THE most important factor, out of everything, ever.

Well this past weekend was one of the best in my young life.
Activities included grocery shopping, watching tv, cooking, working out, and doing absolutely nothing.
So what the heck made it so great?

I was in the company of some of the most amazing people I have ever met.  I legitimately feel HONORED that I get to be friends with such postive, kind, motivated young people.  I have been in countless social situations, going to multiple schools for college, holding several jobs, and being a part of many living arrangements and have made a realization I find so incredibly important.  Surrounding myself with like-minded people has not only helped me accomplish a few of my many goals but has made me a better person.

I've said before that this isn't for everyone.  People will have their individual interests, hobbies, and lifestyles and I think that that's great.  But for this clean-eating, health-conscious way of life, keeping like-minded people around you is vital.  If you find yourself constantly downplaying your hard work, making fun of the foods you eat, or coming up with excuses to why you workout, observe who you're making these comments to.  Chances are they aren't going to help you achieve your goals or support you on your way there.

There is nothing wrong with staying out late at bars and sleeping in until you roll out of bed for a cheesy breakfast sandwich, those things just don't make ME happy. Surrounding myself with people who, like me, wake up roaring and ready to go has made me a better person.  I'm happier, healthier, non-apologetic for my goals and better to those around me. 

The fact is, there aren't many people who enjoy this lifestyle.  But they're there.  It may be lonely for a while but if you stick to what makes YOU happy you will find what I have been so blessed to discover: some of the most incredible individuals that help me become the best ME I can be...and that discovery is priceless.

There is no DIE in DIET

So, your English teacher may disagree but in my Webster's dictionary, there is no die in diet.  Many people think of "diets" with the same mentality they have towards Christmas shopping: "ughhh, just do it, it's only for a little while.  It's going to be painful but I JUST have to make it past the new year."

Alright, relax.  Do what I do before said shopping and take a deep breath.  A diet has many negative connotations because frankly, most suck and don't work.  There is this idea of pain, hunger, and deprivation when "diet" is said. 

Here is some fantastic news: that doesn't have to be the case!
The catch: throw out those Lean Cuisines, chuck the diet soda, and stop buying those pretty packaged "health bars" that have more sugar than a snickers.
See the hunger and cravings associated with this topic can largely be avoided if you eat the right foods.  By eating small meals throughout the day, comprised of complex carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats, you can feel FULL and even HAPPY on a diet (say whaaaat).

Another catch: it's not a diet.  It's a lifestyle.  Consistently make these healthy food choices and after time, the effects are approximately 3.2 billion times better than any alternative.  The great part is, once it's a lifestyle, it becomes second nature to seek and crave these foods.  I'm no genius but I think that's what we call a win-win.

And I promise: while there is no die in diet, there sure is a whole lotta LIFE in lifestyle;)

the Excuse

Day three in and I'm already rediscovering one of the wonderful aspects of prep: the Excuse.  The Excuse is a gem of a mental comfort and if used in the right way, can be a lifesaver.  An "excuse" has a negative connotation (and usually for good reason) but this is a bit different.  Many people get frustrated with themselves in prep: memory can be impaired, emotions run wild, and the energy in which they used to frolick is running low.

The Excuse is a MENTALITY and takes these frustrating components of prep and turns them into silly shenanigans.  A few examples:

1.Chicken has been in the oven for a half hour when you realize you never turned it on.
Of course you didn't, you're in prep!

2.Can't believe you're crying at the Hunger Games (Katniss NEEDS to realize she loves Peeta).
That's ok, you're in prep!

3.Is it "we're" "where" or "were"...HOW am I getting confused?
Because you're in prep!

4.Omg I forgot pants AGAIN today?!
Well heck, you're in prep, of course you did! 

See instead of getting frustrated and sad, turn it into something a little silly and use that excuse to cover anything that may get you down.
Note: you can NOT use this to excuse yourself from getting angry at others, putting others down, or skimping on things like training/diet.  The Excuse is a great tool to help YOU with YOUR frustrations but be careful with how you use it. 

I encourage all competitors to give it a whirl.  And to others: don't be too alarmed by pantless people giggling in confusion-they may be in prep.

Dear Diary

I have been using this to ENLIGHTEN the world with my whimsical fitness thoughts and forgot that I also wanted to record my own progress/status.  I think it's a good time to because the next post I put up I'll be in PREP.  Holy schnikes, finally.  People who really love competiting and go back to it time and time again secretly love prep.  The routine, the calculations, the physical progression, you have to love all that silly stuff to love the sport.

