Somtimes, less is more...

It has been a while since I have posted a new blog huh! I forgot how to log-in to this thing! I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather, summer treats and got outside to do some outdoor activites. My summer has been really busy between weddings, weekends away, birthday parties ect. To catch  you up on anything you may have missed...well I regretfully left Body Ambition. Firstly, I love my BA girls, Janelle and Janie! Body Ambition was such an amazing experience and I would recommend it in a heartbeat for anyone looking to compete or just join a great lifestyle program.

I left mainly because I wanted a change. I don't want to rely my entire existance on a plan and felt like I need to ditch the rule book and experiment with different workouts, food portions ect. I stopped competing for many reasons but one of them was to let go of this super strict lifestyle I was trying to maintain. When is my next meal, how many minutes of cadio am I doing today, did I hit my macros...AHHHH! I couldn't do it anymore and needed to just live my life and realize I wasn't going to just blow up if I stopped this routine. Fear was such a big factor for me while competing. The fear of losing the body I worked so hard for. The fear of being self-conscious in my building phase feeling like people would think I looked big and let myself go. These fears helped me realize that this is not a healthy path for me to take and I needed to take a step back.

So what am I doing now....? I am just happy as can be! I joined SLS Fitness in Lowell, MA. The term less is more really applies with this place. I enjoy SLS for many reasons and a few being that the classes are only 30 minutes. I am typically not a class person because I always feel like I never get that great of a workout but it is the complete opposite here. Thirty minutes is all you need as they power pack these workouts with real high intensity metabolic exercises. I also really enjoy it because it has such a diverse group of clientele. You have men, women, young, old and people of all fitness levels. I also purchased Amanda Adams meal plan which has a total different approach than I was currently doing for the past few years. I follow Amanda Adams on  Facebook and Instagram for the fact that she is an ex-competitor and still drinks margaritas, eats burgers on a weekly basis. These are not cheat meals...these are flex calories that you build into your everyday meal plans based on your goals. Her plan is based on 3 lifting workouts and a few days of cardio. I find myself taking up to 3 rest days some weeks and as strange as it feels it is kind of nice!

The biggest thing I enjoy with not competing anymore is the fact that people are not asking me… when is your next show? When I was competing, my life was SO focused on shows, workouts, meals that I don't think people knew what else to talk to me about besides shows. I would post on Facebook how hard I was working, my 20,000 meals I was prepping and I guess I don't really blame people for not knowing what else to talk to me about because for a while that is all I knew. My life has a sense of balance now that I did not have for a few years. I work out when I want, eat what I want and enjoy my friends and family. I know what healthy options are and I know when I want to indulge but the true key is finding that balance in-between the two!

I took some progress pictures this morning because pictures mean way more to me than a number on a scale!  I love my body and of course who wouldn't want to be shredded but guess what, I know how to get shredded and I have no desire to do that!  Staying in shape is not rocket science..or a mystery potion or pill....it's understanding your body, eating natural healthy foods, being active, enjoying that birthday cake with your family and having cocktails with your girlfriends!

Put the phone down...and no one will get hurt

I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted a new entry!  How is everybody doing!!!  Weather is getting better which makes everyone a lot happier at least I know I am.  I've been a little MIA from posting on here, fb ect mainly because I am honestly trying to take a breather from social media.

When I competed I was all about posting and stalking every one's status on how they were doing and how everyone was looking.  Nowadays I honestly find it a bit overwhelming...between selfies, post a pic of my bum hump days, throwback Thursdays...good lord!!! I am not a hater by any means and totally applaud people for their hard work BUT ...it wouldn't hurt anyone to take a step back from social media a tad bit.  It's funny I am posting this because a year ago I was probably bombarding your fb walls with all things comp prep, food, how hard I am going in the gym.

 Social media, for me at least, has become an addiction. Instead of living in the moments as we are experiencing them...we are trying to take pics (retake pics to make sure we look good) posting them, tagging them...oy vey.  Have you ever looked around a group hang out...everyone is on their damn phones....

I went away for Memorial Day with my bf, best friend and her boyfriend and I think I picked up my phone twice the whole weekend!  It was soooo nice just being with friends and enjoying our time together rather than snapping and posting pics every second of our weekend. Anyways....alls I'm saying here ...put the phone down for a hot second and appreciate life and life before instragran, twitter, fb..

I have a had a few social events lately, weddings, going away and I have a lot of people ask me about competing and if I am still doing shows.  I have only done two shows but I guess when you make it your life for two years that is all people really associate you with.  I kindly say no, not right now...and my spiel about saving money and living life without agonizing whether or not I should at a cookie.  It is pretty great though...not stressing about every little thing.  I didn't work out at all Memorial Day weekend...had a crazy week leading up to our friends wedding last weekend.  I went out to dinner once during the week, had their rehearsal dinner then a birthday party.  This would have probably caused a complete meltdown a year ago but I was totally fine.  I know how to make healthy choices.  I know that the gym will be their tomorrow.  Amidst all the craziness the past two weeks of being off my routine I hadn't gained a single pound.  I am working out at least 5 days a week sometimes more sometimes less.  I workout for about an hour total and do 20 mins of cardio after each workout.  I am keeping my overall carbohydrates on the lower side but I feel great!

Learning to live life again with balance is an amazing feeling :)

here's some pics...i've lost about 7 lbs since January.  Trying to get off a few more but def not stressing about it.  Plans are to enjoy my summer, do a lot of exercise outdoors, grill, have ice cream and just enjoy life

Food Prep Made Easy

Now that I have tried all my ordered meals I am ready to dish.....

As an avid food prepper, I have nailed down a routine that will guarantee 9 meals in about an hour.  Food prepping can be very inexpensive dependent upon the options you select but it's more the time allotted for cooking, packing and cleaning up that is more of the pain in the butt. 

