3 Weeks Out From Atlantic Classics
All I can say is that I am so happy, excited and proud of myself. I come from a small town and was VERY shy growing up. I struggled and suffered with emotional binge eating for a good part of my life but managed to overcome that beast and FINALLY have balance and a healthy relationship with food. And now, in just less than 2 weeks I will be stepping on stage for my very first bikini competition. I always heard people say "it doesn't matter what happens on stage, I'm already a winner." I couldn't agree more with that statement. I already feel like a winner. I've overcome a lot of obstacles and continue to better myself each day...and that is what bettering myself and living a healthier life is ALL about (in my opinion).
This last week my cardio was increased to 60 minutes. GAHHHH! But I made it through. I also ended up playing ball hockey 4 x this week and honestly by the last session I started thinking "okay, maybe I over did it" so this next week I won't be doing as much and next week (peak week) I won't be doing any at all. I'm pretty happy I was still able to keep up with ball hockey during this prep without any issues. That's how much energy I've had and continue to have...I HONESTLY thought I would be drained by now but I'm not.
Food was fine again this week. It was the same as the week before but honestly I love the food (even the frigging salad - I'm not a salad girl but during this prep I've eaten more salad than ever and have found myself actually liking it!). I made amazing simply zucchini pasta that has made it's way into my regular rotation of food. I did have an extra 250 calorie treat - added cheese to my last snack (egg whites + 1 whole egg), NuPasta with nutritional yeast seasoning, stuffed grape leaves. We prepared to go home for Easter as well so that meant all of my food came with me AND I even made Easter desserts - baked blueberry donuts, double chocolate pudding cookies, lemon truffles, no bake chocolate macaroons, carrot cake cookies and no bake mini cheesecake. Honestly, making the desserts helped me because I'm the type of gal that wants to eat my mom's desserts but can pass on the ones I make easily. Why is it that everyone else's food/desserts taste so much better?
While we were home, we played cards and ended up going for a drive for ice cream (well, I didn't have ice cream but the rest of the family did). I really focused on being around family rather than the food because it's the family that is important not the food. Jeff and I decided to take our blood pressure at Shoppers...as you can imagine by now I come from a small town (Campbellton, NB) and there isn't much to do around there. Both of our blood pressure readings were great. It really was a reminder why we choose to live this healthier lifestyle. Health is ALWAYS first for me. Of course, we watched as much play off hockey as we could as well.
I also started exfoliation and moisturizing myself this past week. It's recommended to do this as much as possible a couple of weeks before show day so the spray tan applies better. I am using an all natural exfoliation from Olivier Soapery as well as pure cocoa butter for moisturization. I love using minimal ingredients on my skin (and natural as long as it's still safe...not all things natural are safe).
As usual, my progress update is below. I must say I was even impressed with this update. My weigh in was 115.8 lbs (starting weight of 127.3 lbs) for a total loss of 11.5 lbs. I really am on the last stretch now. One more week before peak week! EEEK! I got this.
