Behind The Scenes: Photoshoot with Mike Byerly

Man, what a weekend! Competition and all, Kate and I decided to keep with the diet a few more days and do a fun fitness photo shoot! We had the honor of working with Photographer Mike Byerly and Hair and MUA Amanda Kroon! Kate and I slept a few hours after traveling from So-Cal to Nor-Cal and woke up at 4:30am for our photo shoot (yeah we have dedication). We got prepared for the day and just ENJOYED. We laughed and played the whole day. Amanda and Mike were the nicest, most professional two people we could've asked to work with. We got some great shots ranging from fitness to commercial and even some glamour! At the end of the day it was nice to reward ourselves with a fun playful day as friends! Here's a sneak peek Behind The Scenes

A Look Back: The Competiton

Wow! It's over, finally done preparing and competing in my first fitness competition with Kate Rice!! Working out hours a day everyday on top of all the other things going on in life is never easy for anyone, but hey I guess we really do make time for the things we want to do or accomplish.

Hours of cardio, lifting, cooking, cleaning, portioning payed off in the long run. Kate and I both looked amazing, and better yet FELT amazing this weekend! I honestly felt like a million bucks, and for the first time in my life shocked myself with the pride I felt! Nothing has ever challenged me so much mentally and physically than this competiton.

Kate and I had a BLAST, we were shell shocked when we got to the hotel and saw HUGE MEATHEAD BODYBUILDERS (reminded us of the commercial, "I pick things up and put them down"). Naked bodies spray tanning, people taking themselves too seriously, and LOTS of orange skin! We had a blast and just stepped on stage to show off all our hard work!

I placed third in my height class, and am still shocked. I didn't expect anything leading up to finals, and was sincerely amazed my name got called! Icing on the cake for me!

I couldn't have done any of this, followed through, or stay so strong without my family and friends support! It has meant more than the world to me and I feel so special!

Most people don't know much about competing, but to do it properly you need a great coaches guidance. I am lucky to have had to opportunity to learn and work with IFBB Pro MJ Cooke-Elliot! More than just a business woman, full time athletic director, a role model, a competitor, a coach, an entrepenuer, a sincerly KNOWLEDGEABLE mentor! Teaching me to do things the right way, a little differently, and guiding me the whole way through the process. I couldn't have picked a better coach, with better intentions. THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog and encourages me to push myself and learn everyday! I'm so thankful:) Also, remember life is about balance. VEGAN CUPCAKE'S ARE A MUST!

The Competition Is Right Around The Corner

Hi all! Wow, how a 9 week contest prep flies! It has been a wild ride, and let me tell you the workouts/diet has only gotten harder each day. I am motivated to keep my focus and finish strong. I am surprised with the amount of energy I still have. Working out 2-3 hours a day on not a high calorie diet is tough, but you know what I think our holistic approach to the food during this competition has saved me! I am thankful I am keeping whole (nutrient dense) foods in my diet. I am not as irritable and I expected, but hey ask me how I feel in a few days. I am looking a LOT leaner, my abs are coming in, and I am bringing a physique I worked my butt off for to the stage. Just a few days to go!!!!!

Competition Update

9 days until my competition!I don't think I knew how much work this would be until I got wrapped up in it! I am so glad my friend Kate is doing the competition with me, her support has meant the world and knowing I am not alone feels great! I am working my tush off, and although I'm completely drained I am pushing through. I have learned so much about myself up until this point, I have to finish strong!!!!! My body is pretty tired from intense workouts, but I feel healthy and fit! I don't know what I would do without all my friends, family, and coaches support! Some days are harder than others, and knowing I have people who support and believe in me is the best feeling ever. If you want to come out and support, here are the details. Competition Details: EVENT SITE Veteran's Memorial Auditorium 4117 Overland Avenue Culver City, California 90230 Saturday May 26th Finals 6:30 Tickets: $40 Unfortunately, this is a LONG event and may not get out until late at night! Past our bedtimes, possibly around 11pm. Thank you for the continued support, I just gotta finish strong:)

