now what?

OK, so competition season is over, and I'm plagued by the lost feeling of not knowing what the next competition will be. Figure shows don't start up again until the spring, and even so, I am not sure that I will continue to compete as a "Figure" girl anymore. This past show was frustrating in that girls who don't have the muscularity that I do (ie - kickin butt in the gym), will still beat me due to a naturally better shape. The funny thing about Figure is that although you have to bring the goods- muscles- your God given shape will help or hurt you more than anything. You really take a step back and appreciate that everyone comes in different packages - small, tall, wide, and narrow (not me!). And sadly, not all are cut out to be Figure competitors. I feel that I have done so much to build my physique, and I recognize that fact and have great pride for how far I have come.

However, although I can still make some improvements, I know that there are limits to changing my shape that I will soon realize. It is hard for many of my family and friends who think that I "look great" and cannot understand that in a lineup of quality competitors, I will usually place in the middle of the group. Don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED with all of my finishes, knowing that I have always been in the top three with the exception of one huge, national show. Some girls do all of this work and never place. Trust me, I am so happy with my show experiences. But, being the competitor that I am, and always endeavoring to be the best, I am very aware of the fact that I don't have the preferred "X" shape that Figure judges are looking for. I do well in shows because I diet hard, train hard all year, and pose pose pose to give that illusion of an X. But I can't help but wonder, how much longer will I train to compete at something that I may not be "cut out" for? ha ha

I do enjoy showing a great deal, and I do not always need to win to enjoy it. But, let's face it, competing and dieting are REALLY HARD and do I want to keep going at something that may just be an exercise in frustration? For my riding friends out there - I may be a Quater horse trying to compete at an Arab show - and yeah, showing's fun, but maybe it would be more fun at a Quater horse show!

So, while I am contemplating my competitive future, I am still training and eating like a figure girl, because I love the way I look and feel when I live this lifestyle. However, when spring rolls around, who knows, I may be the newest Fitness girl or maybe a triathlete - depends which one is harder- that's the one I want. I'll be training with the knowledge that hard work and a** kickin in the gym will get me much further than just showing up, and therefore, it might just be more fun. :)

Competition prep - lessons learned!

As most of you know, I have just completed my second season as a Figure competitor. While going through the "rigorous" (understatement) diet and training protocols, competitors find out what they can really achieve through determined nutrition and workouts. It is a difficult process - the hardest thing I have ever done over a period of time - and it has not only taught me about myself, but it has also has enlightened me as a trainer. I consider competition prep as the strictest, most disciplined plan I have ever completed so far - but maybe in a year or so I'll find something harder! It take takes a toll on your upbeat personality, your scurrying children and your saint of a husband ("God, I hope you can eat soon"). However, I enjoy the challenge of it, and I figure anything worth doing is going to be hard!

But now that I am officially "off season", I can eat whatever I want, train or not train (yeah right), and not pinch my body fat a couple of times a week. It is a relief, and Lord knows I have found my sense of humor again! But, there are many nutritional foods used in competition prep that I will use all year round, and suggest that my clients use as well. Certain foods that served me in the strictest of times are also delicious and so satisfying! So, here are a few of my favorites that you'll see in my cooler all year:

• Cottage cheese and mandarin oranges - Holy moly why didn't I try this sooner? Everyone always talks about cot. cheese and fruit but I was too squimish to try - oh my, it is so good, I will never choke down plain cot. cheese again!


• Sugar free syrup - who knew this is so good, why do we eat the other stuff? I love this on my Kashi waffles.


• Greek yogurt - another "who knew"!! I am a "texture girl" and this stuff is so creamy, it feels like frosting. I did the plain variety (with a little Splenda) and berries - 18g of protein, -it is considered a protein source- not to mention totally portable and doesn't smell like fish (easier to eat at work than tuna!).


• Lean ground beef - during the last days before a show, we eat lots of this plain, but any other time I love this instead of a hamburger, just add a touch of ketchup/mustard and you don't miss the bun! 4oz and a 1/2 of green beans - yum!


• French toast - Cin. Raisin Ezekial bread coated with egg whites, cooked, sprinkle with cinnamon and a little Splenda, plus a few egg whites on the side- if only we could get this at a restaurant- it's that good!


• Oatmeal - if you aren't eating oatmeal yet, you are missing out. First of all, forget the pan and stove (thanks Danielle!) and just pop it into the microwave. My fav is topping with diced apples and cinnamon - such a good fall breakfast! Also try bananas and brown sugar.


• Protein powder - this is a must for those building muscle and on the go. Finding portable protein sources is difficult - we can't always heat our chilled tilapia when we're travelling and let me tell you, eating cold gelatinous fish on the road SUCKS! I'd much rather have a 1/2 bottle of water with some chocolate protein powder any day...

So, off the top of my head, these are the best foods that I get to eat almost all the way up to show day - now see, it's not that hard! :)

Try some of them this week, and if you have any others to suggest, I am ready, serve it up!