I have been seeing more and more food service companies popping up via Facebook and the thought of having meals prepped for me is very enticing!  The weekends are short enough as it is never mind the food prep, laundry, grocery shopping and workouts.  The first meal prep company I tried was New Vision Nutrition http://www.newvisionbody.com/.  The company sponsors athletes ect and you have probably seen them via FB and Instagram.  I placed an order for 11 meals (the full portion) and it was a little over $100.   I will run through my pros and cons:

Pros:

• website: I liked being able to pick and chose protein/starch/veggies options for each meal. The website was easy to use and navigate.
• Nutrition facts: for all of you calorie/macro counters this made it really easy to account for the my meals in MFP and know exactly what I was eating.  They have all of their macro breakdowns for each of the meals they offer on their website.
• Home delivery: this is a pro/con for me.  I had placed my order on a Saturday and received the meals the following Friday.  Their website indicates what days they cook and ship out meals so it's best to place your order around their cooking days.  I had taken that Friday off so luckily I was home when the delivery man came at 9:30 AM BUT typically I am gone all day so I wouldn't be thrilled to have my order sitting on my stoop all day.  The meals are protected by water bottle ice packets ect but I am really anal about food being non-refrigerated so it makes me hesitant to order again. 
• The meals I most enjoyed were the speciality meals:
• Turkey Chili - YUM this was really delicious but the half serving did not fill me up and ended going back to eat the other half :/
• Texan

Cons:

• Minimum orders.  I HATE minimum orders.  I totally understand the concept behind them for the company but for the consumer this is a pain.  I didn't necessarily want to order 11 meals but I was set on trying it so I just coughed up the extra cash.  I would say this would impact me from ordering again. The cost for the meals are inexpensive by themselves but having to place the minimum order can add up!
• Chicken: I am really weird about chicken.  If it cuts weird or looks weird I want nothing to do with it.  I found it odd because the diced chicken in the regular meals was fine but I found the chicken in a (plain chicken) order was weird.  I am not really sure how to describe it...it's not like it wasn't edible but it just was kind of slimy. 

Overall, if I were in peak week or a situation where I was dead tired and had to have the basics...sweet potato, rice, veggies I would potentially order again.

The next food service I ordered was from Cole's Clean Cuisine. 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/colescleancuisine12 

I found her through my coach and some of the other women on Body Ambition.  She cooks out of her home in Peabody, MA and pretty much can custom make anything you want.  She has a standard menu that you can order off of or custom meal planning.

The custom meal planning was too expensive for me but I did order two of her large dishes from the menu below which serves 4 to 6 each and together totalled $100.  I drove to Peabody on Saturday which would be impossible during the week but it was around a 35 minute drive.  My navigating skills are not the sharpest in the shed so I think it could have been faster.

I have to say.....her meals may be more expensive but you can taste the difference!  My meatloaf and cauliflower mashed potatoes were really delicious!  It felt like I was eating something bad and you can tell she's a legit cook because the mash was actually a mash and not soup like the one's I make!

I asked her to put the mayo on the side which came in a cute mason jar.  The chicken salad was awesome! Crunchy, sweet and a bit tangy with the homemade mayo. 

I didn't want to love it as much as I did since it was more expensive and a ride but it was good people and I recommend checking her out!!! The only down side is not having my macro facts to log into MFP but I can make it work. 

My Pants Fit Again..HOLLERRR!

I think I will always be in pursuit of my happy medium..does anyone feel like that?  Since about the first week in January I have been really good with my workouts/cardio/nutrition and I am seeing some great changes in my body. 

I was planning on doing a show since about a few weeks ago so I had to be my A-game but since I made the decision to not compete I have still tried to keep my workouts/food ect on track.  Weekends as I am sure most people will agree are the hardest for me.  In attempts to save money, my boyfriend and I have stayed in a lot and made dinner at home or will go out for dinner every other weekend.  I have been sticking to one drink a weekend which is kind of challenging with the work weeks I have been having.  My weekend dinners have been better than a normal week night but I am still trying to keep them pretty clean and not go overboard on portions.  So far...this little plan has been working for me. 

In terms of my workouts I have actually switched this up too.  Building is great but I had planned on doing my show to lean out and now with not doing a show I am stuck in this in between space where I had lost inches ect but I am still bulkier than I want to be.  As of right now I don't have a show planned so I don't really want to build.  I would like find a medium where I at the leanness I want (w still incorporating treats, alc) and still hold on to my muscle. 

I switched over to the lifestyle plan on my Body Ambition team which will focus on a split of HIIT based cardio that includes light weights and then a second session of lifting moderate weight at higher reps.  It's definitely a change since I was trying to lift heavy with more sets and lower reps.  I've only been on this plan for about a week but I am enjoying it thus far.  Even though the HIIT circuits are short and sweet I feel like I get a really good burn in the short amount of time.  Plus I hate machines so it's really nice having cardio that is not a treadmill or elliptical. 

For anyone who is interested in Body Ambition Lifestyle plan, Janie Soehl is your girl!  She sends me my own personal HIIT cardio 4 days a week, a special workout for Saturday Smackdown and personalized lifting plan along with macros for a reasonable monthly cost :)

Overall, I am starting to lean out and fit into my pants again LOL...and I am being dead serious.  I got to the point where nothing fit me in my closet and I was feeling like a line backer.  So I am sure you are curious about these changes since it has been a few months since I posted progress pics. 

Here's where I started....to where I am today.  I am pretty proud of my progress for only a little over 2.5 months.  I have been working hard and the scale may not necessarily show you this but pictures are a great tool to remind us to KEEP GOING!

 

Today: 3/14/2014

Being an Adult Sucks!

Where to begin.....

I would like to first apologize to anyone who has texted me in the past two weeks because I have been totally MIA.  I have been absolutely manic at work and with lifting and cardio - I am literally eating dinner, showering and going to bed.

Whether anyone actually reads my blog or not I wanted to update everyone on my current status.  I am at the age where I am on the cusp of a lot of new and exciting chapters.  A lot of my friends are getting engaged, buying houses, starting families ect.  I am not quite there yet but these new chapters are expensive.  Being financially responsible has totally taken a backseat with my last two shows and I was spending money like it was going out of style.  I had to take a step back and look at what I am spending on shows and what that money can be going towards.  Competing for me is a hobby and something I enjoy but it's not my life.  I want to buy a house and get married ect and I am at the stage where I have the opportunity to be putting a lot of money away towards these goals. 

Cue....being an adult sucks.  Making sacrifices for the greater good and therefore I will not be competing at the moment. 

I want to give my 100% at my job, with my boyfriend, family, friends and SAVING money.  Adding a show into the mix messes with all of this for me.  I am not saying that it cannot be done but for me...at what cost?  Do I want to be down to the penny before my paycheck....not really.  Between how busy I am at work and a show diet....do I want to kill someone....not really.  I had to look at the whole picture and all facets and it's the most responsible decision.

