New Progress Pics

Newest pics....123 pounds and 18.7% body fat. I'm getting a good friend of mine (ex-personal trainer actually) take my body fat this week to compare.

Also, props to Diane for taking these this time. I think they look much better then when Andy takes them, although I got a little picked at this week from Amy because they are farther away than usual. Oh well, I just can't get it right!!!

New Fav Snack

I really am going to miss creative snacks when I get on pre-contest....I think all I get for snacks then is whey. This is a really good snack recipe (or lunch I guess) that you can try:

1/3 cup Coach's oats (I'm not sure how it would taste with regular rolled oats)
1/3 cup egg beaters
Mrs. Dash seasoning of any kind (I like the extra spicy one)
3oz can of tuna, drained

Mix all of the above together and make into small patties. It will make 4-5 small patties. Brown in a pan. I eat them with yellow mustard.

I swear this sounds probably really gross, but it is really good. Super low fat and high in protein. Love it! I ate it like 10 times in the last 2 weeks. I actually stole this one from Monica Brant.

Size 2

I wear size 2 now. Never have in my life. Which is pretty freaking amazing...not even pre-contest yet....

So why do I look so fat in all these progress pics...ugh.

Wow...time has flown

I suddenly "woke up" this week a little bit.

I had multiple realizations:

1. I only have EIGHT cheat days left until my contest. EIGHT. That means only EIGHT more days of choosing to drink some alcohol (HUGE for me), or candy, or cake, or chips, or wings, or a hamburger....I am so close to having to say good bye to all my favorite foods!

2. Changes are taking place very quickly now. When I look in the mirror, I am seeing changes happen so rapidly that I sometimes am like "wait, has that line always been there? I didn't ever notice that before..." It's almost like my brain was put in someone else's body and I'm every day waking up trying to figure out how it changed over night. To the point where I grab a pair of jeans thinking they will be snug, put them on, realize they don't fit, and then I'm bewildered. I'm telling you that fat is coming off my body and I can't hardly keep up with it at this point. AND I'M NOT EVEN PRE-CONTEST YET.

3. I am exhausted. I guess I'm really pushing myself to the limit, because every day this week I have had a total crash by about 3 or 4:00 in the afternoon. Complete burn out. I've been up at 3:30 every day and once this week I worked out in the morning and evening. I eat 1700 calories a day but it doesn't seem to be enough...my body is working it's ass off.

4. I am actually doing this....like I will be a Figure Competitor. I have always wanted it, and it is coming full force ahead. It's the real deal.

I realized all of the above this week and have almost gotten sick a couple times because of how excited/nervous it makes me. It's like when you dream about something and never think it will happen, and then it is suddenly happening to you and you are like "holy cow, is this real?"...it's a whirlwind.

Thank You

I need to take a moment to thank all of you out there that have been following this blog and my progress and have been giving me such positive feedback. When I first decided to start this, there were mixed reactions from family and friends. Mainly because many people who aren't into body building don't really understand that there are many different types of body building and I guess what comes to the average Joe's mind is steroids and women that look like men.

So...this is a special thank you to those of you that continue to send me praise and tell me how great I'm doing. When I've been frustrated, there have been the same few of you out there sending me notes telling me that I look great and that I motivate you...Hey it keeps ME motivated to get such great feedback. There have also been a few of you out there ready to give me tips and hints when I'm wondering what to do...I really appreciate any kind of advice on supplements, powders, recipes. I try not to listen to TOO many people about advice because as my coach says "you don't want too many cooks in the kitchen....I am YOUR cook." Sometimes you can get overwhelmed if you listen to too much advice, but I am still so appreciative of people out there thinking about me and wanting to encourage me.

Thank you. I am so blessed to have such really great friends out there. You keep me motivated because I want to make you all proud!

Newest Progress Pics

I hate taking these pictures in this stupid bathing suit, but I am supposed to because it is easier to compare my progress wearing the same thing every time...

Just so everyone knows: the suit is a size 10...and my size 4 shorts are too big...

At least now I kinda have a tan since I just went on that cruise! :)

YIKES

I just found out this morning that two of my very favorite magazines, "Muscle and Fitness for Hers" and "Flex" will be at my contest in October. They are going to be behind the scenes videoing for their websites, but will also be covering the show in detail. They specifically want to cover the NPC Texas. NPC Texas Chairman came out today saying "if you want national and even international attention, you better get your body in shape for this show"....wow, like I didn't have enough pressure to look good! Now I have extreme nerves and am very scared about possibly being in the magazines!!! This is SUPER scary!

I really think I'm going to be sick....