What I've learned is this - you don't have to be training for a fitness competition to eat right, plain and simple, you just have to DO IT! With me, it's easier for me to go "all in" if I have something to work for, but what I've learned is that, I shouldn't need a competition to get me in top shape! Every day for me is a struggle with food. I LOVE it! Who doesn't? My husband and I entertain every week, we love wine, we love food, it's tough! When I diet for a competition there are so many things I "can't" eat that it makes me want them even more when the competition is over, which leads to over eating in the off season. What I'm learning is that allowing myself treats is okay and it's normal!
It's all a head game. When I diet for a show, I have a trainer and a diet coach. So after I'm done with the show, I feel like I can't do it on my own, even though I know how to eat. It takes away your confidence and you feel like you can't do it unless you have someone to hold you accountable - well, that's how I felt. So I finally realized, I do know how to eat, I've been doing it my whole life without any problem, so why is it so difficult now? Because I've convinced myself that without the help of someone else, I can't do it on my own. But I know I can. It's a head game.
We all know diet is 80% if not more of how you look - haven't you heard that saying "Abs are made in the kitchen"? It's true. So, what do you eat? We are all so different, there is no magic answer, you have to try different things and see what works best for YOU. How do you feel on certain foods. I know I feel my very best when I eat clean, no additives, no fake sugars, no starchy carbs, etc... I don't even eat fruit when I'm dieting for a competition, not to say that is what everyone should do, but that seems to work for me. I don't eat dairy, at all. I also eat 5 - 6 times a day. I feel my best when I am on a competition diet because I have structure. I know what I am suppose to eat and it makes me feel GREAT. It doesn't feel like a diet to me. I get in a zone and I actually look forward to it. I love the way I feel, I love the way my body responds. Each time I do it, I feel like within a week my body says "Oh yeah, this again, okay, here we go" and I feel like it actually gets easier. Not easier in terms of watching everyone else eat cupcakes and drink wine while I sip my water and eat my fish, but easier in terms of I know what to do and it's time to get it done.
Is a competition look easy, no, it's hard work, hard work. Hard training, and serious structure and dedication, I love it. I love having a goal, I love having structure but the body that comes along with it at the end is not how I look all the time. It's not realistic. Sure I'd LOVE to look like that 365 days a year but it comes with a price, one I'm not willing to sacrifice. I'd rather enjoy life and be healthy than be so strict all the time that I can't be social and treat myself once or twice a week.
Everyone is always looking for a magic pill, an easy way out. I got news for you, there ISN'T one. To look like this you have to put in the hard work and the sacrifice, there is no easy way to do it. Not what you want to hear, I know but it's the truth. So the question is, how can you look your best? Not like a bikini competitor but your best for you, for the body you were born with? All you need to do is work for it. Here are some ways you can help overcome some obstacles:
1) Don't keep trigger foods in the house
2) Don't shop when you are hungry
3) PREPARE your meals ahead of time
4) Drink at least 1 gallon of water a day
5) Cut out the crap foods - if you can't read the ingredients, it's not good for you
6) Eat as close to the earth as possible - organic veggies, grains, fruits, grass fed beef, hormone free chicken, eggs, wild fish...
7) STOP MAKING EXCUSES & DO IT!
8) Make a list of what you like to eat and experiment with healthy ways to prepare
I love beef stew, so I make a healthy one in my crock pot, it's easy and delicious. I also love gazpacho so I made up my own recipe, I served it at my birthday party and people are still calling me for the recipe! I have found ways to make my boring contest diet, fun and enjoyable. If you are really serious about losing weight, it all starts with the right state of mind - make a decision to do it and the rest will be a piece of cake ;-)
to blend, but not puree - just a chunky consistency. Serve cold.