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Figure Competition Fitness Fitness and Health Self

My Figure Update: Overcoming a Quitters Mentality

I have quit a lot of things in my life. It’s actually my go-to exit plan. If it’s hard just give up and move on, right?  I’ve quit relationships, ideas, business ventures, and opportunities.  Moved on and never looked back.  I am also one of those people who acts on ideas. I don’t always research what I am getting into I get an idea in my head and I just go for it until it gets hard and then I quit and move on to the next big idea.  A pattern that I didn’t even realize until recently. My impulsive decision making has had its advantages and allowed me to do some pretty fun and amazing things but long term goals is where I tend to fall short. As you know I have been doing this Figure Competitor journey.  I originally thought that it would help me to get in the best shape of my life which it has but I also did it because it was a fun idea that I have had in the back of my mind for many years and had an opportunity to take advantage.  

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

1 Corinthians 9:24

 When the Sparkle Wears off

Like anything, new things are fun and exciting. You usually are all in and zealous to achieve your goal.  It’s the hard work, disappointments, and length of time that led to where I often go. I’ll just quit and move on until something happened with my daughter that made me step back and reflect.  I have three little diva’s that keep my life full, active and yes, drama filled as you can imagine.  My middle I see a lot of me in her maybe a little too much. Like her Mama she approached life with a let’s try something new mentality and like her Mama she gets bored and moves on easily.  We were riding in the car one day and my daughter was telling us how she wanted to quit camp.  My husband and I were stressing the importance of finishing what you started when a comment my husband made struck me.  I had said, “She always quits when she loses interest in something.” without hesitation, my husband said, “Yea, she gets that from you.” OUCH! But honestly, he is so right.  So, then as any good Mama guilt struck and self-reflection.  Yep, another similarity that we share.  

Too Far to Quit

So, here I am at the end of my Figure Journey well approaching the end maybe and things have gotten less fun and more challenging. The thing about Fitness Competition is nutrition is probably the most important part it allows you to look a certain way. This sport is also about aesthetics and a lot of competitors have a poor body image although they have amazing physiques.  I’ve started to learn how to pose and I am not a fan.  I love lifting weights I’ve gotten used to the nutrition but as far as the posing not only is that not fun it doesn’t serve me in anything but competing. I don’t really care about the makeup and the bikini part I am not that kind of girl. I just want to do it and get it done and said “I did it!” and move on. So, as I struggled with posing my immediate reaction was aw that’s okay I’ll just move on and try something else but that conversation in the car with my husband replayed in the back of my mind.  

Work in Progress

In the past few years, I have been refining my life making different choices and trying to live my best life.  We are always evolving and changing and as you have witnessed through my journey I have spiritually, mentally and physically changed my body but I am nowhere near being the complete package. Nor do I think I ever will be like everyone else I have things to work on, lots and lots and lots of things to work and overcoming a quitters mentality is one of them. So, how? How do I change a habit and replace it with a better one?  Any habit that can be successfully changed has to be replaced with something that you enjoyed. This is no different. I have decided to quit my quitter’s mentality by quitting. Say what? Stay with me!

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

2 Timothy 3:14

How I am overcoming quitting

I am quitting setting up roadblocks to achieving my goals.

I am quitting acting on impulse and doing more research.

I am quitting putting limits on my ability.

I am quitting putting a time frame on my goal.

I am quitting thinking that I have to be the best at everything the first time.

I am quitting setting the example to my girls that when you get bored or discouraged to move on.

Things are hard and you often want to bail and move on I know I do but I have experienced the results of persevering and seeing something through to the end and so that is what I plan on striving to do.

 

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12-14

Do you have any suggestions for a quitters mindset?

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Faith & Self Care Faith Journey Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey

Not an Overnight Success: 7 things I’ve learned on my journey to lose 80 lbs.

I can’t believe that it has been another year. It seems both fast and long. For last years anniversary post check it out here! Two years seem like a long time but looking back it has flown. I started this blog three years ago as a Christian Mom Blog I didn’t know what I was doing then, and I still don’t know what “Christian Mom Blog” means but it has evolved over the last two years it has become a faith and fitness blog.