Vegetarian/Vegan Diet Tips

Are you a vegan or vegetarian? Would you like to be? It IS possible to be vegan or vegetarian and be healthy, but you need to be smart about it. It isn't ideal to switch over to a plant-based diet without doing your research. Unfortunately, by just eating fruits and vegetables doesn't necessarily mean you are getting all the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Some key elements to add in: Leading a plant-based diet you MUST make sure you are getting some vital protein sources. -Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Black beans, soy beans) -Tofu -Seitan -Tempeh -Quinoa -Nuts (Raw Almonds, Raw Cashews, Raw Walnuts, Raw Pistachio) -Seeds (Chia, Hemp, Sunflower) Iron rich foods: -Dark leafy greens -Dried fruit -Beans/lentils -Tofu -Pepitas -Iron fortified cereal -Iron pills Vitamin C rich foods: -Heppers -Herbs -Leafy greens -Citrus fruit -Fresh juices Foods high in Calcium and Vitamin D: -Almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, coconut milk -Tofu -Almonds -Leafy greens -Fortified cereals -Sun -Supplements Vitamin B-fortified or supplement: -Bananas -Peanuts -Soymilk -Avocado -Supplement Hopefully, these little tips help you fulfill your protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral needs. You should definitely choose variety, and never forget that your body needs to keep guessing. Get assessed by your doctor frequently to make sure you are fueling your body correctly!

Your Goals: Your Decisions

You set goals often right? Resolutions, and things to make you a better you. A more effecient/happier you!
Don't sell yourself short of those goals. Work your behind off and do whatever the heck it takes to reach them. Spend night in working on your goals when your friends are out, be focused and determined until your goals are reached.
Lately, the only thing keeping my life together is the numerous goals I set. My day is planned an prepared to help me succeed a attaining my goals. It is scary to set goals, sometimes I don't and that's pure laziness.
When I demand more of myself I learn and I become a better me. Set your goals now, and make each decision help you get one step closer to that goal!

Competition Update and Donation Thank you's

Wow! The weeks have flown by and the way my life has changed over the last few months is crazy! I am a little under 3 weeks away from my first competiton and I can almost smell the spray tan and hairspray! Haha
I am so excited that I have gotten so much support! I didn't realize how lucky I am to have such amazing friends and family who believe in me. Honestly, I knew what I was getting myself into but I didn't expect it to be this time consuming. My days seem like they are spent at the gym, eating, cooking, and packing meals for the next day (OH yeah did I mention working, and moving on top of this?)
The days seem to fly, and it's crazy how much my life has changed! I just wanted to THANK some special people for the AMAZINGLY generous donations so far!!!! You have made this competition possible!

Hillary Chapman
Tina White
Ben Vose
Pam Nolan
Anne and Tom Johnson
Del
Ron Novello
Mike and Molly Kane
Janice Hearns
Nana and papa Kane
Nana and papa Nolan
Chris Carney
Matt Bergdorf
Marilyn Kane
Dianne

I am so very thankful for you all! I'm working my booty off, and your support means the world to me. It kept me on the stairmaster tonight knowing I can't let myself down, or you all down!

Eat Fresh & In Season- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, & Dinner

It's Spring and summer is around the corner! It is absolutely beautiful outside, and honestly it is my favorite time to get creative with juicy fresh fruits and vegetables. How lucky are we? The markets are in abundance of fresh colors ready to be consumed! Right now mango's, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, avocado's, beets, tomatoes,and spinach are in peak season to name a few of my favorites. I am loving seeing the colors, but to be honest I am twenty times more excited to taste the freshness. Now, here are some ideas on how to keep your fruits and veggies on the top of your priority list when it comes to your daily meals.

Breakfast tips: - Green smoothie - Fresh fruits and veggies- SIMPLY JUICE THEM! - Sliced bowl of fresh fruit topped with fat-free greek yogurt. - Egg white omelette with fresh chopped veggies. - Whole grain toast topped with avocado and spices. - Whole grian toast topped with cottage cheese and fruit. Snack tips: - Bowl of fruit,chia seeds, and mint. - Piece of fruit - Green smoothie - Bowl of fresh chopped vegetables spritzed with lime, and served with a lime quinoa. Lunch: - Salad with tons of fresh veggies, fruit, seeds/nuts. - Sushi paper wrapped around tons of veggies and fruit. - Fish, chicken, tempeh, or quinoa topped with a homemade fruit salsa served with an amazing small seasonal balsamic drizzled salad. Dinner: - Eggplant grilled with a balsamic glaze served with a side of mango &strawberry mixed greens salad. - Grilled hearts of romaine topped with a lemon grilled fish/chicken/tofu/tempeh/turkey/(or lemon infused grain) topped with homemade salsa- - Yummy seasonal tacos Now get to cookin', or better yet EATIN'