I had an identification disaster on the age of 46 when my youngsters began transferring out. At the identical time, I bought a enterprise that I grew from scratch (and actually beloved with all my coronary heart!) So, feeling like I misplaced my identification as a mother and a enterprise proprietor, I used to be in a severe funk.
To get out of the funk, I made a decision I wanted a “reinvention!” I wished to do attention-grabbing issues with my life and attain targets that felt loopy and out of attain. I began pondering every day in regards to the quote: Live the Story You Want to Tell”. Which is why, after 45 years of scuffling with my weight, I made a decision to enroll in a bikini competitors and see if I had what it might take to get the physique I all the time imagined was underneath my layers of fats.
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Here’s a recap of my prior health competitions
Which brings me to 2024! After deciding I’ll NEVER do one other competitors, in August of 2024, I signed up for an additional one. To be 100% sincere, I didn’t wish to do it once more, as a result of I used to be a bit embarrassed once I stood subsequent to some critically match ladies. I might get discouraged and resolve I didn’t actually have what it takes to be aggressive. But, I additionally wasn’t actually keen to place within the work that it takes to be aggressive both. I loved my “casual” preps, and though I wasn’t as sturdy as among the different ladies, I knew they labored tougher for it than I did.
But on the identical time, I stored pondering, “maybe this time it’ll be different! Maybe this time, I’ll lift heavier and eat even more protein than before. Maybe this time, I’ll blow the competition away with my physique.”. haha . By default, I’m the last word optimist.
So, with my husbands encouragement, round August ninth of 2024, I formally dedicated to get undergo prepping for an additional bikini present. I deliberate for it to be an 18 week prep and located the final competitors of the 12 months, in San Diego, California.
But, after 2 weeks of too many days of claiming “I have plenty of time to lose the weight. I’ll just start tomorrow!”, I used to be really farther from my aim! So, abruptly, it grew to become a 16 week prep!
I’ve many individuals accusing me of “always being on a diet”, and by no means consuming ample energy to realize muscle, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. Maybe they imagine that as a result of I speak about weight-reduction plan once I’m weight-reduction plan, and the remainder of the 12 months, once I’m overeating, I’m fairly quiet about it. But, I gained 23 lbs, for the reason that final health competitors of 2023, and for five’0, it’s evident I wasn’t undereating.
Over the subsequent 16 weeks, I dedicated 100%. I not often felt like I used to be weight-reduction plan, as a result of I’m REALLY good at consuming a excessive quantity of meals for the energy I eat. I additionally, fairly persistently was consuming 1500 energy and dropping pounds. Which is proof to me that I used to be most likely consuming 2000-2500 energy per day whereas I wasn’t monitoring.
Doing the competitors my means!
I made a decision this time round, that if I used to be going to do one other prep, I used to be going to do it MY means. This means,
- I’d nonetheless run for cardio (and psychological well being) as a lot as I wished to run (and never fear about shedding muscle). Here’s my article on why I run, and it’s not for weight reduction!
- I didn’t wish to take any progress photos or check-in with anybody. I HATE getting right into a bikini and taking selfies!
- I didn’t wish to rent a coach, as a result of even once I do, I kind of do my very own factor. I’m the worst consumer a coach may have. I additionally didn’t wish to spend cash on a coach for a sport I contemplate a passion. Bikini prep coaches are $300/month for the least costly ones, as much as $750/month for extra well-known coaches. It’s fairly ridiculous when you ask me.
- I wasn’t going to “practice posing”. I dread the posing, and it exhibits once I’m on stage! I’d moderately simply get on stage and pose in a means that made ME comfy! Not following the principles.
- I didn’t wish to fear about getting sufficient protein. I might prioritize energy, and let the macro’s type itself out. By default, I usually ate greater than 100gm of protein per day, as a result of my meals are fairly constant, however I additionally didn’t wish to be neurotic about it.