Soo...to my team, I am so very sorry I will not be on stage with you this Spring.  I was really looking forward to the show and sharing the experience with everyone. 

With all of this said...summer is still coming ya'll and I am working my ass off to lean out.  I worked for months to put on some muscle and now it's a real bitch to get this fluff off!  I am seeing some great changes I will say!  I will post some before and after pics within the next month or so to show my progress....but....I can see some abs again....there is a god!

Halloween on Slutty Steriods....The Dreaded Theme Wear

Lets talk theme wear.....the exciting yet dreaded theme wear.  To come up with something "unique" and "different" is a real pain in the ass.  Something bigger and better than last year's.....UGH...

Parts of me love theme wear because I am a creative person and like researching ideas but at the same time it's super stressful...like Halloween on slutty steroids.

Now, I am not an expert, coach or suit designer so what do I know about creating theme wear?!  Good question....nothing really lol I just have a type A personality and love researching ideas.  My them wear for 2013 panned out pretty well so if you think I may be of help...keep reading...otherwise X out and go back to Esty.

The initial drawing board can be the hardest part.  My best suggestion is to look through pictures of Fitness America, WBFF theme wear rounds or VS fashion shows.  Now I am not telling you to carbon copy a theme wear you like but if take some screen shots of aspects of costumes that you like and find interesting. Gather all of these ideas together and then start brainstorming of what this theme wear can be.....no one said your theme wear has to be real....you can be whatever you want! The last time I checked The Phantom of the Opera did not have on a strappy bikini!

I loved my theme wear for Fitness New England this past year.  After combing through endless pictures of shows I knew I wanted a cape and a strappy bikini.  I am sure the Phantom idea has been done plenty of times but they key is to make it your own. 

Once you have your idea down, start putting together a rough draft of what you imagine it looking like.  This will 100% probably change from what the end result is but it's good to get the ideas out of your head and on paper.  When you go to a suit designer you want to have a concrete idea of what you want...otherwise you'll stare at one another and they willl probably give you ideas you don't like and it will be a never ending circle.

A big aspect of theme wear is a prop..ugh..i find this the worst part!  They key to having a successful prop is something that you can operate with ease but still exciting to an audience.  I wanted a cape because it's something that was attached to me and can't fall off plus my mask was attached to the cape so it made life a million times easier.  I didn't want to wear a mask and hide my money maker (LOL JK) but I also didn't want to hold the mask and still have to operate the cape...that is just asking for trouble.  After some brainstorming...the mask was now attached to the cape and it worked out awesome!

There are a few options if you are having your them wear made by a professional.  My theme wear was compiled of different items all from different vendors which in the long run made it a bit cheaper. 

Cape: Etsy (i asked for specific colors for my cape rather than opting for the colors shown on her page)

Suit: Natalya Toporova  ...also an Etsy find.  I sent her my own fabric/sizes and asked if she could make it in the design of one of her own suits

Flower: I googled and found a website with clips pre-glued and bedazzled myself

Mask: Michael's and adhered myself (this was tricky)

Alterations: Local suit designer, Christine Summers, scrunched my butt and addded some sparkle

end product......Whallllaaaa

Oh no she didn't.....

A post and progress pics after the holidays.....oh no she didn't....yes, yes unfortunately I did and I am damn proud of them! Have I gained weight...you betcha..do I know how much...Nope. Is the back side plumper..you betcha....have I got up a size possibly 2...yes sir. Am I sitting at home crying about it? Listen ladies...In order to gain some muscle things might get uncomfortable..things are going to get ...plumper...but I'm owning it and if you don't like it than that's not my problem.

A smidge has changed since my last post and I hope people don't think I am contradicting myself but I am a firm believer in doing what you want and following your heart. I have moments where competing again looks daunting and wonder if I am up for the challenge but I have taken a long break since my last show and I think I am ready to get back in the game for 2014.

Things will be different this time around seeing that I have A LOT less discretionary income to spend on bikinis and butt glue. I've been able to put a stash away that will help pay for some of the must haves (registration, hair and makeup) but this will be a true test to how much a girl can ball on a budget.

You may be asking yourself ...after all the happy medium posts...you are seriously going to compete again? UGH ...I know, I know...parts of me are slapping myself in the face for a reality check but deep rooted in the pit of my stomach is the urge to get on stage. I have been working really hard on building muscle and I am itching to see what is underneath the fluff. I was legit....cringing at the thought of 1. Putting on a bikini this morning...and 2. Photographing this traumatic event.

To my surprise....I didn't hate. I mean it's the week after Christmas...cut a girl some slack but I was actually pretty excited to see some of my progress over the past 8 months. Sure..there's no abs at the moment but that oblique is under there somewhere. I don't hate my body at the moment at all and I am not competing to lose weight..so don't get that twisted. I am happy with my body and self-control and that is ultimately where I wanted to be before I decided to get on stage again.

If you are wondering if I weighed myself than keep a wonderin cause that ain't going to happen.

Here is my pic from today.....

Here is a comparison from today and Jul.  Yes, I am fluffier today but I can see some growth in my arms and leg muscles.

 

Looking your best vs Feeling your best...

Oh hello everybody! It's been awhile hasn't it?! I used to have exciting stories about stripper shorts I was bedazzling and the adventures of a bikini queen but life has been pretty quiet.

The upside of not being in any sort of contest prep is eating more and lifting heavier. I am continuously seeing gains in my lifting and it has been really fun. I've answered a few questions lately about competing and I'd like to share them with you. Before I ever got into this lifestyle I was pretty in-shape... nothing out of the ordinary. I would look up diets and fad excuses to drop a few pounds to be happy with a number on the scale. What isn't alluring about seeing these "inspirational" bumper stickers with a hot chick rocking a six pack in her sports bra and booty shorts with the slogan Train insane or remain the same. What does that even mean? Honestly, be active, eat in moderation, go for a freaking walk! My god, if i am not going insane in the gym and jumping through hoops in a sweat suit, does that mean I am not going to look like the girl in the picture!?

