Not Always Rainbows & Butterflies

I try daily to keep a positive outlook on this plan... And for the most part everything is good and my blog reflects that; but I don't want to paint a false picture. Every day there is a struggle. Every day I have my coach's voice running through my head saying "don't do it" "you don't need it" "remember the goal you want". Some days I'm discouraged, my body doesn't feel great, a craving kicks in, or whatever the case may be and I have an internal battle with what I want and what I need.

The short term versus the long term goal. 

But it's a learning process. Learning what my body can and cannot handle - How a food or a workout effects me. I'm by no means starving myself - in fact I'm eating more now than I typically would. But having to get up and zombie walk into the gym for my 5th day of cardio isn't easy. Then I feel the smile pop on my face as soon as I walk in the door. I see a familiar face and feel accomplished to have to made it in. 

It makes it worth fighting for. 

I started the idea of doing a figure show because I watched via social media as a friend prepared and competed. And I too hope to be that same inspiration for someone. Someone who thinks, "there's no way". "I could never look like that". "I don't have what it takes".

I'm here to tell you that YOU DO and YOU CAN!

To bring it full circle, yes it's a battle but every day something happens that makes it worth it. Every day I'm one step closer to the competition and one step closer to the figure I need. And I'm one step closer to the donuts, ice cream, pizza, and mac & cheese (along with so many other things) I plan to devour immediately after the show!

A Weekend Away

I'm a day late this week - but for a good reason. Look at this cutie that I got to spend the entire weekend with!

I traveled to PA over the weekend to visit a bestie (and bridesmaid) and her new beautiful baby girl. It's weird realizing your friend is a mom and that you're now at an age where this is normal. But that's a whole other mind blowing topic.

This week's mind blowing topic is the fact I managed to stay on track with my meal plan (and get a cardio workout in) over the entire weekend - No easy feat when your friends are eating steak, pizza, ice cream, glazed carrots, roasted potatoes... the list goes on. The steak definitely had me drooling, I mean I was on a beef farm! But I was lucky enough to be able to bring home some because...

I'M ON A NEW AWESOME MEAL PLAN

Boom.
This week I also noticed my abs are starting to poke through. Out of all of my memories I cannot remember ever having ab definition - ever. So this in itself was another huge win for me.
Boom. Boom.
And during today's workout - I managed 125 push ups without going to my knees. My first "proof" that my auxiliary is paying off.
Boom. Boom. Boom.

Meal Plan 2

Water: at least a gallon and 1/2 per day

1/2 Grapefruit with thermo before cardio

Immediately following cardio or morning workouts:

Pure Selection Protein Shake (1 Scoop)

Meal 1: 4oz Flank Steak

3oz chicken breast

2 Whole Eggs

Meal 2: 3oz Tuna

1/4c Whole Oats

8 Asparagus

                                               

Meal 3: 5oz Turkey Breast

1/2 Avocado

1/2c after cooked Spinach

Meal 4: 3oz Flank Steak

3oz Chicken Breast

1/2c after cooked Brussel Sprouts

7 Almonds

Going 14 days on a meal plan is tough - I think my max of toleration is 10 days. But you make due and I'm learning that warm/cold doesn't matter - Just eat the dang food. 

It Helps Pretending - Mini Loaf

After being away for 4 days, leaving Evan to fend for himself with 2 annoying pups, I decided to make him a treat. Something easy, obviously. But since he's trying to stay paleo with me it needed to stay within our paleo+ style.

Not only did it turn out delicious (according to Evan) - just baking something helped curb my desire for "off the plan" food. So enjoy!

Nut Butter Mini Loafs

Ingredients:

1/2 c Almond Butter ( I used Justin's)

1/2 c Creamy Peanut Butter (I used JIF Natural Creamy)

4 eggs

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp honey

pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325.

Mix together your nut butters and eggs until super smooth - I suggest using a mixer. 

Add in baking soda and salt, mix.

Add in honey, mix.

Using a mini loaf - spray pan and scoop out batter. For me, it made 4 loafs with a little let over that I discarded. 

Bake for 18-20 minutes - loaf should feel cake like and bouncy when you test the top. 

Let sit for 20 minutes or until cool. 

Evan said the taste is light enough to use it as sandwich bread OR add some fruit and butter to it. Either way, you should try it!