Many many changes :)

So this fall has been full of changes. First the competition, a new "real" job, and I am graduating from college (finally). I would have to say the niggest change was the competition bc it created lasting changes. Anyway, I am doig great with my meal plans (back on track and right on par) but trying to find a workout routine with the new work schedule. I hit every muscle group this week by splitting but I just don'tfeel good. I am used to being in the gym almost everyday and half the time feels weird. I will figure it out. SO I came up with a great breakfast dish. A healthy version of th breakfast casserole. I will post it a little later. I have soo man errands to run today and I am still finishing out my shiftsat the restaurant so full time work and full time school and full time chef is a lot :) take care.

New training schedule

My Husband decided that I am seeing better results from the track workouts so no more long tiresome runs. Instead I get to do 2 days of 30 min runs (a breeze compared to prep) and I get to do 2 track workouts. The latter I was not thrilled about because track workouts are hard and grueling but I have to agree with him, my legs are building and tightening with the track workouts. So my dog and I went to the track this morning and sprinted. She did so great I went to go buy her as treat and oops locked her and my keys in the car. Luckily a man at subway (next door) got my car open. Sorry :/ Hopefully the day will go a little more smooth. On the bright side, my eating is better and so is my bloat. I am sure the eating helps but I also read that it takes about 2 weeks for it to start to disappear. Whatever the case...good riddens bloat and hello muscles :) Have a fabulous Friday!

yumminess

I tested the baked pumkin pie oatmeal recipe and my husband loved it. I am not a giant fan but I do have some darn good advice on waffels:

whole grain low fat eggo brand
My husband loves to add peanut butter as a topping which is great for someone trying to put on weight but for figure girls its a really bad idea. Now I love peanut butter, but until I get my pb2 I have to watch my intake. Instead of topping it with the peanut butter try greek yogurt with vanilla protein and 1 TBsp peanut butter. I had about a cup left so I added 1 scoop of vanilla protein, and 1 tbsp of pb to 1 c. of yogurt. I just used a bit of that (prob 1/4) and my sugar free syrup. To die for! new fave :) much better than peanut butter. It was like a cream cheese bagel :)

The calories came out to an even 300! I am trying to maintain 3-350 calories about 6 times a day.

Doing better today

I struggled with staying clean yesterday. I know I am not prepping for contest but I really wanted to stay strict on a diet (not crazy like prep but really clean) so that I could really build on what I gained and not have a harder prep. My diet has not been great, ok not even good. I have had a cheat meal/treat about everyday but today. It hasn't even been 2 weeks since the show so I know I need to go easy on myself but the faster I can switch my mind frame the better off I will be. I was really trying this week but when it hits afternoon I get cravings pretty bad. After a few days of failed attempts, I got mad. I don't like to fail. I don't even like to admit that I can't do something. So I got mad and I am doing it. There is fire I needed! I already feel better. I have decided against heavy carbs (no bread or pasta) because it just makes me retain water too much. I am going back to my 4 week out meal plan. I researched a lot the last few days and I should have just had one meal Saturday night then implemented my 4 week plan while slowly bringing back some carbs. Post competition is just as important as pre! I was told this but I had no clue how hard it really could be. So have a plan and stick to it. Tell a friend and hold yourself accountable...your body will thank you.

On a lighter note, I just ordered the most talked about peanut butter:

PB2...it's 45 calories, 1.5 g fat, 5g carbs, and 6g protein! The best stuff in the world if you love peanut butter. I love it so much that I cheated in contest prep and ate a rather large amount. My trainer (my husband) discovered the half eaten jar (it was small I swear) and freaked out. So with PB2 I can have my cake and eat it too :) I can't believe I just confessed that story to everyone! By the way, they have a chocolate peanut butter too. I am off to my new clean meal plan...Enjoy your evening everyone!

new products

PB2 I have heard about alot, protein freeze (protein ice cream) and arctic freeze (low cal), I also love torrani sugar free syrup, and capella drops. I am searching the web and blogs for clean products in the off season. I want to make note so I don't forget and so that I can tell my husband about the great finds. Ya'll enjoy them too! Have a great day everyone!

cooking

a few of my favorite places to get recipes are Bethenny Frankel's website, Tosca's Clean eating (cookbook, magazine, or even the website where people post their favorite recipes), and a new one that is great is on facebook: Recipes for figure and bodybuilding gals. Between these three sites I am loaded with healthy food choices. That is my problem right now. Choices. :) Enjoy the sites and experiment with the recipes. The majority of them are fabulous! Eat up!

Off to work I go....

Today I made a cinnamon raisin pumpkin protein bread...thats a long name :) It turned out pretty good. I will post the recipe later. I have decided to keep a food journal. I really want to hold myself accountable for the choices I make in off season. I think the best way to do that is to put it on paper and review at the end of the week. As much as I love to cook and workout, I have to get to studying because it is my last semester. I will also be graduating in December. This fall is crammed with events. So much to work on. SO with that said I must get to studying because like everything else in life it all came at the same time. Tests, projects, and papers the week before and the week after my show. When it rains it pours. Oh well at least it will all be done and then I can truly focus more on my hobby and passion. Take care friends and make sure you choose your food wisely :)