Knowing what I know now...I think it's a crock of shit. I am not saying these women on Oxygen and bumper stickers don't eat clean or work their asses off but reality is we are portraying an image to people that is highly manipulated by dehydration, specific food groups and long bouts of cardio. To those women like a Lori Harder who can rock that shit all year long...DAMN! YOU GO GIRL but to the average hard worker who eats clean in the gym and works out religiously… People don’t just step on the set and look that way. All I am getting at here is that these depictions that we are bombarded with everyday are not REAL. They are amazing and note-worthy but giving people false hope.

I've learned to accept the fact that a six pack is not going to happen unless I take extreme measures. Extreme meaning, absolutely on point with my diet, cardio, water intake ect and honestly...I just don't want to do that! There is no better feeling then Friday night sitting with my boo with a glass of wine watching TV. I had to give that up for a while and little moments like that mean a lot to me. Going out to eat with family or friends and being able to order what I want..knowing I've busted my butt in the gym all week. I am not saying I am perfectly happy with my body but it's nice feeling like there is no deadline. I have each new day to improve or regress but it's up to me!

So here's what post comp to now looks like:  It's been almost 7 months. I work out 4 to 5 or 6 days depending on the week. Cardio around 2 to 3 days for no more than 20 minutes. Prep all my meals for Mon - Fri and 50% 50% on the weekends. Am I perfect? No one is. Am I happy with my body, yes but there's always room for improvement.

Top left starting from April 2013  right before my show and last photo on the second row to the right this past weekend. Not really excited about posting these but it's to show what being SUPER strict and balls to the wall looks like vs moderate treats keeping active and minimal cardio.  I know which one I think looks the best in but I also know which one I feel the best in.  You be the judge....

 

Happy Medium

After re-reading my last post I can certainly say I am in a much better place.  I have really taken the effort to nurse my back issues and feel 100% better...never underestimate the power of stretching and a foam roller!! I had to take a big step back from lifting which really sucked...received some not so nice comments about looking like I had lost muscle....IDIOT....but that's for a different day....it was all worth it.  Each new day I am lifting heavier and feeling more energized.  Increasing my calories has really made a difference. 

My typical Mon - Fri diet lately

 

I think the best part of taking a break from competing has been really getting know to the new person I've become.  It's been a year since my first show and I've become a totally different person.  The way I view workouts, food, ect...almost everything has changed.

I took a 4 month break period from my first show until February 2013 when I started prepping for April 2013.  4 months is not a long time and certainly not long enough to get to know your new body.  I really enjoyed my summer, gained a few extra lbs, skirted around cardio but I think letting my body go through all of these changes...highs and lows..has really helped to to figure out what works.  I had weeks where I didn't prep any food and weeks where I had all my meals prepped.  Weeks where I did 6 days of working out and some week's 4 but the best part was...the world didn't end.  It's life people...we can't be 100% all of the time.  I've learned meal prepping just works for me whether I am prepping or not...I like having my food ready..it's just easier.  Some days I got overwhelmed between cardio, lifting, abs ect..it made me resent the gym for a short period of time.  I love working out and I don't want to dread it so you have to do what works for you and what makes you happy. 




Sunday...not so perfect

There's nothing wrong with doing multiple shows a year but I think its important to take a step back from the regimented lifestyle of show prep and figure out the body that works for you year round.  There a many reasons people do competitions but I think to continuously do shows back to back to avoid going back to the weight or lifestyle you once lived is not the way to go.  We have to address our issues and sometimes competing is not always the answer.  Competing is great and somewhat addicting if you ask me but I have to say, I've never been happier than I am now.  I'm lifting heavier than ever, I do cardio 3 to 4 days a week, I eat well and if I want a cookie..I eat the cookie..sometimes two.  I get to bust ass on Saturday morning at the gym then meet my girlfriend for lunch and order what I want for lunch.  I'm not crabby or run down.....it's pretty awesome.   

I want to share the images below to reflect how much the body changes and this is a one year span. The first picture below was 9/28/2012, the day after my first show. Legit withered away to nothing. I look back at this photo and cringe at how skinny I was. The second image is the week before my second show 4/20/2013. Luckily I had built up some muscle in my 4 months off season so I wasn't quite as "skinny" looking and was able to hold on to some muscle. The third photo is from 9/6/13 There's no ripped abs or snazzy oblique line. I took this photo a few weeks ago because I decided I needed to step up my game and really figure out what i want. I will post a new progress pic sometime next month. Overall, it's a roller coaster ride of ripped, to bloated back to ripped and I am on the hunt to find my happy in between



I wish everyone the best in their journeys competing or not but from someone who has done both...super strict to total binge eating at points.....it's worth taking the time to find that happy medium.  I'm still not totally there...but on my way :)

I plan to post progress pics soon.  I've been pretty good the last 3 weeks with my diet and exercise so I am hoping I see some results!

My Body's a B*atch

As a bikini competitor I pride myself on pushing...pushing past my limits to be the best that I can be. Majority of the time this mentality works in my favor but lately it's almost putting a hindrance to my progress. 

Since the Foxwoods show in April I have been trying to build, which most competitors do in their off season.  The building phase can take a toll on your body and I've noticed that every time I am in a building phase my body starts to slowly go down hill.  Starting in January 2013 I was building away for the April show and I noticed this odd breathing issue I was having.  I was having a hard time catching a satisfying deep breath (if that makes any sense to anyone).  I would get a massage here and there and the masseuse would ask me if I stretch......sometimes?  It's kind of like when the dentist ask me if I floss....on the occasion? I even went to my physical and the nurse practitioner looked at my like she had no idea what I was talking about.

I would stretch for a week or two and then slowly fall out of the habit.  I don't make stretching a priority and it's starting to cause a lot of problems.  When I was getting closer to the April show and building turned into leaning and toning I noticed a slight change in my breathing and it seemed to feel better.  Fast forward to the present and I am building again and the breathing issue is back.  I hit a breaking point a two weeks ago when my body just couldn't take it any longer.  I called to book a deep tissue massage ASAP because honestly I just wanted a serious rub down LOL...I can only convince Jonathan to massage my back so much before he starts charging.  My guess is that my breathing issues are stemming from the tightness in back and it's really freaking annoyinggg!!!

I am in a state of confusion on what to do?  I am programmed to train...get out of work, go to the gym and do my workouts.  When I do my workouts I am in pain.  I started putting in the effort to stretch before and after every workout recently but realized I need to speak to a professional.  I was able to snag a free appointment with a physical therapist at my gym this week to go over my issues.  He ran some assessments and watched me do certain basic movements (squats, lunges, push ups ect) to see what areas were tight.  Shocker...my back was the big ticket item.  He recommended taking a lil break from back and bi's and going a little lighter on my weights.  He put together a pre-workout stretching program for me and I am excited to see if it makes a difference. 