I'm doing the DFAC Boston Battle of the Naturals show on Sep. 15 which by starting Monday will allow me 5 weeks of prep.  That sounds like NOTHING compared to my last prep and what most competitors use but the fact is, that's what I need.  These past 2 months after my last show I've been eating a bit more clean food and really replenishing my little muscles.  Cut back my cardio and lifted "heavy" and my body has responded really well.  I stayed within 4-5 lbs of my stage weight and now only have a little bit to lose for this escapade.  Everybody, every BODY is different and this works for me.

I'm going to a wedding this weekend and plan on letting myself have some fun in my diet/exercise.  I'll have a few glasses of vino and eat what I want.  But the thing is, eating what I want usually means clean, well-balanced, and in serving size.  It is a lifestyle and one that makes me feel GOOD.  When I come back after the weekend I'll be ready and roaring to start my pre-contest expedition. 

There are just a few more white wine spritzers to have before then;)

Iron Aphrodisiacs

Sometimes you're just not in the mood.  Work is stressful, bills need to be paid, you "have a headache", and really, sleep seems like the best option.  You just don't want to do it today.  What will snap you out of it and get your body in gear?

I'm not talking chocolate-covered strawberries or oysters here people.  I'll leave that to Cosmo (guys stop pretending you're not secretly delighted when it's the only reading material in a waiting room) and talk about a different kind of mood that is equally important.

We've all been in those tired, unmotivated funks when a workout seems comparable to a root canal.  The knowledge that you'll feel better once it's complete means peanuts to you at this time and you need a little somethin' to get that arse in gear.  While I'm no pro, I have been in PLENTLY of these situations and have found some delightful little tricks that get me in the mood, beast mode that is.

One, brush your teeth.  I swear, girl scout's honor (though I never made it past being a Daisy, arts and crafts are NOT my thing) that brushing your chompers will give you a fresh start and a clean feeling that applies to more than just your incisors.  Regardless of the time of day, take out that Crest and you'll already feel better.

Two, hit up some YouTube videos and watch motivating clips.  Seriously, typing in "Gym Motivation" yields almost 15,000 results.  I recommend listening to bodybuilder, Kai Greene or figure competitor, Nicole Wilkins for a few minutes and hearing it from the best.  Seeing and hearing these visuals are certain to put a pep in your lethargic steps.

Three, find a pre-workout supplement that you enjoy.  This isn't for everyone but if you're really looking to get the most out of workouts, do some research, try some different brands and find a pre-workout that makes you feel like a superhero.  Even if it's just for the psychological benefits.  When I'm sipping my pre-workout bevie, I no longer just listen to Nicole Wilkins, I start feeling like her.  Delusions of grandeur are not always a bad thing.

Four, text someone and tell them you're going to call them after your workout.  If you don't ACTUALLY workout, you will feel like a royal douche saying you did.

Five, think of something great you get to do/have after your workout.  For example, a yummy clean treat.  Some days I would literally hike across the Sahara for my post-workout shake.  The cool deliciousness is made 9 billion times better after I train.  Plan ahead and keep those eyes on that blended prize.

Hopefully these things will help.  Additional incentive comes from the well-known fact that exercise helps all types of emotions.  If feeling great about yourself and your body doesn't put you in an awesome, energetic mood, well then, you may need to call in those chocolate-covered strawberries and oysters.

17 minutes and 32 seconds

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
I usually roll over and attempt again but today was going to take more than just a somersault over the covers.
My dog greeted me with an enormous grin, wag of the tail, and a huge line of slobber that landed on my leg.  Ugh, couldn't she tell I needed a little SPACE today? I told her to give me a hot second and she proceeded to sit on my foot.

We all have mornings like this when you just want to go to bed and give it a whirl again tomorrow.  When someone says, "you only live once, make today count," an appropriate response seems to be a roll of the eyes and a sip of your third cup of coffee.  I knew what would make me feel better and what I had to do and lumbered down to the treadmill.  Edorphins...man up.

The first five mintues of some cardio seshes are torture.  "I just did five minutes.  You're saying I need to do THAT five more times?! Will I SURVIVE?"  Then, when you don't realize it, your mind starts to wander, legs start to limber up, and before you know it, you're having a duet with Katy Perry.  My first smile was a welcomed one and I looked at the time: 17 minutes and 32 seconds. 

17 minutes and 32 seconds of doing something great for my body was all it took to make this mid-week slump perk up.  Feel some Wednesday wallows?  Get up and move.  I promise you won't regret it and friends, family, and that slobbering dog will thank you for it.