- And lastly, I wasn’t going to emphasize! If I wasn’t prepared in time, nobody even needed to know that I did it! I used to be simply going to do it as a passion and never as a result of I wished to win.
Even with my “laid back attitude”, About 2 weeks earlier than the present, I began to get nervous. I used to be having lots of self doubt, and I didn’t suppose I used to be going to be prepared in time. Despite telling myself it didn’t matter, everyone knows it did. I used to be simply anxious to get it over with. I additionally was pissed off as a result of the dimensions would cease transferring for a month at a time, twice!!
I actually nearly backed out. My husband even gave me an “out”, saying, we may nonetheless fly to California, and simply take pleasure in a pleasant trip weekend and I didn’t should do the present in any respect. I ALMOST stated sure. In truth, I allowed myself the flexibility to again out till the minute I needed to go on stage. But, I knew I’d remorse it if I didn’t a minimum of get on stage. After 16 weeks of weight-reduction plan (and thru the vacations even), I figured I needed to observe by means of.
And what occurred, I DID WELL, for me! I positioned 2nd out of 8 ladies! I completely was shocked. I used to be so thrilled by my putting, that I really WANT to return and do it once more.
So, right here’s what I realized within the final 16 weeks, shedding 23lbs:
The reality is, I like prepping for a health present greater than I just like the competitors itself. I like having a aim. I like having “No excuses” to stay to my energy. I’m the queen of justifying consuming something and the whole lot and it’s a slippery slope, that may actually get out of hand.
But, through the weight loss plan, I someway have the capability to stay to it! I don’t know what modifications in me to be so devoted, as a result of it actually doesn’t present itself at some other time.
During the 16 weeks, there have been many instances the place you’ll suppose it might be tough. We even had a mini trip to Arizona the place we ate out all three meals a day. Every Sunday I make an enormous dinner and dessert for our children, associates, cousins, and neighbors. And there have been SEVERAL Christmas events with a desk unfold with all types of vacation treats. But I nonetheless caught to the energy on my plan. The nice half is, there have been no put up occasion regrets the place I want I might have tried a brand new meals, and I’ve by no means felt mentally and bodily higher by means of any vacation season that I can recall.
I additionally like going to the health club to raise whereas I’m preparing for the health competitors. I like feeling like there’s a goal to lifting (past growing old gracefully).
And bizarre because it sounds, I like telling folks I’m doing it! If something, it a minimum of offers folks one thing to speak about behind my again. Haha! (however critically examine bikini present #4 as a result of I speak extra in regards to the causes I prefer it, together with studying a lot about myself and the methods I take advantage of meals to deal with on a regular basis life. And whereas I take pleasure in utilizing meals to chill out as a lot as the subsequent particular person, It’s a slippery slope for folks like me that discover it SO simple to realize weight once I’m not being vigilant.
Here’s what I realized (or extra precisely, relearned) the final 16 weeks.
1) One crumb does matter
When I’m not attempting to weight loss plan, I inform myself, this one crumb isn’t going to matter. This one lick of batter received’t make a distinction. This one handful of cereal is not any huge deal. And what. It’s solely half the reality. That one little chunk may not be sufficient energy to throw me out of fats loss, however the perspective of justifying consuming untracked meals spirals me into a number of HUNDRED energy over my goal, most days of the week.
So, now I’ve to say, 1 crumb DOES matter. EVERY CRUMB MATTERS when you’re attempting to see progress! Plus, how can I assess my progress precisely if I stored dishonest alone plan?
2) Momentum is the whole lot!
One factor I’ve realized again and again is momentum is HUGE. In each instructions. The extra momentum I get in the direction of progress, the simpler it’s to remain on observe. The extra momentum I get in the direction of being sloppy and careless, the additional I’m from my targets.
The first few days may be tough when you don’t see progress instantly. But as soon as I see the dimensions budge, it snowballs into me being extra cautious with my energy.