So Moral of the story..listen to your body.  I haven't listened to my body in months and now it's screaming at me and she's a real biatch.  I want to build muscle and lift like a boss but if I keep up my old routine then I am going to injure myself and be out of commission.  It's a real downer to now have to take a step backwards and decrease weights ect but I need to do what's best for my body.  The foam roller and I are going to become best friends.


 

Summer Fluff

Let me be the first one to say..I have not been perfect with my diet or workouts.  I am having an absolute ball this summer going on long weekend trips to my family and trips to see my college girlfriends I haven't seen in years.  We have to prioritize what we think is important in our lives and right now I am focusing on balancing staying fit but also letting myself have a little fun.  I have been having a few cocktails on the weekends and more starches/fruits in my diet.  I have given up steady state cardio and am solely relying on my HIIT as well the burn I get from lifting.  I am lifting heavier than I ever have..mainly cause Amy, my workout partner, is increasing her weights so I go along for the ride and I am honestly surprised at what I can lift.  Sometimes I look at the weights and assume 35lbs are way to heavy for my suitcase squats.  Amy will grab them so I give them a shot and BAM...not so bad.

You may be wondering if I have weighed myself lately?  Yeah Freaking Right!  The scale has no purpose to me anymore.  It makes me crazy and I am SO over letting a number define my emotions for the day.  I am relying on the way my clothes fit, progress pics and check-ins with my coach.  I haven't really been taking progress pictures since the show ended but I think in order to really measure my progress it has to be done.  I know I have gained weight since the show which I was fully prepared for this time around.  Since I am enjoying summer so much..I am feeling a lil fluffier than usual but I am okay with it for now.  If I was being ON POINT with my diet and perfect with my workouts I would be a bit more disappointed with my photos but realistically I haven't been... you get out of it what you put in.

 

With all of that being said, I still eat 6 meals a day, drink a gallon of water and prep my food for wherever I am going.  For instance, I just came back from a great long weekend in Maine with my boyfriend and as much as I wanted to not pack a suitcase full of food it has become so ingrained in my day to day life that it's second nature.  I don't want to rely on having to go out for every meal or snack.  We ate out for dinner every night and I ordered what I wanted off the menu and had desert.  Did I feel guilty, noo!  I have been on 2 vacations in the last year where I was super strict and I needed to be able to enjoy myself. 

I did however pack bfast, lunch and snacks for each day. 

Bfast:
hard boiled eggs
Pre-made oats in zip lock bags (oats, cinnamon, stevia, chai seeds and 1 T of almond butter)
Almond milk - for my oats the main house had a microwave so I just brought Tupperware and would dump my baggies in and add almond milk and heat away.
Berries

Lunch:
Joseph's lavish wrap
Low sodium turkey
spinach
Kale Chips (from Trader Joes)

Snacks:

Cottage cheese & fruit
apples, cherries, carrots, sugar snap peas all to snack on

Seltzers: I brought 4 with my and they are life savers in terms of switching up the H20. 

I really enjoy eating clean and it makes me feel great but I do think there is a time and a place to incorporate treats and lax meals and vacation is one of them.

So here goes nothing - Progress Pics 07/11/13

Tough Decisions

It has been 2 months since Fitness New England and I have been doing quite a bit of thinking.  About what you ask? Well, I have had these internal struggles with making the decision to take a break or stop competing all together.  I'm acting like I am a lifer here but it has become an important part of my life within the past year, that it's a really challenging decision.  Coming off a first place win you might be wondering why on earth would you want to stop competing?  It's a really difficult decision for me because I absolutely love some aspects of competing and hate others.  I love my coach and my team and it's a bonding experience you share together.  Not many people can understand what it's like to do a show and you become really close with your teammates and parts of me would really miss having that connection.  My other love is the stage.  Every moment of prep I anxiously await to get on stage, feel the lights and appreciate all the hard work that has been put in. 

Why stop?  There are many factors that play into this and many of them have to due to the restrictions of a competitors diet.  I eat 6 meals a day all healthy and clean but I love food and I love being able to enjoy things when I want them.  If you compete correctly, the diet is more of a lifestyle which it absolutely has become for me but when it comes down to the nitty griddy of competing, I hate giving up my fav foods ie (nut butters, almond milk, cottage cheese, bananas ect . To get lean and have the muscle definition you need to compete, these foods typically have to go from the diet at some point.  Call me a wimp or  say suck it up but when my diet becomes too rigid I start to view bananas, almond milk ect as "bad".  I know they are not bad foods but mentally I struggle quite a bit post show with incorporating these healthy foods in my diet without feeling some guilt. 

For me, personally, I struggle the most with post show.  I haven't really skipped a beat in terms of getting back to my workout and healthy eating routine but mentally it's extremely draining.  You go from seeing your body for weeks take on this amazing shape to finally being able to eat treats ect and binging ( i don't care who you are...post show we all binge) and feeling like complete shit.  It's inevitable to gain weight back after a show and I found my second show much easier to deal with than my first in terms of emotional roller coaster but I still struggle.  Parts of me wonder why I put my body through such rigorous measures and restrictions for 1 day.  1 freaking day.  Why can't I eat my 5 to 6 meals incorporating all the clean foods I love year round, do my awesome workouts from Janelle and not have a conniption if I want a glass of wine and a cookie?

I want to be able to go on an overnight with my boyfriend and split a salad and small pizza and not feel guilty.  I want to go for walks and a run now and again and not feel guilty that I am not dripping sweat and could have hit a better burn.  All of these issues stem from me internally and the pressure I put on myself to do well or bring a better package to the stage each show.  My coach and team provide me with the best support, diet and workouts you could ask for but mentally competing is very hard for me and I think the best decision for right now is to work on finding the balance.  I want to work on my body and building muscle as well as figuring out what nutrition plan works for me everyday that incorporates clean and not so clean foods.  I want to be able to say, yes, this is my body...there's no dehydration or week of show meal plan that makes it look like this...this is me everyday working hard and balancing life/treats/relationships ect.  