August 4, 2015

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10

Two years today after trying on my own to figure out this daunting weight loss thing joined an online exercise program   It was exactly what I needed to get started a plan and some guidance. She also encouraged her members to take pictures to show progress, and I am grateful for those to look back at and see my progress. I would have never thought to do that. At the time I hated the idea, and the cost of a gym so, at home workouts worked for me. I also said that I would “never work out at a gym again,” haha.

Fast Forward

Fast forward two years and what I thought was going to be a temporary fix; I was going to get real skinny quick. Little did I know not only was I going to “get skinny” but it was going to be a roller coaster of highs and lows expectations and disappointments and an internal journey as well. It hasn’t all been bad.

Blessed through the Journey

This has also given me the opportunity to have fun adventures like working out with celebrity trainers and trying all kinds of new equipment, supplements, and tools.

 

Never Say Never

I am teaching group fitness classes at 5 am in the morning which I never imagined I would be up and moving at 5 am much less teaching other people too. I told my friend who kept referring me that I would never do group fitness and now that I have I absolutely love it.

A passion ignited

I am 10 weeks away from obtaining my degree in Fitness and Exercise Science, and I am working at an amazing gym (which I also said that I would never do; “work at a gym)”. I am learning so much from a great group of passionate trainers.

FaithFueled is a Lifestyle

Honoring my temple has now become my way of life how I live my life. The choices I make how I plan my day involves my mental space, health, exercise and healthy eating.

More than just a weight loss journey

I started on Periscope and Instagram just sharing about my journey which turned into a 30-day personal prayer challenge that I gave myself to honor my temple.  Those 30 days completely changed my perspective of how I can use God in my life. I had always put boundaries and limits on what I could pray.

Change in Purpose

I didn’t think God cared if I wanted to be skinny or not but through my prayers and devotion my want to be skinny changed for want to be healthy both including spiritually, physically and medically.  It gave me a passion for honoring my temple meaning what I put into it, how I treat it, who I involve in my emotional life and I went to the Bible for the lead in everything.

Stronger Together

I had a relationship with Christ before this journey but the peace I and intimacy that I never knew I craved has been met and continues to grow through this journey. When you turn to God for the little things you begin to turn to Him for everything and having a daily passionate relationship with God has been more fulfilling than being skinny or lifting a weight. The most exciting part of this journey is that I pray every day that I can be a light and bring glory to God through all that I do.

Humbled to be used

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

God has shown me in the last two year many women and some men that I have inspired through my journey. I am humbled and honored to serve God through fitness. It is amazing that in two years I have been able to change and transform and it is really truly because of God that I am where I am today. So, today I am celebrating the day that literally changed the course of my life. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today. So, this is my physical change in the last two years Year to date, but I don’t think you can take a picture for the internal change this experience has had on my family and myself.

The things I have learned in two years

  1. Give it to God first don’t try to do it yourself you’ll save time and stress.
  2. Be consistent even if you don’t see progress.
  3. If it isn’t working try something different you don’t have to stick with the thing you started.
  4. Yes, food is important not only what you eat but how and when you eat it!
  5. Discipline is needed and accountability
  6. Regardless what stage you’re at love and appreciate where you are right now while you are working towards what you want and always remember your Why!
  7. The only fix is your mindset that quick and easy doesn’t cut it hard work is worth the reward.

What’s Next?

I now have a new goal to compete in a Fitness competition.  Similar to weight loss, the mental is hard, the workouts are hard, and the food is the worse. I want to quit from day to day, and the highs and lows are the same but I know I have the victory. It will take more time than I want but I will get there just like I got here.

Work in Progress

There is a lot I still have yet to learn and work on if not physically then spiritually and emotionally. By no means am I even finished I like to think of it as just getting started on the next chapter, and I am excited to see what is written. If I could leave anyone with any advice is if you haven’t started, start today because it’s just another step closer to your goals. Remember it takes time so give yourself

time!

