Week 10-13- Posing Practice/Getting in the Groove

Week 13 Progress Pictures!

So clearly, I am running behind in my post.. if you had not already noticed it! I had no idea the amount of work that would start with the beginning of week 10! Posing practice started at week 10, with the wonderful Nadia Lopez! It was by far the hardest part of training. I felt like a bumbling idiot, stumbling over my own two feet. And trying to feel graceful!

I ended up having to do an additional practice lesson with Nadia to figure out my walk and poses. Thank goodness for private lessons! I am also sure, that you noticed that these picture include the competition bikini I will be wearing for the big day! Truth be told, I couldn't bring myself to wear it until the second round of posing practice.

I think the reason for my nerves, is that the bikini made it so real! Here is the suit that I would be wearing while walking the stage in just a few weeks. In front of a LARGE crowd of people no less!

For the past two years, I have been having difficulties grasping the concept that I am not my old size, my old shape. But, after a practice round with Nadia, then putting the suit on, I felt amazing. It helped me to see that all the work that I was pushing myself through, was paying off. I finally started to gain the confidence in myself! I finally see myself as a fit person, now the size 12 depressed individual.

Ok, enough about my emotional state, which is everywhere at the moment! The weekend of the 11th week, I went dress shopping with my mother. I am not a shopper what-so-ever, so bring my mom along was a no brainer. I tried on a large amount of dresses, many of which looked very good, but the failed to be that huge wow factor that we were looking for.

We both were walking do the street in downtown LA, when we noticed a set of stairs with some dresses on. I was pretty crest fallen, as the search seemed to becoming as a bust. Up those stairs I found the mecca of dresses. There were HUNDREDS OF THEM! Again, I couldn't seem to find 'the' dress. Until my mother pointed out a black and silver dress that I has passed by so  many times. I didn't believe it was 'the one'. I was wrong on so many levels!

Week 13 found me starting a fat burning, which I was a little on the worried side. I had heard stories about how fat burner made others feel and that it could be an unpleasant experience. Hardcore Fitness has just launched their line of clean supplements. I bought their fat burner, Therm-Elite, which I was assured that I would not have any of the negative side effects. Boy did that little pill give me so  much energy, I felt like I could move for days! I love it, and I cannot believe how I did any workouts without this! They should be launching to the public soon, so keep your eyes out for this little gem!

Last but not least, I ended the week with a new hair cut, it was time for a little change if you know what I mean... and it was a great move!

Weekly Fixation: Muffins, Any type!

Weekly weigh in: 137.8lbs

Count Down until October 18th: 2 weeks

Week 9- Back to the Grind

Week 9

The vacation was much  needed, on the mental standpoint, for the physical... I like to say it was a bigger workout routine than I was doing normally! The week started off challenging, Nadia added in AM cardio to my daily workout routine. Now during this point in time, I was big on just rolling out of bed and heading strait to the gym.

As soon as I get home, I would then go home and enjoy a delicious meal... Of egg whites and oatmeal...

So, I then had to make some minor changes in the routine. The cardio session started off with 15mins in the AM, 40 in the PM. I quickly found that waiting to eat after the gym would not longer work for me! So I started to make sure to get up at 4:30am. This way I could quickly doing my short cardio and then hit the gym!

I actually enjoy a little about this routine, so I may stick with it when all is said in done. I did, after all, score a stationary bike for a killer price.

Another huge accomplishment, my pants became way too big! I had to pull out an old belt, which was from my size 10 days, a hammer and screw driver! Additional holes were added, so the size 10 belt would fit my size 2 frame. Though now that my pants are too big, I now look like a major tomboy...

My biggest discovery on this endeavor of the week, Egg white/oat meal pancakes! The car VERY simple to make, and will make you day! I fact, I think I'll make some tomorrow. Here is how to make these tasty bad boys!

• Add 2 parts egg white to one part oatmeal
• Blend in blender- It will look weird
• make sure to add some cinnamon for flavor
• Spray skillet with cooking spray(butter flavored)
• Cook just like pancakes
• Add Walden Farms Pancake syrup
• Enjoy!

I also did find some time to relax.. on my usual rest day, one week after I got back! Getting closer everyday! Next Week is the start of posing practice!

Weekly Fixation: Turkey Burger!

Weekly weigh in: 144.2lbs

Count Down until October 18th: 6 weeks

Week Eight- Traveling While Training

Week 8 Progress Picture

So week #8 I spent traveling from the LA Area in California, to Port Angeles in Washington State! It is about a 1,200 mile drive up, so if you ever take the trip, make sure you have a great travel buddy! I started training early, so I would not have to worry about the diet and exercise while gone travel. Boy was I mistaken! Nadia quickly corrected me on that one!

