FITNESS

Saturday I headed down to Tuscon, sportin my Scott’s Training Systems (STS) apparel to hang out at the STS booth and cheer on STS competitors in Figure, Bikini and Bodybuilding. And great news, one of your girls won the Figure overall! Here’s a link to a few photos from the show (Desert Muscle Classic Pictures).

Perfect Storm

The other day I talked about my recent struggle to find focus with fitness. I’m a goal oriented person, and not have a definite specific goal for my next competition has caused me to feel unsure. Well a combination of factors over the last couple weeks have really helped me to come to a couple important realizations and become more motivated than ever! It’s been the perfect storm of motivation..

In addition to not having a set competition date, it’s also been up in the air whether I’d be staying in Arizona after I graduate from my MBA program in May, and what sort of jobs I’d pursue. Basically, I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. At the National Sports Forum I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people who asked me about what I do and what I want to do after I graduate. I found myself excitedly explaining my health counseling, social media and fitness aspirations. Then yesterday I drove down to the competition. Seeing those girls up on stage sparked something in me. It all came flooding back; I love being on stage, I love competing (which is something I could never say with gymnastics).. I love kicking ass. But I also love the process. I want to go in the gym and know that even if I’m not the strongest, or have the best figure (yet), that I’m working harder than anyone else. Competing in Fitness made me mentally tougher and more confident. It made me happier and it made me healthier. But the lessons didn’t stop there. After the competitions, a completely new set of experiences has allowed me to learn even more about myself. I’m learning balance, appreciation for food, and love for my body no matter the number on the scale or % body fat.

If you want it bad enough you can make it happen. I’ve never been more busy, or slept less than I do now, but I love the work and workouts I do, so it’s fun and completely worth it. I know there will be days when I will be exhausted and making it to the gym will be tough. But I also know that pushing through will not only make me feel better in the moment but will move me that much closer to my overall goals, physically & professionally. Overcoming hurdles in the gym gives me more confidence to overcome any & all tribulations in other aspects of my life (cheesy yes, but also true).

Big Decision

After a week of getting so excited telling people about my health & fitness interests, then being re-energized with regards to my commitment to competitive fitness.. I made a decision..

Instead of looking for a regular, full-time, 9-5 job, I’m going to throw everything I have into starting my own Health Counseling and social media business. I will continue to do social media work and will soon start teaching fitness classes. Come June I’ll be able to start since patients for health counseling, and will be fully certified by the end of the year. I’m going to stay in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area and continue to build my connections and reach out in the community. I feel a sense of relief but even more so.. I am SO EXCITED I know that if I went with a “regular” job, I might feel more secure, but I wouldn’t be truly happy, and I’d regret not pursuing the amazing opportunities that have present themselves.

On Tap

Tomorrow’s a busy day. Class till noon, meeting till 3pm, trainer 4-4:45pm, Spin 5:30-6:30pm, Yoga 7pm-8pm. So in other words, I’m a happy camper after 3pm

NUTRITION

First a warning about the Protein Bar recipe I posted on Friday. Apparently I chose just the right time to cut into the bars while they were in the freezer. Turns out, if you leave them in the freezer they’re too hard and if you leave them in the fridge they’re complete mush. My recommendation is to just not travel with them (as I did). Keep them in the freezer and either zap’em in the microwave or let them sit out for a few minutes. The taste of these is too good to just toss this recipe away. I’ve learned I tend to prefer the taste of uncooked protein bars, so even though these work to cook in the microwave (~45 s if you like this version), I’d rather have them raw.

Mini-Recap

There is a genius among us (though many of you already know this). Her name is Heather and she’s quite partial to Almond Butter :p Seriously though.. I tried Heather’s Avocado Ice Cream and OMG it’s amazing, life changing delicious! I blended 1/2 frozen Avocado (sliced prior to freezing), 1 c UVAB, 1 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa, Stevia Extract and 1/8 tsp Xantham Gum. Check out the thick & rich deliciousness..

And topped with <tbsp Wheat Germ..

A few items from the weekend..

Apple Cinnamon Oats in an almost empty Hazelnut Butter jar (perhaps the real reason I used a bunch to make Protein Bars)..

This isn’t pretty, but tasted great! 1 c Spaghetti Squash, BBQ Shreds (tofu), 1/2 c Cottage Cheese and grilled Artichoke Hearts..

Return of the Kabocha Protein Pancake. Definitely one of my faves (topped with >1tbsp raw Almond Butter & Walden Farms Calorie-Free Maple Syrup)..

Low-Carb Tortilla with ~1/3 c Cottage Cheese, BBQ Shreds & grilled Artichoke grilled on the Foreman. This was surprisingly good!

Pre-Grill..

Yum..

Make it a wonderful Monday!