3) I take advantage of meals as a distraction
I can’t imagine how far more focus and vitality I’ve once I don’t use meals to procrastinate, delay, consolation, or soothe! It’s so obvious to me how a lot I take advantage of meals as a distraction from LIFE. This is rarely so evident to me as once I’m on this weight loss plan and might really feel so strongly the tug to go to the pantry to keep away from work. It’s VERY uncomfortable to disregard!
Every morning once I sit right down to get some work finished, and I don’t wish to get began, I wander to the kitchen to postpone it only a few extra minutes! It’s actually a crutch for me, and never gas. When I’m pressured to work and never graze on meals, I may be so productive!
4) Eating all my energy by 10am is rarely a good suggestion
haha.. do I even want to clarify! It’s associated to #3. Being an entrepreneur is tough within the sense that when issues get difficult, I begin consuming, moderately than tackling a brand new challenge. And I’ve been recognized on many events to maintain consuming till I’m over 1200 energy. It’s not exhausting to do. Trust me.
5) Getting my exercise finished within the morning is the one means it will get finished
I want I used to be the type of one that may exercise within the afternoon, simply to interrupt up my day and likewise to go to the health club to raise after I’ve had a couple of meals. But, as soon as I bathe for the day, and get busy with life, I NEVER wish to train pause my day for a exercise.
Some days, I’ll lower my exercise brief as a result of I’m busy and must get house, or bored by my very own exercise. And I inform myself, “I’ll just come back this afternoon for legs!”… however then I NEVER do. In truth, I Never have lifted within the afternoon. Haha.
I’ll nonetheless go on a stroll or a curler blade experience within the evenings with my husband, and provided that it’s heat exterior. But that’s by no means a assure. No matter how bored I get, I simply want to complete my exercise within the morning.
6) Vegetables are life!
I by no means thought I could possibly be the type of person who craves veggies, however I’ve change into that particular person! When energy are low, greens not solely style nice, however they ARE nice. (recipe for my favourite dinner once I’m out of energy right here) There have been some days that I had 3+ cucumbers through the day, and whole steamer baggage of broccoli.
In truth, simply today- although I’m not on prep any extra, I’ve been consuming a full bag of steamer cauliflower/broccoli each single day. I believe it’s 3 cups value. I simply microwave the bag. Pour it onto a plate and sprinkle salt and parmesan cheese on prime! So yummy and so filling!
7) I can eat greater than 1200 energy if I’m sincere with myself.
When I believe I’m consuming 1200 energy and “can’t lose weight”, it’s often as a result of it’s not an sincere 1200 energy. The reality is admittedly, that if I observe all of it (*together with condiments, dietary supplements, drinks, lifesavers, and so forth.) I can really eat 1500 energy and nonetheless shed pounds. I problem anyone that believes they will’t shed pounds regardless of consuming 1200 energy, to REALLY assess their weighing and measuring of meals. I believe you’ll discover, when correctly tracked, you’ll be able to shed pounds on extra energy than you as soon as thought.
8) High protein, excessive fiber may be very satiating
Maybe it’s affirmation bias (and I’m going to start out difficult this concept for upkeep quickly), BUT, the extra I prioritize fiber and protein, the simpler it’s to stay to a weight loss plan. This means
- veggies with my egg whites for breakfast.
- A inexperienced salad with rooster for lunch.
- A protein shake with berries within the afternoon, and
- a protein and veggies for dinner.
If I resolve so as to add toast, cereal, rice, and different zero fiber carbs. it “feels” like I simply wish to preserve consuming.
9) Most ladies over 50 have saggy pores and skin similar to me
I’ve talked about this many instances within the different bikini prep posts, however I’m VERY insecure in regards to the saggy pores and skin on my legs. It’s one of many causes I don’t share the bikini again pose with you all on this weblog. But, for many who don’t imagine me, I’m burying this link deep inside this text for many who wish to see. Anyway, it’s what it’s, and my pores and skin has misplaced it’s elasticity at 51 years previous. But, I did discover consolation in being within the over 50 age group on the bikini present as a result of I wasn’t the one one scuffling with this! The women within the 50+ are superb, supportive, and all scuffling with the identical issues I’m scuffling with. What a fantastic neighborhood it’s!