I would have to maintain my diet and my daily workout routine while I traveled! Which is VERY challenging, PRIOD. I had to pack two medium ice chest into my car, one to hold my veggies and small amount of fruit and one to hold my proteins and egg whites! I started with hard boil eggs, as those were the easiest to travel with. BUT, keep in mind, unless you have a constitution of stone, the hard boiled eggs can get old real fast! 

I had a fellow competitor give me a few tips before I left for my travels, her biggest tip- a hot pot! It is very easy to boil you egg whites in this fashion! You just place the egg whites into a zip lock bag and place it in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. Then you are good to go! It was a real life saver! 

The first day of travel I started off at Hardcore Fitness, I had to get my last day of the week workout in! Then Sunday would be my rest day! My cousin was my travel buddy and she was down to joining me in the torture sessions Nadia would be assigning to me! It turned out to be a crazy cardio workout that had me almost crawling out of the gym. So a quick coffee break was needed before I hit the road! This was supplied by my roommate, who has a fresh pot brewing as soon as I walked in the door!

Two days up were spent in a car, with one stop taking place in Eugene Washington to visit a friend. There we did go out to dinner and I was able to ask for a specific meal. So no cooking that night! The rest of my meal for the next 12hours, where made in the comfort of their kitchen :)

Next stop was in Seattle Washington, where I met up with a long time friend, Kendra! Took a tour of the underground city and then enjoyed a fantastic lunch... which I made with the supplies I have. Kendra and my travel buddy enjoyed the cafe at the Underground tour location! 

Traveling while on the diet did prove to be interesting, as I had to find somewhere to pull over every 2.5 to 3 hours. But, it was great for setting up the time table for us to switch out driving... my cousin has a little bit of a lead foot... it was sometime scary!

Now, lets talk about the workouts, which were complete wherever I was currently staying. In Eugene, I had a time full body workout, which took place out front of my Friends apartment. Lot of thumbs up from people who passed by, followed by a cardio workout on her treadmill. Day two found my cousin and I working out in the motel room. Leg and abs, we were crammed together, but we made it work. The underground proved to be a great cardio workout, as there were stairs to climb, uneven ground to concur and lots of uphill walking!

Day three I had reached my destination, Port Angeles Washington. Here I had a trailer, a very fancy trailer, to stay in with my cousin. For this workout we had a back and bi workout, it was a little one the funny side, as my aunt kept walking by with a huge smile on her face. I think she enjoyed watching us bounce around like crazy people. The cardio session was follow by a creek walk, which I ended up scratching my arm up doing. I am sure you can easily notice it in the above picture!

The following days where the same, work out first thing in the morning, then go out for a hike! One evening found us out crab fishing! My favorite thing to do while in Washington! This vacation I did get some leniency from my trainer, in the form of a small serving of crap and my last cheat meal/refeed meal. My re-feed meal was at a fantastic Asian place called SoHo! Amazing atmosphere and food. If you are ever then, make sure you stop by!

Finally, the time arrived for the trek back to Southern California. I maintained my diet, the same way I did for the way up! Also, there was a quick stop at the Woodbury Outlets for more workout clothes. This is located in Oregon and there is no sales tax. I highly suggest stopping if you can :)

The whole trip was a lot of fun, though it would have been better if I was not in training! I know my next trip up will not be in the timeframe of a competition or big activity like the one I am currently engaged in! My fixation is total Kendra's fault, as she stopped at a carmel apple store with my cousin to get one! I chewed gum, while the savored a cheese cake coated apple :/

Weekly Fixation: Carmel Apples!

Weekly weigh in: 145lbs

Count Down until October 18th: 7 weeks

Week Seven- The Countdown Countinues

Week 7 Progress Pictures!! 

Sorry this is a little on the late side! I was traveling all last week and missed my time frame for writing in the blog! Prior to the trip, It was time to step it up a little! My trainer changed my meal plan, which was a major challenge! Now the routine is High Carb/med carb-low fat/high fat-low carb/high fat low carb. The low cards are very difficult to function on when you are working out like I do with Hardcore!

I have to say, trying went through my head a few times! But I stuck it out! The hardest part of the week, was the switch from 35 minute cardio session, to a 45 minute session.