How can I help you start your journey or encourage you?

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Fitness and Health Mealtime Monday

Intermittent Fasting Lowdown

My Full Disclosure Policy

Intermittent Fasting has been pivotal in my weight loss

I have a confession I haven’t been 100% forthright in my weight loss journey.  For about ten months I have been intermittent fasting.  When people ask me how I lost 70 lbs, I always say it was through Pray, Eat Well and Exercise. It never occurred to me that Intermittent fasting had something to do with it too but looking back it probably has helped me tremendously.  It wasn’t until I was talking to someone about how I intermittent fast and she said, “Well, De that sounds like your secret formula.” I never thought of it like that because at this point it’s second nature I have been doing it for almost a year now.  

Intermittent Fasting is an eating pattern that alternates through fasting and feasting periods.  Fasting has been practiced since Biblical days and now modern day science can give you a definition of the benefits of this longtime practice.  It is also prevalent in the Fitness and Health Industry, and now there is a resurgence of people fasting other than for Biblical purposes.

According to the National Institute of Health, there are so many benefits to fasting:

  • Reduces inflammation. Inflammation can have some adverse effects on the body. It’s the way your body responds to outside threats like stress, infection, or toxic chemicals. An overreaction can cause your body to “fight” itself which can lead to chronic diseases among other things.  Fasting has been
  • Optimize energy metabolism- your body uses what it has more efficiently during fasting.
  • Bolster brain function.  According to a National Institute of Health Study, “The behavioral responses to Intermittent Fasting are associated with increased synaptic plasticity and increased the production of new neurons from neural stem cells” (Lee et al., 2002). Meaning your brain sends signal better and creates new signals more often.
  • Protects against diabetes, cancers, heart disease there has been studies that intermittent fasting during chemotherapy has helped reduce the toxicity levels in cancer patients and improving they’re well during treatment. (Lee et al., 2012).
  • Protects against neurodegeneration (such as Alzheimer’s). When you are fasting your body will utilize fatty acids for energy; meanwhile, your brain is using ketone, amino acids, and other free fatty acids. Studies show that “a human can survive for 30 or more days in the absence of food.”  It has also been hypothesized that the process of Ketolysis that happens during prolonged fasting has had improved the aging process and had a positive effect on mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Reduces obesity, hypertension, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Fasting has the potential to delay aging 

How I do it?

You’re going to find a lot of different methods.  Everyone has the secret sauce but if you do your research, follow common sense you can fast too.  Three methods of intermittent fasting can be found with lots of different names and variations, but I will give you the fundamentals.

There is the controversial 5:2 Method: Where you eat your calorie regimen for five days but two days consecutively you eat 500-600 calorie.

There is the 16/8 Method:  This method was popularized by Leangains and has been called “Leangains protocol”; You do a 16 hour fast and then an 8-hour feast or eating period.

There is the Eat-Stop-Eat Method: This is when you feast you fast for 24 hours 1-2 times per week.  It’s usually dinner to dinner, so you have overnight, but it’s still hard to withstand from food for 24 hours.

I do a combination of the 12/16/8 method and Eat Stop Eat Method.  It sounds very confusing but like anything, once you’ve been doing it for so long becomes second nature.  I do a 12 hour fast daily; kitchen curfew is 8:30 pm (which is late) and then the I don’t resume eating till after 8:30 am.  On arm days I typically do a 16 hour fast I will do kitchen curfew at 8:30 pm and then begin eating the next day at 12:30p.  On Sunday’s I usually do a stop to eat.  From Saturday dinner time to Sunday dinner time I fast. I’m not going to lie at; first, it was crazy hard, but now I don’t have an appetite until dinner Sunday.  I don’t usually do anything other than Church and nap. It’s a beautiful day to relax, fast and worship.

Why I do it? How

When I fast I feel better and I have more energy. I am not snacking all day, and it’s easier to hit my macros in my 8-12 hour feasting span. I plan fewer meals, and they are more massive and more nutrient dense to get all that I need.  Having lots of small meals has me in the mindset of continually nibbling, and I need to sit and eat meals if not I end up biting more than I intended. It helps to boost my metabolism as well while I am eating for my goals.  I have found it very useful in my weight loss journey and contribute it to my belly fat loss as well.

