets tough and you want to quit, what/who will keep you going? Do you have the support you need to encourage you when you are ready to stop believing in yourself? I go through these same feelings...but, believing in yourself, trusting your journey and knowing that you will be stronger, more confident and SO proud of yourself, makes all the sacrifices worthwhile.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
One Day at a Time
So, here we are...getting closer. Less than 5 weeks to go. It seems like a long time, but in reality, it's not. I'm starting to feel like I'm running out of time. Will I get "the look" that I need to place higher this year? Is my body transforming fast enough? I guess, only time will tell.
There's been some changes in my training and nutrition guidelines. I've been dairy and gluten free for over two weeks. Cottage cheese and plain greek yogurt were an everyday ingestion for protein up to that point. I eat a lot of egg whites, chicken, shrimp and cod. For some reason, I cannot eat tilapia anymore. The last time I had it, it tasted like dirt to me and I barely choked it down (going through that once is enough!). My fat intake is also low, so I savor every morsel of peanut butter that is on my tablespoon. Now I know why cats "lick the bowl"...I don't want to leave anything in my spoon!!! I have found a new peanut butter with lower fat, Jif Whips, and am also using a lot of PB2. I've had to get pretty creative with my meals. I'm eating a lot more vegies for fillers - celery, carrots, red pepper (green peppers make me burp-a lot!), asparagus, tomato, and broccoli slaw. I've also discovered tofu noodles that really taste pretty good!
This upcoming week has some new changes that I've told myself that we just need to approach one day at a time. One meal at a time. One bite at a time. I feel like this is the peak of transformation time. Gonna be challenging, but I know I can do it!! By the way...dieting sucks!! I know I'm doing this for a specific goal, and the benefits are definitely becoming evident when my weight and body fat are doing what they should. But, seriously...now I know why people can't stick to a diet...they are not realistic in the real world. This show prep is so different compared to last fall. I'm still eating quite a bit of food, but in different combinations - lower fat~ carb cycling~ more water~...I trust the process, but boy is it a change for me.
Change is good! That is how we get the body to respond. For four months I was eating high fat, high carb and high protein to put on muscle weight (which I accomplished), so, the smart thing to do is make changes in my consumption and get the body to let go of unneeded pounds and fat weight to show off the filled muscle bellies underneath. Isn't this FUN?? :)
I'm meeting with Christine weekly. She evaluates my posing, diet and measures my body fat. My posing is different compared to my show in October. Mainly, because my body has changed. So, where I place my arms, shoulders and how much I arch my lower back play a huge factor on how I can show off all my hard work. I'm practicing every day...I have my 5" shoes in the bathroom and when I'm getting ready in the morning, they are part of my routine. Every time I have to reach for my blow dryer, make up, lotion...I have to practice my quarter turns. I don't think I'll ever be completely comfortable in those shoes, but, I'm gonna fake it until I make it!!
I was asked if I remember the last 5 weeks that led up to my last competition, and if I felt that it went by fast. When I really think about the timeline, I feel that it will fly by...June 21st will be here before I know it. On the other hand, when I look at my nutrition guidelines, it feels like a LONG time....all I can do is stick to the plan...and take it one day at a time!!
There's been some changes in my training and nutrition guidelines. I've been dairy and gluten free for over two weeks. Cottage cheese and plain greek yogurt were an everyday ingestion for protein up to that point. I eat a lot of egg whites, chicken, shrimp and cod. For some reason, I cannot eat tilapia anymore. The last time I had it, it tasted like dirt to me and I barely choked it down (going through that once is enough!). My fat intake is also low, so I savor every morsel of peanut butter that is on my tablespoon. Now I know why cats "lick the bowl"...I don't want to leave anything in my spoon!!! I have found a new peanut butter with lower fat, Jif Whips, and am also using a lot of PB2. I've had to get pretty creative with my meals. I'm eating a lot more vegies for fillers - celery, carrots, red pepper (green peppers make me burp-a lot!), asparagus, tomato, and broccoli slaw. I've also discovered tofu noodles that really taste pretty good!
This upcoming week has some new changes that I've told myself that we just need to approach one day at a time. One meal at a time. One bite at a time. I feel like this is the peak of transformation time. Gonna be challenging, but I know I can do it!! By the way...dieting sucks!! I know I'm doing this for a specific goal, and the benefits are definitely becoming evident when my weight and body fat are doing what they should. But, seriously...now I know why people can't stick to a diet...they are not realistic in the real world. This show prep is so different compared to last fall. I'm still eating quite a bit of food, but in different combinations - lower fat~ carb cycling~ more water~...I trust the process, but boy is it a change for me.
Change is good! That is how we get the body to respond. For four months I was eating high fat, high carb and high protein to put on muscle weight (which I accomplished), so, the smart thing to do is make changes in my consumption and get the body to let go of unneeded pounds and fat weight to show off the filled muscle bellies underneath. Isn't this FUN?? :)
I'm meeting with Christine weekly. She evaluates my posing, diet and measures my body fat. My posing is different compared to my show in October. Mainly, because my body has changed. So, where I place my arms, shoulders and how much I arch my lower back play a huge factor on how I can show off all my hard work. I'm practicing every day...I have my 5" shoes in the bathroom and when I'm getting ready in the morning, they are part of my routine. Every time I have to reach for my blow dryer, make up, lotion...I have to practice my quarter turns. I don't think I'll ever be completely comfortable in those shoes, but, I'm gonna fake it until I make it!!
I was asked if I remember the last 5 weeks that led up to my last competition, and if I felt that it went by fast. When I really think about the timeline, I feel that it will fly by...June 21st will be here before I know it. On the other hand, when I look at my nutrition guidelines, it feels like a LONG time....all I can do is stick to the plan...and take it one day at a time!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)