On a personal note, I had a personal crisis, that cause a minor set back. Luckily, I am so set in routines that it didn't impact the eating schedule at all. Though it did have an impact on my work out for about three days, thats when my trainer gave me a wonderful pep talk. 

I had started to date a guy a little bit prior to the competition, well about a month prior. Things were going fantastically well, in fact they were verging on serious. The game changed when he decided to inform me about his personal opinion on my body image.  I was no longer a curvy as he likes, also the thought that I was thinking of cutting my hair after the competition bothered him. Shoulder length hair was not long enough. 

The conversation ended with me informing him that I would not change myself for him. I don't believe that anyone should have to change who they are, based off of someones opinion.  I love the way I am and now more than happy with the way I look and present myself. 

Within the next 48 hours, he was breaking up with me, because we were no longer connecting... but he loves my personality.

It was a slight blow to my confidence! I began to wonder if my shifting form now made me unattractive. The thought that the body type I was working to achieve is for a competition, and could slowly slide somewhat back to what I was! Any once again, I needed to find someone who likes me for myself, not for what I looked like...

Nadia spoke with me about self image, how I should feel about myself, and that he was most likely self conscience about the way that he looked. (And he did have a minor beer belly!) After the conversation, I came to the realization, that i was happy with myself and the way that I looked. I do hope that I can maintain my new bikini body and I plan to search to the right person for me. One that will choose me, for me!

Oksy, so personal rant on this post, but I felt it important to mention what happened to me. This way, other will know that they just need to stand back up and shake it off!

Weekly Fixation: Cake!

Weekly weigh in: 145.4 lbs

Count Down until October 18th: 8 weeks

Week Six- The Struggle Begins

Week Six Progress Pictures

Week Six is proving to be a very large challenge! No cheat meal was granted at the end of begging the week, which was a real turn off for me! In fact, I was down right pissed off! Sunday cheat meals, well, they hold a special place in my heart! 

While the diet seemed to be easy the first few weeks, this week show otherwise. Making the meals every two weeks has started to get tedious. Plus the lack of bread is just down right sad! The low carb days tend to make the following days morning workout, a large struggle.  Carbs convert to sugar, which help the body run that much better. When you take the carbs away, your body if forced o use its reserves. When you are taking from your reserves, your body tries to conserve it, so moving and lifting weights seem to be a travel. And this is my deduction from this experience!

The high carb days are by far my favorite! I also like to call them my re-fuel day! Though it is still a largely limited amount! Its way better than Day Three of my meal plan! 

In the end, I am channeling my inner willpower! Hoping I make it through next week without any hiccups! Fingers crossed for me! After all the dogs jar of peanut butter is starting to look good!

Favorite Shoulder Exercises!

Alternating Front raises- This exercise is a real challenge! So if you are new to this, I would suggest using 5 LBS weights! You will want to start with the weigh in one hand, then raise it strait in front of you. Don't bend your elbows or swing your body to get the weight into place. You will then bring that arm down, then repeat with your alternate arm. As this one is more challenging, maybe start with 10 reps of 3.

My weary mind forgot the name! (Will supply soon!)-  This movement, you will want a slightly heavier weight. So you will just want to use a single dumbbell or a kettle bell. I am using an 8 LBS kettle bell for the picture, but I generally use 15-20LBS. Start with both hands holding the weight in front of you. The pull up with you shoulder bending the elbows. The ending look should appear like the picture on the right. Elbows are reaching for my ears! You will want to follow the same rep scheme as listed above :)

On a side note, I did get some crafting done! This is from the Hunger Games, the first  scene with Jennifer Lawrence as Katness Everden. Very easy to make! And a lot of fun! 

Weekly Fixation: Pancakes!

Weekly weigh in: 147.6 lbs

Count Down until October 18th: 9 weeks

Week 5- Never Trust the Vanilla Protein Powder

Week 5 Progress Picture!

Of all the things that I have learned from this challenge, it this. Never trust the vanilla protein shake! While it might be fine in the beginning, it soon gets old... and when it gets old, the challenge then becomes consuming it! I ended up spending an additional $40.00 on a mint chocolate chip protein shake. I'll still use the vanilla, but now I can space out the two flavors and make it a little more taste bud friendly!

Protein shakes are an excellent source of protein, as they state! But they should not be considered a full meal. If you are consuming 6 meals a day, well that is another thing. On my three day meal plan, I only have on protein shake meal without something to consume on the side. So far this is the rule that I have to follow, but then again, this could all change! Currently, its my 4 meal of the day on average. Which works well for me as I have have 3 pretty substantial meal prior to that!