Should you do it?

If you are currently underweight or have a history of eating disorders, I would not recommend fasting.  If you want to try another approach at your nutrition and the way you eat I would try it for a week and see if it makes a difference.  Try it longer to have a lasting effect.  It’s really up to you, but I would inform myself before “joining a challenge.” The most adverse side effect of intermittent fasting is hunger.  Other than that it is beneficial unless you have a preexisting condition that prolonged fasting would effect such as diabetes.  With any nutrition program, you should consult your doctor first. Also, intermittent fasting is not going to replace getting prayer, rest, exercise and eating nutrient-dense food.  This is in addition to your existing exercise routine.

Where do you begin?

Begin with a 12 hour fast for at least three days a week and graduate as it gets easier.  Nothing crazy stop eating at a specific time every night and don’t begin again until 12 hours later.  I would also encourage you to drink up your water during this time it will help you with cravings and meet your hydration needs.  It’s that simple. The more complicated it, the less efficiently it is adapted.  You’ll know when you’re ready to try other methods of intermittent fasting.

Some basic considerations:

  • While fasting it is okay to drink, water, coffee, tea, and no sugar beverages.  I like to start my days off with BulletProof coffee which is Organic Coffee, 1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil, 1 Scoop of Vital Proteins Collagen and a little Cinnamon or Chai Spice Mix I don’t do Protein Shakes, Meal Supplements or Dairy Products while fasting
  • I thought breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it should not be skipped.  Breakfast is essential, but the positive effects of fasting on your body supersede the impact of well-balanced lunch.
  • Should I take supplements or medications while fasting? Most supplements and medications recommend consuming with a meal because they are fat-soluble. Of course, consult a physician, but you should probably wait until you resume eating to take your supplements and medications.
  • If you workout early in the morning and concerned about fasted workouts they are found.  There has been lots of research on the benefits of a fasted exercise.  I also recommend Branch Chain Amino Acids or BCAAs to drink before or during your workout.
  • I don’t want to lose my muscle gains.  Muscle gains are from proper protein intake.  During your feasting time, you should be making sure you are getting the appropriate amount of protein to nurture muscle growth and prevent loss. There have been studies that intermittent fasting will result in less muscle loss than if you restrict your caloric intake.
  • I don’t want to get Metabolic Damage from fasting and slow down my metabolism.  GRR!  Another lack of research that is going around I’m not sure if it’s to scare women or people don’t check their facts but short term quick boost metabolism.  It’s fasting for long periods of over three days that can cause damage and a suppressed metabolism.

Have you ever intermittent fasted?

 

 

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Figure Competition Fitness Fitness and Health

Off-Stage Wins: My Figure Update

Last night I was talking to a fellow figure girl who is training to compete in the same competition as mine. Although, we are in the same division our training styles are completely different. I also think that our expectation on the show will be too and although we will both get something different out of it makes the process much different. I am training to compete! I have no aspirations of winning never had I just want the experience of training and stepping on stage.

Do I plan on stepping on stage unprepared? Of course not, I am going to do my best, but my training will never be of that of a competitor training to win. I train about four days a week. Most figure competitors train at least six days a week which is admirable, but I have no interest in that commitment to the training. While my “fellow figure girl” trains six days a week, measures every macro and plans every progress. When I realize the commitment, she had towards her training I had an “aha” moment.

Am I training to win or am I training to compete? It didn’t take me long to answer that question. I am not training to win. Let’s talk about winning.  If you want to win something you want to be the absolute best one.  You are willing to dedicate, sacrifice and work to achieve your goal.

Bikini Ready

I am not saying I wouldn’t be happy if I won but when I walk in the door. I am just getting on that stage in a bikini. I am going to train my best but I am a mother of three, wife and student first. I don’t have the time or ability to put the effort into training that other competitors are willing to do.  I could make the time if I wanted to but I don’t want to my goal is to compete.