So...there it is....that's what's going on inside my head and will I ever compete again...who knows.  Right now, I want to focus on relationships, saving for a house and a future with my bf, working out and eating clean and figuring out what works for everyday life. 

I want to wish all my Body Ambition teammates the best of luck with their shows this upcoming weekends.  So proud of all of you and cannot wait to see updates/posts!

Droppin' it like it's HOT

Whoa baby where do I begin?! Since my last post a lot has happened.  For starters, I am now a sponsored model for HotDrop Apparel www.hotdropapparel.com.  I went on an amazing overnight to Maine with my boyfriend, was asked to do a last minute photo shoot which resulted in making the front of HotDrop's website and made it through Memorial Day weekend!

www.hotdropapparel.com

Let's start with HotDrop!  I am a believer that everything in life happens for a reason but I also feel that we are the makers of our own destiny.  My photo shoot with David Brazier is coming up next weekend and a few weeks ago I made the decision to put myself out there!  Nothing in life has been handed to me...I consider myself a very fortunate person but I work for what I have.  If you are looking to work with a company or get sponsored you can't just wait around for them to come to you.  This may be the case for some people but personally I am well aware companies are not just going to be sending free swag my way.

To get what you want you have to take the initiative and sometimes it will work, sometimes it may not.  I reached out to HotDrop in hopes of working with them for a few reasons.  One, they are local to me, which means I am able to meet them and it's not a ton of money to travel in the chance they wanted to work together.  Two, I really like their clothing!  Go for brands or products that you like otherwise who wants to promote something you don't believe in!   HotDrop's apparel is SUPER comfortable, great for sweating since it's made for Bikram but can be worn for all fitness activities and the patterns and colors are vibrant and fun!

To my surprise and pure amazement they wanted to work with me! Before a year ago, I've never been "that girl" meaning I never win things, put myself out there or had the confidence to do this kind of stuff.  Each day is a new opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be and I am finally seeing that! They reached out and asked if I was available for a shoot this past weekend and the Ben and Jerry's I had consumed a few days prior was the first thing that popped into my head.  My diet had not been perfect and I was terrified of not looking the part.  My coach, Janelle, made a really good point.  At this point in my new found fitness life I cannot pass down a single opportunity.  She was so right and I really could not be happier that I put my own reservations aside and just went for it!

My photo shoot was this past Sunday at their studio in Boston.  I did my own hair and makeup (HOLD THE PHONE) yes, mildly freaked out about it since the last time I curled my hair was months ago and my makeup consists of everyday going to work nothing snazzy.  As a model, which I don't consider myself at all but typically you have your makeup done but there will be occasions where you have to do things yourself.  To save money and time I decided to do some research on YouTube and pick up some stuff at Target.  I practiced a few times during the week after work and was really happy with the way it turned out! I did a mystic tan the day before the shoot $30 bucks, used hot rollers for about 45 mins morning of the shoot and did my own makeup! 

 The shoot was amazing.  Meredith, HotDrop's owner, had a great line-up of ideas for the photos.  Her husband was the photographer and the pair made me feel so comfortable!  I will say photo shoots are harder than they look.  It's not like they just snap one shot of you doing a push up on a medicine ball.  You need to hold this pose for longer than one would think and I was shaking like a leaf! My favorite outfit of the day was by far the Guru K bra.  This is the outfit featured on the front of their website (OMG SHUT THE FRONT DOOR...so so cooool).  It is so flattering and really comfortable. 

Overall, I am in awe that all of this went down within a matter of a few weeks.  My advice, go for what you want and refuse to settle. 

Post Show

It has been 11 days since Fitness New England and minus this insane bloat action going on...I feel freaking fantastic.  I have enjoyed my lax meals and maybe over done it here and there but it feels awesome to go out to dinner like a normal person again.  My energy levels are back and I have been feeling awesome during my workouts.  As I got closer and closer to the show my energy was dangling by a thread.  I took it easy from HIIT sprints to try and maintain my leg muscles and yesterday, for the first time in almost 3 weeks, I did HIIT sprints and it felt invigorating....never thought I would say that!

My body is all out of whack...I have been eating clean all during the week and I have this baby bloat that just won't go away.  When you compete your body is on a roller coaster towards the end.  You restrict and then all of sudden go cray cray with treats that I think my body is trying to play catch up.  I need to give my body time to adjust back to all foods I am re-incorporating...nut butters, almond milk, Greek yogurt, more starches and fruits. 

This past weekend we went out to my favorite Italian restaurant and needless to say I did not order off any sort of skinny menu.  Chicken Marsala and a heaping piece of carrot cake for this girl.  Pretty much felt like death afterwards but I needed to get it out of my system.  My sugar cravings are pretty wild right now so I am trying to find clean alternatives to fill these urges.  After seeing the lean muscle I was able to put on in my off season I really want to continue to build and see where it can take me.  When looking to add lean muscle especially, if cardio is reduced, my eating has to be clean.  I am not perfect and nor will my eating buttt I need to make an effort to pick healthier cheats. 

Last night I came down with a chocolate craving so what do I do? I have no candy or sweets in the house to binge on...so here's my concoction...guarantee if you take the time to make one..and eat it..you won't want a candy bar.

1/2 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp chocolate powdered PB
1 T sugar free choc pudding (not clean...but it's 1 T..not the end of the world)
smidge of unsweetened almond milk

Let sit in the fridge for like 20 mins

I added 4 frozen cherries (will prob omit next time..not impressed)
1 T Better Butter (something like that..it's PB from whole foods HIGHLY RECOMMEND)
smidge of Walden Farms choc syrup (will omit this too if I make again)

SO FREAKING GOOD!! It taste like a bad treat that I should have felt super guilty over but when I broke it down not as bad as I thought.  Carbs a little higher than I would like for at night and sugars but better than a snickers bar and 16g of protein!

Goals:

It's important to set some short term and long term goals after a show so you don't wind up planted on a couch covered in potato chip crumbs. 

Short term:  I was offered a free photo shoot from David Brazier Photography!  Super excited about this and with all the money I spend..Free is good for meeee :) Excited to give a photo shoot another go.  I felt SUPER awkward at my first shoot so I am hoping this one is more relaxed.  I will be shooting with my friend Amy so hoping we can get some great shots!

