Staying on Track

It's hard to believe that 2 weeks ago I got up on stage for my very first fitness bikini competition.  After so much hard work, I actually felt really good to be up there.  The hard work paid off.  As the diet got harder, I felt lighter and leaner.  As I trained harder, I got more toned and felt stronger.  It really is about a consistent diet and exercise program.  Getting into this shape was definitely not an overnight fix.  No true weightloss program is.  In 9 weeks, I lost 13 pounds and went from a size 6 to a 4. 

BEFORE

AFTER

The last two weeks after the competition were challenging as I felt like I was on a "break."  Similar to being on "vacation."  I didn't go crazy on eating everything in sight.  I over endulged a little bit on protein bars and steak.  I was having 2-3 protein bars a day.  After you eat clean for so long, your body becomes really sensitive to food.  Either it was the protein bars, the red meat, or both, I became really bloated at night everyday this week.  I ate my last protein bar yesterday.  Out of sight out of mind......I hope...... I also didn't train as hard these last two weeks.  As much as it felt good after I worked out, it was also pretty comfortable NOT working out.  I can see how easy it is to fall off the wagon when it comes to keeping up a fitness program.  That is why it helps so much to have a workout buddy and/or personal trainer. 

Participating in a fitness competition was the only thing that kept me motivated long enough to stay on my diet and fitness program.  Therefore, I'm signing up for another one in May.  Yup, I plan to do it all over again.  I have 4 weeks until my next competition.  Mark your calenders for Memorial Day May 28th in Venice where I will be participating in the Muscle Beach Competition.  It's alot of fun and FREE! 

I didn't "win" or even place in the top 5 in the last competition.  It is so easy to get discouraged when you're trying to lose weight.  Imagine adding a layer of competition to that as well.  This was a personal victory.  I got into the best shape of MY life.  That is totally something to be happy about.  I also now realize these things don't happen over night.  The women we see in Oxygen Magazine or Self, are in great shape because of hard work and not some magic pill.  Time and practice make up the essentials to becoming an expert at anything.  So why not apply this to getting into the best shape that I can be in? 

It's back to salads for breakfast!  Yum.  Thank goodness for my Galeos Miso Dressings!