The Fame of Health and Fitness

NO MORE LICKING THE SPOON!

This weekend was my last official weekend “OFF season”. We planned a weekend get-a-way but by the amount of food related items that were taken you would have thought we were gone for a week! But that’s the way the cookie crumbles when you’re always making sure you’re prepared. My goal was to relax, not workout, eat clean, enjoy more than one guilt-free meal, have my last few drinks of alcohol, and be present in the moment with great company. I did exactly as I planned.

This weekend we celebrated several events with our good friends like:

• one year anniversary of our trip to Paris
• birthday
• new property purchases
• my last weekend before my ON season
• positive relationships
• 2012 and all exciting events that it holds

This weekend was the perfect wrap up for my off season and I’m ready more than ever to be on season. I know I am in a good head space and this I can officially say because I have been through one full season and I know what thoughts can pass through my mind.

Progress as an athlete and person:

1. This weekend, I was able to relax and not have a single workout and be okay with this. I did not feel guilty for not working out and my body was appreciative of this break. Knowing when to give yourself a break isn’t always easy.
2. I was able to casually enjoy my favourite beer, wine, and the champagne from Paris over the weekend. I did not feel guilty for enjoying a few glasses nor did I worry about the scale being higher on Monday or the effects of muscle recovery. I know what my body is capable of and I know what I need to do at this stage of the game. Knowing that the number on the scale on Monday will only last for a few days is progress.
3. I was able to mindfully enjoy appetizers (5 people split: sea salt oven roasted bread, braised pork ribs), an entree (burger and fries), and dessert (5 people split: chocolate cake with ice cream, and cheese cake). I enjoyed the evening to the fullest. I did not feel guilty after the meal or the next day. Sure, I felt heavier the next day, this is no surprise but I know this will pass. I am not concerned over the scale being a few pounds higher on Monday either. Again, I know what needs to be done, I know what I am capable of doing, and I trust the program my coach has developed for me. THIS is progress and this is just an example of what can get into someone’s head during OFF and ON season. 

Competing isn’t just about following a “diet” or training program. There’s a whole other element of mind games that come into play and really see what you’re made of. If you followed me through my first journey to the stage you will remember. Put it this way, it’s a crash course in getting to know yourself like you’ve never known before. I’ve been through it once and I’m ready to go at it again and learn something new about myself.

STACKHOUSE: GUILT-FREE MEAL!!

We went half and half with:

• Stackhouse Burger

  6.5 oz local prime rib patty with pancetta, portabellini, Guinness cheddar, chipotle aioli and butter lettuce served on a brioche bun.

• Lamb Burger

  6.5 oz lamb patty with goat cheese, cilantro aioli and butter lettuce, served on a brioche bun.

BOTH were delicious and it was a satisfying GUILT-FREE MEAL! Mmm mmm!!

Day 17/155: WORK “Christmas” PARTY in January

I thoroughly enjoyed the work party last night with both drinks (3 in total: one cocktail, one beer, and one glass of red wine) and food. I had one more drink than I had planned on but of course this was a decision that I made last night BEFORE I started drinking. We all know what kind of decisions can be made once we start drinking. Last night, I had more 1 more cheat than I technically should have had and again I chose this. Temptations are high right now and I am being more relaxed. I am still trying to find a better happy-medium with my OFF and ON season life in terms of food, not training. I can honestly say that I am happy with where I am at with food mentally because I can see myself improving and making better choices all of the time. But I still believe I can do better during my off season. My eating was controlled last night and there is no guilt from eating all that delicious food. But I am ready to crack down and go hard core. On Monday it’s my birthday so today I will be having something sweet and a drink. Next weekend will be my last cheat in January and then as of January 29th, I will be holding off on cheats, kicking out booze (until June 23rd - did I just write this?), and going hard core with training. I need to focus 100% and I no longer want any gray areas to exist. I will update you soon about the future holds as well as a future challenge for the month of February.