Competitions: Have a show in mind for the fall.  Not ready to fully announce since who knows what will happen between now and then but I will be training...and training hard.  I will need to add some solid muscle if I select this show and it's really exciting to think about.  I have NEVER in my life been muscular or had tone and seeing the results of my hard work is really awesome and makes me want to work that much harder. 

Fitness New England Re-Cap

Seriously, where do I even begin?! Last week was the longest and shortest weeks' of my life..if that makes any sense. The week of show diet is brutal and draining and needless to say I feel like a new woman incorporating my starches and fruits ect back into my diet within the past two days. Let's break down the weekend, shall we?

Thursday 4/25:

Once my half day at work was complete I did my last minute errands: pedi, posed for about an hour at the gym, bought my goodies for post-show and got my spray tan. I absolutely love the spray from Beleza Spa...it got me pretty dark that I only needed 4 coats of the Jan Tana high definition stage tan. I looked like an absolute MANIACCCCC after I got sprayed. There is a bronzing agent that washes off when you shower the next day...but until you shower..prepare to look like you were stuck in a chimney for a few hours.

Packing for an overnight show is seriously stressful. The thought of forgetting something is terrifying and between all of my stuff and Amy's stuff it looked like we were moving.

Friday 4/26:

I woke up so early on Friday because I could barely sleep. My nerves were through the roof and I just wanted to get the show on the road. I hate being by myself..just waiting...my mind wonders and I envision myself twirling off the stage or getting stuck in my cape. We left around noon and were at the Grand Pequot in no time. Six women in one room....let me repeat...six women with equally the same amount of crap in one room. I have to say it was a blast...night before the show is nerve-racking to say the least so to have the comic relief of six women all staying together was great.

We checked into our room and then scoped out the registration scene at the Fox Theater. We were able to check out the stage, which I had been DYING to do. It never hurts to ask and when I asked the tech guy if we could go on stage he said...sure go ahead. I was elated and ran like giddy school girl up the stairs and on to the stage. It was nice to get a feel for the stage and spatially how much room I had for my walk.

This was probably one of the most intimidating things I have ever done in my life. Showing up Friday, no makeup, and seeing girlsdoing shoots all glammed up...I thought to myself...am I really ready for this? One gorgeous fit girl after the next and my brain was on overload from over analyzing literally everyone that walked past me. I had to take a deep breath and stop worrying about everyone else and start focusing on the only thing I have control over...myself!

Lights out at 11pm and from there no turning back.....

Saturday 4/27 DAY OF SHOW!!!

4:30 AM....alarms chiming and the girls are all wide awake. Hair and make-up was at 6:00 AM and I managed to get my final coat of tanner on before my appointment. Team Body Ambition was using Jenny Karl for our hair and make-up services and I was so impressed. My make-up was flawless and seriously lasted ALL DAY. My hair was BIG and off my face just like I asked for and I had touch ups all day. Once the glam process was over, we had our competitor meeting. There were so many bikini girls that they decided to break up the divisions into Short, Medium, Medium Tall and Tall. I found myself in medium tall (5'4 - 5'6) which really was a game changer.


 Prelmins started at 1pm and Bikini Theme wear was first up! Ugh..not thrilled about this since my nerves were on overdrive and the cape being first gave me even more anxiety. There I was..standing at the edge of the curtain...LUMP the size of Texas in my throat...just waiting for my moment. The funny thing is...as soon as I step into the spotlight my nerves subside. For some strange reason...I am fully in the moment...I look people directly in the eye...and just go for it. From there, it was model club wear and then sportswear. The day felt long and knowing that the finals had not even started was a bit daunting. My back felt like someone had hit it with a sledge hammer and my feet were cramping every time I had to put my shoes on.

Med Tall Class

6pm..Finals had begun. I was so so excited to wear my bikini, made by the FABULOUS Sherry Sonier from Sherry's Originals. I truly felt beautiful and could not wait to get back on stage. Once the bikini round was over I had model bikini which was right before the awards. The awards started and the anxiety started to come back in full force. Model was judged first...and the funny thing...I thought if I place in anything, I would place in model and not in bikini when initially signing up for this show. The top five were called and ....wamp wamp...no dice. I started questioning everything from that point on. Placing is not everything but I had such a good feeling all day and then I was just in the dark.

Finally, bikini awards for my division, Medium Tall, were starting. I walked out there nervous as hell not knowing what was about to happen. The 5th, 4th, 3rd place awards were called and I was still standing in the lineup. My heart was racing a mile a minute as the 2nd place was called and it wasn't me.....as I waited there thinking..could this really be happening...my name was called for 1st place and I could have died. Standing up there...holding a first place trophy...probably for the 1st time in my entire life. I mean I think I may have won 1st place at an art show once in college but that really is about it.

I still don't think it's really sunk in that the show is over and I walked away actually winning. On the flip side it's kind of of scary winning first place especially in a division that I don't think actually existed before Saturday. Where do you go from here ...? Have I set myself up so that it can really only go downhill? I keep having to slap myself when thinking those thoughts and just appreciate it for what it is.

I am so grateful and appreciative for my coach, Janelle Nicolo. She really has given me the confidence and added flair to get on that stage and feel like a rock star. My body looked better this time around as I have built muscle in my off season with her training plan. She pulled everyone aside Friday night and I think we can all admit it was a really touching moment. She wrote personalized notes to each of us and it made me so proud to have her as my coach. She works hard for everything she does and made sure each and every one of us felt like a million bucks.



So what's next? Mentally and physically I need to re-group. I am exhausted but motivated to improve my physique in the off season. I have a show in mind for my next go but I will keep it under wraps until I make a final decision. My goal is to always improve and bring a better package to the stage so stay tuned

 
Love,


Not so Wanna B Bikini Queen :)

Reality Slap...2 DAYS!!!!

2 days. Reality slap....the show is this weekend.  Yes, I have done one show before but my butterflies are kicking away.  I was looking at pictures from last years' show and started to feel this lump slowly work its way from my stomach to my throat! It's not like I have to talk or answer questions on global warming but to get on stage in a TINY outfit in front of who knows how many people....ya I'd say its a smidge nerve racking.  I have so much respect for people in this industry mainly because I know there is no pussy footing around anything. Your either in or your out. 