Non Trophy Victories

I have achieved some things that I never thought I would along the way which is pretty, awesome! Pull ups! I have never in my life been able to do one pull-up I now can do 20 reps 5 at a time but what? My trainer asked me if I could do one and I have never tried. Well guess what? I can! Who knew?

I can also do push-ups which is something I have always avoided, hated and remembered only achieving on my knees. Pushups are actually fun for me to do and I am working on handstand pushups-my goal is 5 without the wall!

Reality Check!

Guys this is all God! Let’s make that clear! I am achieving things that are require mental focus and every squat, pullup, pushup is me repeating over and over verses in my head and sometimes I really am praying for strength but usually its’ scripture. We call them Power Verses in Bibles & Bootcamps. This is how I have gotten through my fitness journey. God, Consistency and Prayer. Let’s not forget without Him this wouldn’t have been possible  I know it. You couldn’t explain any of the things that have happened in my life without saying, “Yep! That’s God!” Those are the wins that I am getting from training to compete.

Bucket List 

I also have plans on running the Spartan Trifecta; Again, I just want to make it across the finish line I could care less if I am first or last. My lack of motivation to win is not because I don’t think I can but it’s what I want to get out of each experience. My victory is doing it not winning it.

When I set out to compete I never said, “I want to win!” I’ve always said I want to step on stage which would be the win in itself. This goal is just a desire to try something I have never done before and crossed it off my bucket list just like the Spartan Trifecta.

Now, I also have aspirations of being on American Ninja Warrior which my goal is to WIN! That I feel like you have to want to win even to aspire to try.

Reality of Figure Training

So far training to be a Figure Competitor has been educational, challenging and motivating. The stage date drives me to stay dedicated my nutrition and to make the most of all my workouts. My lack of a desire to win has made me strive for just the minimal effort required to achieve my goal. Most women are training 6 days a week which is admirable but I am striving for 5 and making 4 consistently week to week.

Joy Thief

That is also why I feel that comparing ourselves to others is such a waste of time. If someone was comparing their weight loss to mine that would be silly because I am training to compete in a Bodybuilding competition and you may be trying to drop 40 pounds. No comparison! Just like if I was comparing my progress in training to someone who is aspiring to win or who already competes there is no comparison.

Return on Investment

What you put into anything that you do is what you get out. That is why I encourage my clients to execute with energy all that they do. Whatever energy, positive, negative, reluctant, obligatory whatever that is what you will get out of anything that you achieve.

Maybe one day I will aspire to win, but for now, I am just enjoying the journey. So, far it has had it ups downs,and  lulls (mostly food). I do know that this figure life is a boring food life which I am not a fan. I love challenging myself, watching the transformation through different phases of the process.

Next Phase: Bulking

Up until now, I have been leaning out which I don’t really like either. Maybe because I am used to seeing myself larger, but now I am bulking (yes, gains please?!) which has its own ups and down. Up I get more carbs, down I am super full all day long takes some adjustment. I also get to lift heavyweights that part is my fave! Beastmode!

The entire journey is what I was looking for in this goal, so that is actually where I find that I am winning; even if it won’t be on stage.

Is there a difference between training to compete and training to win?

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Fitness and Health Self Uncategorized

My Figure Prep Update

 There are Amazon and other affiliate links which I do make a commission from. My Full Disclosure Policy

So, a few months ago I made this huge announcement. (to all those who would listen) I was going to train to compete in National Physique Committee (NPC) Figure Division “Bodybuilding” Competition.  I still get a lot of, “Why do you want to do that?” and honestly, in short, I’ve always thought it was cool and I am an adult and one of the benefits of being an adult we can (within reason) do what we want. Me, I want to try to compete in a body building competition. I love the discipline, the results and the training.  I chose figure over other division because for one I don’t want to do a routine in an eenie weenie teenie bikini, no thank you. Even though I did do gymnastics for 12 years. I feel like been there done that and want something new.  I never even considered Bikini for a few reasons: I don’t want to do the glute pose (I know silly) I also want to look strong and not skinny. In my opinion (only mine) bikini is very lean competitors. I want to be strong and have more muscle definition. I believe the training and the food is just as hard but just didn’t appeal to me to pursue.  So, when I announced this I was going to Hit the Stage in July 2017.

