Something Else to Keep Me Occupied??

Over the years, many people have asked me for nutrition/diet advice, training suggestions, weight loss help, etc.  I usually do what I can to help!!  This week though, for some reason, I've had 3 different people approach me to help them reach their various fitness goals. One friend of mine wants me to work with her daughter to get her in good condition for volleyball and help with her vertical jump.  Another lady wants me to help her out with "toning up" her body. In case you don't know how I feel about the term, "toning up," I HATE IT!!!  I feel like you either want to change your body composition, change the size/shape of your muscles OR you just want to be "skinny fat."  There's a t-shirt I like that reads,"Girls Tone, Women TRAIN."  Anyway, I will help her reach her goals, and we'll work on the terminology later:)  Another friend wrote to me today, wanting me to help her with a meal plan because she wants to compete in a show in about a year!  Of course, I am not a nutritionist or a personal trainer, BUT it's nice to know they believe in me and have confidence that I can help get them where they want to be!  After all,  I KNOW for a fact that I can do better than most of the "qualified" "trainers" I see working with people everyday.  At the very least, I know how to train safely and effectively.  I am excited to do what I can to help all of these ladies!!  

NPC Western Regional

Last night was the 2010 NPC Western Regional, which was a particularly special show for my hubby and I to attend because it is where we first met 4 years ago!!!!   I haven't gone with him to shows in quite a while because of my own self-consciousness due to my weight/appearance.  However, since I've been able to lose 29 lbs, I was really excited to go!  I even wore a pair of capris that I couldn't button less than a month ago....now they're too big!!  YEAH!!
Anyway, it felt very different being there.  I guess maybe it's just the next generation of competitors; I donno.  Usually, everybody knows everybody. Everyone hangs out in the lobby chit-chatting and having a ball!  This time, I felt kind of like an outsider looking in.  Of course, we did get to see some old friends and other familiar faces, which was nice, but it just seems like it has really changed.  Now, there are less and less bodybuilder and fitness type people running around and more and more bikini competitors.  It's sad to me to see where this sport is headed.  There was only 1 fitness competitor at this show:(   Fitness began falling due to the rise in Figure competitors. Now, they've added the Bikini division, which is totally ridiculous, IMO.  Withing the next 2 years, they will be doing away with Female Bodybuilding and adding Women's Physique(with no pro cards given). They will also be adding the Men's Physique division.  I feel like our sport is fading away.
OK, on a happier note....my old trainer, Mike Haller, competed in the Super Heavies, won his class AND took the Overall!!  I am so proud of him, and he looked totally awesome and did an awesome routine with great posing, music, and was very entertaining!!  Congrats, Mike!!  I have another friend whose son competed, and he also did a fabulous job! Gil got 3rd place in his class!!!  His routine was great!!! He was one of the few who you could tell he actually practiced his routine and posing! I know his dad is a proud papa!!!
I had several people ask me when I'm going to compete again.  Due to my knees and other health issues, I doubt I will ever be up on that stage again, BUT I sure do miss it! Fitness competition is in my blood!! I don't think the desire will ever go away.  So, never say never, right??!!
We also got to see our friends, Scott and Diana, Elise, Brittany, Joy, Chris and a few others.  It was great seeing everyone!  I'm excited to show up at the next show in tip-top shape(only spectating, not competing!)...like my old self again!!
For now, peace y'all!!

To Eat or Not To Eat; THAT is The Quetsion

Many people have been asking me what I am eating or not eating to lose weight. So, i want to share with everyone what I'm doing...and not doing!
First of all, let me remind you that I am NOT a doctor.  I am NOT a dietician either. I am doing what my doctor wants me to do for the time being. Some may have different dietary needs. I am also very "body aware," meaning that I know my body very well. I know how my body reacts/responds to different foods. I also try and listen to my body. 
I would like to mention as well, that on this "diet" I am usually not hungry, and I have not really been craving anything.  I do treat myself to a cheat MEAL(not to be confused with a cheat DAY) one night a week.  Lately, my choice of cheat food is sushi and sometimes some frozen yogurt, but it totally satisfies me! 
NOW, for the part you've been wanting to know.  I have 2 detox/protein shakes and 2-3 meals per day.  The protein and detox shakes I use are from a company called Xymogen, which a doctor has to order.  I also take the Xymogem mitochondria supplements. They have a neat kit you can get that has all the pills you need in a little convenient packet.  My meals consist of an "ideal protein" and an "ideal vegetable," which are listed in the attachments.  I also allow myself a little bit of fruit when I want it.
I also have to take my thyroid and adrenal medications along with several other supplements: Glucobalance(basically a multi-vitamin that also helps to keep blood sugars level), calcium d glucarate, vitamin d3,  adrenal support, and a weekly very small dose of B12 and testosterone...which is administered by my doctor.  He also does blood work regularly to track progress and levels of EVERYTHING.  
Let's not forget about exercise!! I believe a healthy weight loss requires good nutrition and exercise.  I would say it's 80%diet and 20% exercise, but you still need both!  I am in the gym 5-6 days/week.  I do 45-60 min of cardio (moderate intensity), ab/core work a few times per week, legs once per week, and stretching at least 4 times per week. For obvious reasons, I don't train back, chest, shoulders, or arms...but YOU should incorporate all body parts/muscle groups!  Last but not least, REST!!  Rest is very important!!!  I usually get at least 7 hours of sleep at night, sometimes more. 

I'm attaching the what to eat and what not eat sheets.  These are a basic guideline.  I wish you all the best and lots of success!!!

Weight Loss Update

Well, I've been at this since mid Aug.  It's now Nov.2, 2010, and I am down 27lbs.  A few weeks ago, I had an amazing week that I somehow lost like 4 or 5 lbs. Since then, I've been struggling.  I'm only dropping a pound or so per week. Still, I guess 27lbs isn't bad, considering all the other factors that I'm fighting against.  I am still very fatigued.  I thought the thyroid meds were supposed to help with that!  Also, I'm taking more adrenal support and cortisol(my levels were very very low.)  That doesn't seem to be helping either.  The only thing I can figure is that because my doctor lowered my testosterone dose, now down to 8mg(.04cc)/week....it's effecting my energy levels. When he gets back from his honeymoon in Bora Bora, I need to discuss this with him again.  All of this is so frustrating!!  I was feeling very good...back to my old self, and now I'm always exhausted again. 
Anyway, I wanted to update you on my weight loss/transformation progress.   I shall return in a week or so with another update!!
Wait!!!!  I have a few friends who are also fighting hypothyroidism and are keeping up with my blog.  I know they are just as frustrated as I am.  We have to stick together, ladies and encourage each other!!!  Rochelle, I see you plugging away in the gym every day. Jeanne, I see you there from time to time(she's always there too, we just go at different times.)  I just want to say.."GOOD JOB, GIRLS!! You're doing awesome!  Together, we will be victorious!!!" Keep up with the hard work and determination.  We cannot let this beat us!!!