The week of show has been no doubt challenging.  I have barely been able to write a post because my train of thought has been so all over the place! I can finally say.. WORKOUTS are DONE..well until Monday that is.  I had my final dress rehearsal last night my some of my teammates and I am feeling confident and prepared for the stage. We leave for Foxwoods tomorrow afternoon and then all the fun begins!  6 girls in one hotel room...oh to be a fly on the wall :) I've made some really great friends through this process and could not be more excited to share this experience with them. 

I am getting my spray tan tonight, posing, running a crap ton of errands and cooking for the show...literally, a Wanna B Bikini Queen's job is never done!

Before I step on stage, I would like to say a special thank you to some amazing people.  First and foremost, Janelle wonder woman Nicolo, I appreciate all the work you do for us girls.  You make each one of us feel special and important and I am so happy to be part of your team.  My Body Ambition teammates, I can't express how nice it feels to walk into BodyCo for our sessions and always be greeted with a smile.  I've grown to care about each one of you and cannot wait for you to have your special moment on stage.  I would also like to say a special thank you to Amy G :), my gym bud.  Just take a look at the girl and you know she's a winner.  I used to admire her at our gym and never imagined I would actually become friends and gym partners.  She really has pushed me to another level in terms of training.  I can say I lift heavier, sprint longer and get at them abs because of her work ethic.  Last but not least, my main squeeze ;)  This has been a rough prep for my mood swings and I appreciate it everything you do for me.  I can't wait to spend some qt together and love you tremendously. 

okay, okay...enough of the softy stuff...with all that said...I'm getting on that stage and holding nothing back.  Whatever happens, happens...just know you gave it your best!   

I will take lots of pics and post via FB and on my show re-cap blog :)

10 DAYS!!!!

Well....it's here...10 day countdown.  HOLY CRAP. As long as this show prep has felt...now that it's here...where did the time go?!

This has been a harder prep for me than the last time.  I was SUPER restrictive for my first show and followed everything to a T.  Once I was able to add normal healthy foods and treats back into my diet I did not want to give them up. 

I will give some advice to those debating vacation 2 weeks' before a show....unless it's an island that bans junk food...DON'T DO IT!  I totally needed the relaxation and I feel so re-energized but my goodness...if I had to sit through another dinner and watch my dad inhale a slice of chocolate, carrot or pina cola cake I was about to scream.  This brings me to the "Dutch Baby". Monday night we went to a great restaurant in Sarasota.  I had some scallops and asparagus which were delicious but then my boyfriend ordered dessert. My biggest mistake was thinking I had control to only have one bite...ya okay.  This "Dutch Baby" was an apple pie baked in a skillet with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce OMGGGGGGGG.  One bite turned into two and two turned into three...I didn't kill the dessert but I should not have even touched it to begin with. 

The next morning I woke up wrapped in so much guilt.  What the hell was I doing...so from Tues - Sat ..I didn't touch another thing.  Looking back, a week later, was having a few bites of the dessert the end of the world?  We are human..I know I sure as hell am not perfect...as dedicated and strict as I am most of the time I fall off the wagon and take a few missteps here and there.  When stuff like the "Dutch Baby" happens you cannot let it defeat your mentality.  Ya shit, I screwed up and I learned from it but amidst some of these occurrences, I managed to lose 3lbs on vacation. 


Back to the good ole' routine which I hate to say...I kind of missed.  I enjoy my gym time after work and meeting up with some of the BA girls.  The gym I used in Anna Maria served its purpose but my goodness this thing was old.  I swear, the seated calf raise machine felt like it was one screw away from completly disassembling while I was on it.  I will say, if you eveer want to feel like a straight of power house beast...attend a gym with all old people LOL.  I was the youngest thing in there by a few decades. 



Sportswear in September....
wait to you see how she changed it!

In Show News:  I am carb cycling like a mofo right now but my body has become somewhat accustomed so my enegry level does not seem so low anymore.  I am seeing changes in my body which is always the coolest part.  I picked up my sportswear from my seamstress yesterday and this woman worked some serious magic!!! I loved my blue Rogiani that I wore for September but it just wasn't the most flattering top and bottoms for my figure.  She re-vamped it and I was soo impressed! 
I had to leave my dress with her since I lost a little weight and she needs to bring it in a smidge but overall it looks a thousand times better than the day it came in the mail. Everything is coming together and now it's just a waiting game. 

Progress Pics:

ohhh...I am going to be sneaky and make you all wait til show time now!!!

R&R...3 WEEKS!!!

April is among us!!!! 23 days til GO TIME SHOW TIME! oh and how could I forget...2 days until vacation :))))

My nerves are starting to kick in a little for vacation.  Vacation should NOT be stressful thing but I can't help but be nervous because who goes on vacation and CANNOT eat or drink anything bad?!  At this point there is no wiggle room...the show will be two weeks from when I return home so I don't have time erase any damage that may happen over the course of a weeks' vacation.  I CAN DO THIS!  I have done it before...never to this extent or this close to a show but I know have willpower and have used it many of times in hard situations.  Dinner will be my only struggle since the rest of the meals will be at the condo which I have total control over.  I am going to try my best not to stress and enjoy the vacation.  My body and mind need the time to relax and regroup. 

What does a bikini competitor 23 days out from a show bring on vacation?  Security will have a field day with my suitcase I am sure!

Since I will have access to a full grocery store I will buy all my food there but to save a little money I plan to pack some things in my suitcase:

• coconut oil - if it doesn't get cut my then :( - stuff is expensive!
• Vitamins
• measuring cups/spoons
• food scale
• cooler
• Yogi tea
• chai seeds /quinao (pack in baggies)
• spices
• SUNBLOCK & HATSS! It's crucial I keep the sun tan under control.  Typically I'd be out oil and all crisping away but that cannot happen this year.  I need to be very mindful of the sun because if I burn and peal ...my show tan will look a HOT MESS!

Hope it's under 50lbs!!

In Show News, things are shaping up quite nicely.  Checklist is looking good!

Bikini - arrived and fully blinged out
Model Bikini - Check
Dress - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Model sportswear - picking up 4/16 from tailor
Theme wear - just about complete!
Tan - Jana Tana arrived this week!
VS suit for photo shoot: Check
Dream tan - Check
Hair appt: booked for week before show!
Wax/spray tan appts booked!
Make-up appt - paid for and booked
Rooms at Foxwoods: Booked
Registration: Check!
Bling accessories: Bracelets (check) - just need some earrings

Progress Pics 4/4/13