Welp, that was my naiveness and some misguided counseling. I believed that I could do it and I could have with real dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, this mom of three, student, entrepreneur, blogger, wife, and daughter has a lot of roles to fill. The workout regimen quickly became overwhelming which I tend to shut down when I am overwhelmed and do nothing at all which is what I did.  It also was BORING! The online trainer that I had me doing a 9-week progression program of the SAME WORKOUTS EVERYDAY! I get bored easily and that lasted for about 3 weeks before I was like I need something different. I am a firm believer if you want to change you have to change the way you do things and that’s what I did.  Godcidentally, I met another Mom (of four) who aspires to step on the stage one day and got the number of a great strength coach/personal trainer. During the assessment  the first thing I said, “I don’t want to look strong; I want to BE strong and whatever is needed to get me there I will do.”

Whatever is Needed

Let me say two things before I explain the extravagant expense of this sport. First, it is a very expensive sport.  Coaching, Training, Food, Bikini ($300+), Posing, Hair and Makeup and nope I won’t be tanning I was blessed with melanin and don’t need to go the Oompa Loompa route to stand out on stage. Thank God, saved my pockets and…… I am not one of those six figure bloggers so little campaigns here and there (and chasing down payments) weren’t going to finance this endeavor. So, when I said whatever it takes I meant it; spoke with my gym’s manager and landed a job Friday and Saturday overnights at my gym.  Once I was able to finance my new hobby with my new part time gig. I hired my new Coach and have been training and seeing results ever since.  When I started working with Damon McDonald of MuscleBabee.com I was 148 lbs. and had no clue about the world of bodybuilding I knew I just wanted to “get on stage.” I don’t even own a bikini so I still have a lot to do, I guess.

Trainers Need Trainers

I believe trainers need trainers. Well at least I do, I have expertise in large weightloss but I am not an expert in the world of bodybuilding. Couldn’t tell you about muscle symmetry and other hypertrophy or muscle gaining techniques like Damon. That is his strong skill, niche and why I went to him for training. You don’t go to you tennis coach to teach you Lacrosse.  First, he killed me with tough workouts pushing me passed my limits each training.  Now, I can Dumbbell Press 50lbs., seriously?! That is something that I would never attempt on my own.  I travel an hour roundtrip to see him. Stick to his prescribed meal plan of measured food and try to train hard on my own. When I am not with him.  I don’t chest press 50lbs on my own but I do push myself a little harder than I used to.  The results guys I have lost 12 lbs. about gained muscle mass since working with him.

Lofty Ideas

I was also told that I could train to compete with NO CARDIO! Yea, that was definitely misguided online training.  You need to lose fat to show muscle and the best way to do that is low impact cardio.  Every online trainer (which up until this point were the only trainers I had)has promoted no cardio and lots of resistance training which is great if you want to spend lots of time with them meaning month after month of investment but if you are trying to lose fat YOU NEED CARDIO to get results quickly; Personal Training 101. It also made me realize that yes, I work hard but there doesn’t need to be a set date in stone.  This is my journey I call the shots so I extended my competition date to October and will see if I’m not ready then I’ll push it back some more.

Growing through the Process

Now, this is tough it takes a lot of discipline, planning, and attention.  When I was a teen I used to watch “True Life” on MTV.  The body builder ones were my favorite I also used to watch competitions on television with my Mom. I always saw it as cool but never put the forethought of the effort it took. I don’t think I would have pursued it if I really did get a second opinion I just saw the end results which are phenomenal. (At least in my opinion) But leaning your body, building muscle it takes years to become a professional to the people we see on television and that is another reason why I have extended my date. Not because I want to be a professional but  I at least want to compete competitively. I only intend on doing one MAYBE two competitions.  This is a bucket list kind of thing which is basically a list of things that you are curious to discover.  I just want to see what you have to do and how it is to step on stage and compete.  Cross that off the list and I am moving on to……American Ninja Warrior? I don’t know there are so many things to do when it comes to fitness, lots to try and discover and so far it’s been a love-hate journey.

