As of today, there are only 8 weeks left until the NPC Amateur Grand Prix Bikini Competition. It's already been 2 weeks since I've started my training. I learned from former fitness competitors that training for competition is one of the most grueling experiences ever! However, it was always the results that made it so worth while. A new sense of confidence, stronger body, healthier skin, and tighter physique are all results that I can have too. That is when I made the decision to enter my first bikini competition.
I know that I can't do this alone. I enlisted the help of a competition expert and a fitness trainer. The first step was to take pictures of myself in a bikini! I weigh less now than I ever have, but I still feel like covering up something when I'm in a bikini. For that reason, I'm not posting them on here just yet! Let's give it a few more weeks.
On top of the 13 classes that I already teach per week, I need to add 4 days of weight training. I train 2 days a week at Gym Box in Brentwood with a personal trainer. Yes, personal trainers can have personal trainers. I train the other 2 days at Golds Gym Venice with my friend Bebe. Having a trainer and/or a friend to work out with reinforces the commitment factor. I highly recommend having this kind of support.
Now I'll bring up the sore subject of diet. It really is 90% of acheiving the results we want for our bodies. The competition expert set up a diet for me to follow. In addition, I was told to drink a gallon of water a day. I carry my gallon of water with me everywhere. Some students have even shared with me that they've started to drink more water ever since they saw me with my gallon water bottle. Drinking more water alone has made such a difference to my skin.
My diet the first week basically consisted of oats, egg whites, banana, chicken breast, sweet potato, kale, fish, and protein powder. I ate the same thing everyday. If it wasn't for the sweet potato, I think I would have cheated. However, the sweet potato was a perfect treat to my carb loving cravings. This week I start a new meal plan consisting of oats, egg whites, berries, yogurt, apples, chicken breast, green salad, green vegetable, protein shake, and steak. The yogurt and apple combination is my favorite treat this week. I use plain greek yogurt because it is higher in protein than regular yogurt. I sprinkle some cinnamon and stir it into the yogurt for some flavor. I slice the apples and then dip them into the cinnamon yogurt. Yummy and so good for you. I also found a great Protein Powder supplement. Isopure is 100% isolated whey protein, low carb, and low fat. So far the Dutch Chocolate flavor is the best. I can't stand the taste of the pineapple banana. The smell alone is like stale vomit.
I'm finding the diet to not be as hard as I thought. I just have to avoid being around food. Well, specifically being around food that is not on my plan. I'm choosing not to go out to any social events where food or drink are part of the entertainment. I'm choosing to prepare my own food and not go out to eat. I tackle every craving one at a time. I know that cravings will pass and they eventually do. Last night, all my cravings manifested in a strange way. I was driving home late and noticed bright lights on the sidewalk off in the distance. The first thought that came to my mind is that there is a taco truck now a block away from my house. Oh no! What am I going to do?! I love tacos from taco trucks and now there is going to be one only a few feet away from my house. Well, the lights were no taco truck. I literally saw a taco truck mirage. Oh boy. Crazy, here I come!
I've been following a clean diet and training with weights for two weeks now and have not lost a pound. Can anyone relate? That's usually the point at which I say "F*$& this. I'm going to go have some nachos!" My natural tendency is to get frustrated when I don't see fast results. Instead of practicing my normal "F*$% this" behavior, I decided to continue to just stick with it. Continue to work hard and push through. I have faith that as long as I continue to do the work, that the results will evenutally come.
Follow my blog as I continue to post my experience and share valuable information about nutrition and fitness. Also feel free to leave comments if you have any competition suggestions. I would love to hear any stories you may also have about what made you motivated to get in shape.
great sharing of your process Deirdra! And yes...at first when reading I took a break to kitchen to feel guilt...but then came back with my non-fat latte. It's your competition not mine, right? but I am reminded/inspired to get back to strength training. I am having so much fun dancing since the summer that I've let that slide and well, you know, the muscles atrophy without the attention they were once used to
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you came back to dancing. It's great exercise for the mind and body. I'm also glad you had that non-fat latte and enjoyed it. You made a good choice having a non-fat option. :) Once you add some weight training back in, I'm sure you'll feel even better than before.
DeleteIt is such a great start! I tried to drink a gallon of water each day too... Let's see how that would go. Looking forward to your next tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat! You need to give it about 2 weeks to really see the difference in your skin. In general it helps the body detox. That process alone will help you feel more energized as well. I'll see you soon with your gallon of water. :)
DeleteGooo Deirdra!! As for the water, that is all I drink, except for coffee and wine ; ) I never drink soda or even juice... the body craves water! Your diet sounds very balanced as well! Really giving you everything you need. GO GO GO! You can do it : )
ReplyDeleteGiving up soda seemed unimaginable to me. Like yourself, there are so many people that do without it. When I think about it that way, it becomes definitely possible. I never really craved water up until. I think because my body was retaining so much of it since I was dehydrated. Little did I know that the consumption of water effects your bloating. Thank you for being a great cheerleader!
DeleteYou inspired me. I tried eating pretty much the same thing every day for the past week, and it's working! Mostly chicken, veggies, my only carb is a banana in the morning. Oh and the occasional sweet potato! What a great trick!! My friend recommended Jay Robb egg white protein, it's amazing tasting and gives me a non carb way to fill up or fuel up/replenish before and after my workouts. I've lost about a pound! 4 or 5 more to go. Keep on rockin it sista!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Karin! So glad that it is working for you. What a difference eating clean makes. Stick with it chica and you'll start to see amazing results. That's great you found a supplement that works for you.
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