As the weeks are flying by, I got word from my trainer to start the search and purchase of the bikini. Very Exciting! I found a woman that works out at my guy, that makes the bikinis for the girls that are competing of the various WBFF shows. So I think I'll giver her a try! If she works out, I will include her contact information!

The big news I have for this week, both my trainers Nadia Lopez and Larry Nolan WBFF Pro's, are competing in the WORLD's located in Vegas! Everyone cheer for them!

The moment you realize 

you still have cardo....

Leg exercise of choice...

Frog Squats: These babies are a great and painful leg work out. I say painful because you can feel the burn within seconds of starting this workout.  Start with both your hand and feet on the floor, with your booty up in the air. Bend you knees so that they hover an inch over the floor, then straiten your legs. You will want to complete a set of 20-25, for 3 rounds. Your hamstrings will burn!

Single leg deadlifts: This workout, along with regular deadlifts, are my favorite. Not only do you get a great butt workout, but it does the hamstrings as well. So you get an entire workout of the back thigh.  This does take a little bit of balance, so don't get frustrated if you have some balancing issues! Place all you weight onto one leg and bend over, keeping your back arched pulling your shoulder to your spine. The return to a standing position. Repeat this 15 time, for  total of 3 reps!

16% of my goal met for my GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/c3vetg

Weekly Fixation: Buffalo Wings!
Weekly weigh in: 147.4 lbs
Count Down until October 18th: 10 weeks

Week Four- Supplement Selection

Week Four Picture- Some Progress Seen!

This week I was really able to see some improvement on my progress, and let me tell you I was getting a little worried! My lower body is by far my most problematic portion I have. This week I was able to see visible change in my glut and thighs! To tell the truth, I ended needed to purchase another pair of bikini bottoms! Thank goodness for the Walmart OP $3.00 bathing suit selection! 

I have to say that a huge impact on my diets would have to be the supplements that I have been taking throughout this challenge. I would like to stress its not the traditional supplements that one would think. The two biggest supplements that i take are fiber and digestive enzymes. This is to assist my body with the breakdown of the HUGE amount of veggies I am eating! You have to be able to get max nutritional value from your food, so your muscles and body have the best chance in leaning out and growing muscle!

You really need to research fiber, so that you can find the type that works best with your body. It took me some time, and while searching I had a war zone in my digestive tract, to find the type of fiber that worked best for me. I ended up selecting Methylcellulose, this brand of fiber is know to assist in bloating of the intestinal tract. This was my main issues that i had to face on my diet, the LARGE amount of gas that my body was producing. This made life difficult as I was in constant pain, making my workouts difficult!

Other Supplements:

• CLA- Muscle Growth and Recovery
• L-Carnitine- Muscle Growth and Recovery
• Women's Vitamines
• Pro-Biotic- Gotta make the tummy happy!
• Fish Oil
• Vitamine C

Moving past the supplements and the diet...You have to find a way to assist those cravings! My trainer Nadia always has some gum on her. So I took a cue from her and started to carry a pack with me. Well this quickly turned into carrying multiple type of gum, to help with the type of craving I was experiencing! The trident is for when I wanted some form of candy! The extra dessert delight, clearly, if for when I was that sugary snack after a meal! It helps, though finding different flavors is a challenge! I am currently looking for the sherbet flavor! And finally, the regular flavor of gym, as you may just want the traditional flavor!



Now! Onto my selection of Ab exercises!

Knees to Elbows- This ab exercise is a huge challenge! Remember never to let those feet hit the ground. Also, if you keep looking at your feet you will engage you upper abs as well as the middle! You just want to stretch your legs out in from of you and the curl your elbow and and legs inward, make sure to bend the knees at a 90 degree angle. I would suggest doing at least three sets of 12 if you can!

Leg Lifts- This is exactly as it sounds! Just like knees to elbows, you do not want those feet to hit the ground! You are really engaging the lower and middle abs with this exercise! If you continue to look at your feet with your shoulders off the ground, it will help you to engage the upper abs as well! Slow and steady are the key with this exercise! If you rush through this workout, you will not engage your abs as much as possible. I like to a three count as I bring my legs up and down, making sure I am getting the best workout as possible. And by three count, I mean: 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi!

Please visit my GoFundMe page! This account is not just for the dress, but for the competition bikini I will have to get a well! Please swing by and show your support if you can: http://www.gofundme.com/c3vetg

Weekly Fixation: Vanilla Cup Cakes!

Weekly weigh in: 148.2 LBS

Count Down until October 18th: 11 weeks