Last night I cheated with:

• tempura lobster and prawn, and pickled fennel
• sirloin, tiger prawns, and mashed potatoes
• chocolate lava cake
• 1 cocktail
• 1 beer (most delicious beer in the world!)
• 1 glass of red wine
• 1 cappuccino
• 1 espresso

Day 13/161: CELEBRATION with Good People

Tonight we went out with good friends of ours to celebrate some of our recent successes, enjoy a new restaurant, and have many laughs. We had drinks and food at Ensemble Tap  http://www.ensembletap.com/ We ordered and shared many items. This is what was on the menu:

Fried Calamari
Herb crusted, Red Bell Pepper Sauce, Olives, Red Onions

Steam Buns
Seared Albacore Tuna, Mama Cho Sauce, Fresh Kimchi

Pulled Pork Sandwich
Apple-Horseradish Slaw, BBQ Beans, Fries

Crispy Chicken Burger
Bacon, Avocado, Romaine, Focaccia, Smoked Paprika Mayo, Fries

Banana Split
Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla Ice Cream,
Sprinkles, Chopped Nuts

My friend is so cute, she was talking to her friend about going out with me and she was wondering what I was going to eat because I’m an “Oxygen model” - Haha! I love it and I will gladly be called that any day of the week!

We all split the same meals and I enjoyed a few drinks. The truth of the matter is, I like quality food and although I eat clean 90-95% of the time, this doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a solid burger - I do!

But enjoying food like this is done in moderation for several reasons.

1.) It’s just not healthy for your body or mind to eat like that all of time.

2.) It’s not the proper fuel for your body to train and perform like a machine.

3.) It’s not as appreciated if it’s eaten all of the time.

4.) It can’t be eaten often if you’re trying to maintain a certain figure or reach a specific goal

This is my last month of being more “relaxed” (i.e., having 2 cheats a week, and a handful of drinks in a month). I’m currently “off season” and January happens to have several events (like my birthday *smile*) so I am going to enjoy a few more weeks and then buckle down and go hard core.

Anyway, we had a fabulous night and I’m glad I crawled out of my hermit shell!

*****Also, if you love food, fashion, and just the good things in life, check out my friend Erin’s blog http://thesparkle.net/author/egerlach/ Erin is who I went out with last night and she is fabulous and it won’t be long for you to also see that once you check out her blog. Happy reading!

Day 79: I SURVIVED!!

This is what a full course Italian meal looks like…

• antipasto
• red wine
• lasagna
• chicken parmesan
• breaded shrimp
• floured cod
• bread
• tartofu (ice cream)
• fruit
• espresso
• homemade cookies and chocolate
• more homemade cookies

***** My focus for this dinner was: 1.) moderation

I enjoyed the food that I wanted but I was also that person who cut my own portions and said “No, thank you” when I did not want something (even when I was asked repeatedly), and I stopped eating when I was done and didn’t care that I left food on my plate (eating everything on my plate was a hard habit to break in the past).

I did well but I will do better next year.

Day 75: Day 5/12 Vacation - CHRISTMAS EVE ITALIAN DINNER

I went. I ate. I enjoyed. I also had a few drinks (1 beer and 2 glasses of red wine).

It was wonderful to catch up with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma. My relatives said “Did you lose weight? You were skinny last year! And you’re even skinnier this year…but you look really good.” Very nice words from everyone. I told my relatives about my “secret fitness model” life and they are super stoked! Everyone was so supportive and happy, which makes me happy!

One of my aunt’s who always talks to me about health because she wants to make a transition to a healthier lifestyle sat down with me for an hour and she picked my brain about clean eating and some small changes she can make in her life to get started.

It made me re-realize how hard that initial transition from“normal” life to a “clean eating” life can be. The truth is that it is hard. It won’t come easy and it won’t be easy. But if you don’t start it will never happen. I gave my aunt some small steps to start with because it needs to be slow and steady. Pick something you want to work on, like eating breakfast every morning or drinking 1 glass of water with each meal, and practice it until you make it a habit and then tackle another goal. It will be a process and with each success you will become stronger and better and before you know it you will have come miles. I know that it can be difficult when you first begin and it can be even more difficult to “see” yourself reaching your goal but if you’re dedicated and consistent it will happen. You have to take the risk and just go for it. FOCUS ON TODAY only and do your best. If you fail, re-evaluate your goals, get focused, and try again. Change is possible and living a life that you’ve always dreamed of is waiting for you.

