Trim The Fat

You will not find bacon (not even turkey bacon) on my plate; however, you can bust me eating leaner cuts of pork like tenderloin, center cut pork loin or boneless chops.

Sometimes I get sick and tired of eating chicken, but I still need a lean source of protein. Since I don’t eat beef, a lean cut of pork does the trick. Tonight I cooked center cut boneless pork loin for me not the family. I am not being selfish, they want something different.

Yesterday I cooked them baked ziti (whole grain pasta) with ground turkey, fresh green beans, and baked barbecue wings.  I actually feel guilty cooking this food, but they don’t care to eat off my menu. I get it.

I will compete again in 2015 and need more size and definition. It starts with my diet.

Taking the smallest steps in the kitchen, can net the greatest gains in your long-term fitness goals. Don’t cheat yourself, trim the fat. Ya hear me!  Trim it!

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As a teen helping mom in the kitchen, I learned that the fat has the flavor.  Don’t trim it off!  Please, don’t believe the hype… you can add flavor (using fresh spices) without the fat.IMG_3327.JPG

IMG_3328.JPGThe finished product was delicious!  Ingredients:  fresh garlic cloves (handful), fresh black pepper, cayenne pepper, McCormick’s Grill Mates, bourbon & brown sugar (closer to competition, I will cut this from my diet due to sugar & sodium content), olive oil, red wine vinaigrette (I will eliminate this too).

I broiled the chops 15 minutes on low on one side, then flipped over on high for about 15 min.  I like my meat well done… no pink!

On to my 100HappyDaysChallenge…

OUTLETI saw these outlets on TV and told hubby about them. He surprised me and installed one in the kitchen. Love them!  Now we can charge our devices and still have room for other electronics in the kitchen.  Their pricy, so we’ll slowly replace other outlets. #100HappyDaysChallenge4Lexa #100HappyDaysChallenge #Day48

BAKED ZITIBaked ziti for my peeps.  They are so damn happy to eat something other than brown rice and sweet potatoes. They’re happy to have pasta.  I am happy because they are happy and I taste tested it (about 4 noodles), it was delicious but I ate brown rice instead.  It’s called discipline and I have it!  🙂   #100HappyDaysChallenge #100HappyDays4Lexa #Day49

Sweet dreams!!  🙂

 

 


Approaching The Finish-line

 

“You hit home runs not by chance, but by preparation.”

– Roger Maris
Major league outfielder

Four days remain and I am going strong!!

My meals for today?  Same as yesterday.

Lol! It’s a mental thing right now.

I LOVE chicken! The kale and collard blend really is a treat. 😜

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Yesterday after work, I practiced posing, did a little total body (except for legs), and 30 minutes of constant cardio.  Today is pretty much a repeat of yesterday.  By the way, I dropped one (1) pound.

Have an awesome day!



“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”
-Patanjali

 

May 17th is rapidly creeping up on me. Six months ago, the date of the competition seemed like years away.  But today signifies that only three weeks remain until show time.

The week’s highlight was seeing the first version of my competition suit. It arrived by mail on Wednesday. I ripped the envelope open as if it were a special delivery from Oprah!

Like a kid, I was giddy and eager.  My seamstress lives over 2 ½ hours away in another state. We haven’t met in person, but thanks to technology we’ve had in-depth conversation about my suit. Her eye for quality fabric and intricate details is impeccable. I’ve seen her work firsthand and know that I put my trust into the right person.

This pic does the suit no justice as it is, but the quality of the fabric and the details of the stitching is amazing.  I cannot wait to see the completed suit!
This pic does the suit no justice as it is, but the quality of the fabric and the details of the stitching is amazing. I cannot wait to see the completed suit!

Thursday I tried on the suit. Eye popping!! Though I wasn’t quite ready for what I saw. Yikes! Cheeks and crack! Umm… baby’s got back and need more fabric in the rear.  I can’t bring myself to post those pictures.

All the nuances of figure competing are completely surprising to me.  As a little girl, I didn’t compete in pageants, cheer leading, or any of the girly stuff. I played football, wrestled, and fist fought my boy cousins—none of which required me to be on a stage. The tricks of looking good on stage is remarkable.

It turns out; my suit was too big and needed a few adjustments. I am still getting use to the idea of walking on stage wearing a skimpy two piece suit. But I am ready! Lol!

Friday I mailed the suit back to my seamstress for final alterations. Final alterations include the addition of a multitude of crystals and other delicate changes that will make me feel very special when I hit the stage.

I had to take a week off from the 30 minutes of daily cardio training because my weight loss was occurring too fast. Look at the numbers:

♥ March 31st – 147 lb.

♥ April 7th – 145.2 lb.

♥ April 14th – 142.9 lb.

♥ April 21st – 140.2 lbs.

At this rate of weight loss, I would have well surpassed my competition weight goal. Years of fitness training and daddy’s genetics have kept me relatively lean, so with minimal intensity, I can quickly drop weight.

This week, my training was limited to weight training. I missed the cardio, but remain focused on the goal.

Counting and winding down is more about increased intensity and momentum. This is a source of inspiration for me. Patanajali’s quote epitomizes the core essence of my project (fitness challenge).   It has been greater than a physical transformation.  My approach to fitness will never be the same.

My passion for running has shifted and my desire to lift weights has expanded. Wow! I never thought I’d utter such words. Post competition, I face determining how to balance my love for CrossFit and my urge and the need to throw up weights at the gym.

No, I am not going to stop running all together, but I doubt that I’ll ever return to running 40-60 miles a week that I typically do during the summer.  My body looks and feels better now than it did before the weight training regimen.  Amazing!

48 feels really good!  

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

A Sneak Peek


Challenging False Limitations

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”
John F. Kennedy

Friday’s WOD

Row 1000 m

21 – 15 – 9 – 21

Wall Ball (20/14)

Pull ups

KBS (Kettle Bell Swings)  ( L1-53/35, L2-35/25, L3-25/20)

100 Abmat wallball situps (20/14)

A week has passed since my last CrossFit class. I feel like the longer I am away from CF, the harder (or longer) it takes me to complete the WOD. This feels odd because it’s not like I am not working out.  I am in the gym (not the box) lifting at least three days per week and I try to get in at least one CF class.  As competition day grows closer, I will have to step away from CF, but I will return immediately after, just as I will with my distance running.

Laying off the cardio is having a surprisingly negative affect on my cardio performance.   My strength is surging so I am lifting heavier weight, but rowing the 1000 meters got me a little more winded than usual.  I didn’t like the winded feeling (so soon) and I am certainly not use to it. I want my cardio back!!!  Lol!!

While I am disappointed with the feeling of my loss of endurance, I am very much focused on Project FitCom14.  Weight lifting has never been my “thing,” but I love the changes I see in my body.  My friend/coach who is helping me prepare for the competition is tough and disciplined.  She is no no joke and continues to push me pass, what I (falsely) believe to be my limit!  Each week that pass, I learn a little more about myself. This is awesome!

Limitations?  What are they?  We falsely set them for ourselves-then we become underachievers.

On post work out day, If my muscles are not sore in the right place, it’s on and poppin with a new set of exercises when we return to that body part.  ‘m almost afraid to tell her when I’m not sore.  She goes into “bitch mode” the next session.  Lol!  Of course, I always tell her the truth.

“When you cheat, you only cheat yourself!”

Left: October 2013 Right:  January 2014

Left: October 2013  – Right: January 2014    Progress!

Have a fabulous weekend!   Much love to you all!