Doing what I want 

I think the best thing that has come out of this is my self-confidence in who I am and what I like to do.  Previously, changing the date that I announced would have been a big ego blow. I would have cared what people think but as I become stronger physically I find emotionally stronger too.  I know longer care what people think (as much). I’ve had opposition from women in the Church (caring way too much about what I do) judge me because I want to step on stage.  At first, it hurt people that I thought was my “friends” or “church family” passing their own judgments on me. I also had stopped posting progress pictures because of caring what people think of what I am doing.  But then I realized why do I care what they think? Why am I living my life for other people? So, once I got over myself and got over other’s ignorance I have been smashing goals.  That alone is worth the journey.

How do you train to compete as a body builder?

Well, that’s a good question and if you’re looking for a specific workout plan I’m not there yet.  Not sure if I will ever be because it’s not something I am passionate about learning how to program, (that’s why I hired Damon) but I can tell you what I have been doing so far. I lift super heavy with MuscleBabee aka Damon twice a week.  I do cardio which has been 35 minute treadmill walking at 3.0 with an incline of 13.0; 2-3 times a week. I am supposed to do more but I’ve come along way. I think now that it’s sunny and I can do things outside I will increase that but I am supposed to be doing 6 days a week. I program my own workouts 3 days a week.  Right now, I am doing my Bibles and Bootcamps Home Workouts with my Warrior Sisters.’

 

 

Prior to May Workout Schedule were all hypertrophy workouts:

Sunday’s Chest, Shoulders and Triceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Monday’s Legs, Cardio

Tuesday Back and Biceps with 10 minute sprints at the end. Jogging at 5.0 on the treadmill and sprinting uphill at 8.0 speed and 3.5 incline for 6-8 intervals with a 3.5 incline depending on my energy.

Wednesday Train with Damon

Thursday Rest; Cardio

Friday Train with Damon

Saturday Rest, Cardio

What do you eat when you’re training to be a body builder?

It’s obviously specific to me and my goals.  Right now, my goal is to achieve lean muscle, which According to livestrong.com, “Lean muscle is less of a scientific term and more a term of art that refers to muscle that is independent of, and not obscured by, fat.” My goal is lose fat without losing muscle. So, I eat 6 meals a day that consist of protein, fats and carbs but is very specific in measurement. I drink water, lots of water, broccoli, asparagus, Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes is typically a veggie I would eat on a regular basis; My three many meals is usually probiotic yogurt, nuts, protein shakes (Use coupon code “FaithFueled” for 15% off) and I eat pretty much all lean meats that I can for variety: salmon, chicken, turkey, and other fish. Once is a while I have grass fed beef but I have never been a real beef person. I do try and struggle to stay away from salt so I do eat at home often (which is typical of people prepping).  I also take Fish Oil, Vitamin C and a Multi-Vitamin for women. I have been using Collagen Peptides since the summer as well as BCAAs and I continue to use that daily. <These are both affiliate link I get a commission from the purchase: Use Coupon Code “SENDIT” for Free Shipping on the BCAAS)

What’s the new date?

So, I am a little more than 6 months from my new competition date, prayerfully, October 14, 2017. I have achieved a significant difference from my training and will continue to work towards my goal. In the meantime, I will be running my first Tough Mudder this May. In June, my husband and I are running my first 5k together which I am excited about he finally got tired of sitting on the sidelines and I love it we have another thing to do together. In July, I am going to IdeaWorld Blogfest so I have some really fun things to do until I get to the competition.  It’s crazy how a weight loss journey turned into so much more but I am enjoying (most days) the new adventures.  Thanks for checking in on my progress!

Do you have a goal (fitness or other) that you have set for this year? How is it going?

 

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