Day 73: Day 3/12 of Vacation at HOME: Snacks are everywhere! *cheat*

As you can see, snacks exist everywhere! I allowed myself to have the snacks that I wanted to have but only a few of each. I practiced good portion control!! You have no idea the kind of damage I am capable of doing… muahaha!

I cheated with:

• dried mango
• dried dates
• dried figs (told you I was a dried fruit junkie)
  
• ~ 10 salted cashews (eeeek!)
• 1 Baccio chocolate
• a few pieces of Nougat (chocolate covered and original)
  
• a sliver of my Nona’s spicy pizza (last photo)
• 4 wine gums

PS: I said “No, thank you” to wine.

Day 73: Day 3/12 of Vacation at Nona’s House

Remember I made a pit stop to see my grandma? Well… I thought I could say “No, thank you” to my Nona’s cookies but I failed!

I just couldn’t… she spent 3 hours making the circular layered dessert (filled with raisins, walnuts, sprinkles, and even some booze!). She stayed up until 3:00AM last night making the donut looking ones (just for me)… and I have no excuse for the Tim Bit looking ones… dude, they are covered in honey!!

So the verdict is: GUILTY!!

I had 2 honey covered ones, a bite of the donut looking one, and a small piece of the raisin/walnuts filled one.

Guilty yes but I still consider this a victory because:

1.) I used portion control

2.) I ate the dessert mindfully

3.) I wanted more but I stopped myself

4.) I switched the cream my Nona put out for my coffee for MILK!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Day 68: Cheat Meal!!

1.) 1 bite of each mini cupcake (Eggnog was better than Gingerbread but both awesome)

2.) bowl of heaven (raw unsalted cashews, 2 dried mission figs, 2 pieces of dried mango, 1/4 cup unsweetened carob chips)

3.) PB Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream: handful of bites

4.) Power Cookie with chocolate (Whole Foods)

Day 60: Staff Party Review

NOTE: I’m not ON season and this is my first officially staff “food” event that I have been off season. This was the first time all year that I actually ate some party food (obviously considered a cheat).

As a general rule for myself I always will eat before I go to any kind of “snacky” event. I know myself well and I find that if I don’t I will have too many snacks because I am hungry. And I have “too many” snacks because this kind of food doesn’t fill me up so I just want to keep on eating it, plus who doesn’t enjoy some sweet and salty treats?

So, I had 2 protein pancakes beforehand. Next, I made myself a plate of the things I wanted to try or eat because I don’t buy or make food like this often if at all. I had more treats than you see in the 2 plate pictures, I had a sliver of black forest cake, a few strawberries, some chocolate, and a handful more of the baguette, St. Andre cheese, apple, walnut appy (I made this - yummers!).

Although everything was really tasty I was reminded of why I don’t eat food like this too often. My stomach is slightly disappointed, my energy levels have dropped, heart rate went up, and I feel “puffy”. What’s done is done! Carry on.

PS: My gift was a gift certificate for Starbucks! : )

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As a side note: I am coming to terms with the fact that eating squeaky clean during the holidays (when I am home with my parents) will be difficult to do. One because I will want to eat all the home-cooked meals that my mom and other relatives will be making since 1.) it’s fricken delicious (how can you beat homemade Italian food? You can’t beat it), and 2.) to be honest, I’m only home ONCE A YEAR to see my family and friends and I think it will be more stressful to be super strick on my “diet”. I will indulge and enjoy but with caution. I am going in knowing that gaining 5-7lbs could be done very easily and I will keep that in mind. But gaining a few pounds or even five might happen and if it does that means most of January will be spent burning that off. I won’t regret it when I’m home but I will when I come back and my heart rate is faster than normal when I am working out. But these are the things that I have learned along the way. I really want to focus on PORTION CONTROL when I go home. This was a huge issue for me growing up - as you can imagine (i.e., Italian food - Italian family). Every day is a journey and I know I will learn something new over my trip home. All lessons have a positive ending.

Come January, I am considering myself FULLY back on season and my goal is to cut back to ONE CHEAT a WEEK (like my ON season) and limit my alcohol to 1-2 drinks MAX (if any) on the weekends. I need to start preparing my mind and body as if the competition is in 12 weeks from January 1st, even though it’s not. GAME ON!