10) Diet soda causes bloating
Cutting out weight loss plan soda, even only for a day can shrink my waist by a number of inches. I’m NOT exaggerating (see photos right here!) I don’t thoughts feeling slightly “full”, however I positively needed to lower out the soda the week of the present, so I may deliver my waist in as tight as attainable.
I ought to have lower it out months forward, as a result of it’s exhausting to “work abs”, once I can’t even maintain my ab muscular tissues tight. Maybe subsequent time!
11) The extra I stayed out of the kitchen, the simpler it was to remain on observe.
Hanging out within the kitchen, which I like to do, can be the recipe for catastrophe. Whether I’m killing time, or socializing, snacking or grazing on something within the kitchen turns into unconscious. It’s even worse once I’m cooking! It’s not even about tasting the dishes I’m making ready. I’ll actually seize a slice of bread and simply eat it WHILE I’m cooking one thing else. I like my mouth to be busy, and the extra I hand around in the kitchen, the extra issues I put in my mouth.
12) Boring and repetitive meals make weight-reduction plan simpler than selection
Hyperpalatable meals, or a BUFFET of selections, makes weight-reduction plan exhausting. Just suppose to the final time you visited a buffet, or had a potluck or vacation occasion the place there’s 10+ desserts to select from. Studies present you’ll eat extra meals if offered with 10 choices, than if there have been only one selection! It’s science!
Also, choice fatigue is actual! Deciding at every meal what you are feeling like consuming, and being open to an abundance of potentialities, I discover myself grazing on all of the issues I really feel like consuming.
Instead, selecting to have my boring and repetitive eliminates the choice making, and makes my plan simple to stay to.
- Egg whites and a carb (toast, oatmeal or fruit) for breakfast.
- Green salad with rooster for lunch
- Protein deal with or shake for snack
- and a protein and veg for dinner
Ironically, there’s sufficient selection inside these staples to fulfill me. Both my 1200 calorie meal plan and 1500 calorie meal plan that I promote has a great deal of meals that match that standards!
13) I’m shocked at how rapidly I usually give into cravings.
When NOT on prep, as quickly as I’ve a thought of a meals (or a craving), I’ve been instantly give into it, with out pausing and with out pondering. I do know higher. And I imagine a number of years in the past I mastered the “pause before the action” of conscious consuming. I even wrote an entire e-book around mindful eating and taking that pause earlier than the indulgence! But, I additionally suppose with weight reduction, the habits you purchase must be recommitted to, and reintroduced again and again. And the behavior of pausing earlier than indulging (Mindful consuming) is one I must proceed to work on!
I attempt to remind myself- I’m not a toddler! Just as a result of I need a cracker RIGHT NOW, doesn’t imply I ought to eat a cracker RIGHT NOW! I can’t starve. I can all the time “eat it later“, and never give into each set off I really feel.
14) Untracked Calories may be greater than the meal.
How many instances will I eat extra energy whereas Preparing dinner, than there’s within the dinner itself!? The quantity of energy I possible eat whereas I’m cooking (*tasting, licking, snacking, and so forth.) when left untracked, ADDS UP FAST!
Chewing gum, ingesting, and generally, having a bowl of carrots to munch on whereas I prepare dinner may be very useful!
15) Faith issues
The concept that “I’ve done it before, I can do it again”, REALLY helps me to visualise the aim and persist with it. The first time I misplaced the burden, there was a lot unknown, and I had lots of again sliding, doubt, and frustration. But now that I KNOW I can lose 20 lbs in 4 months, I can belief the method, and stick to this system!
16) Question my tales
I’m going to as a substitute write a complete article about this one, as a result of it has modified my life! There are tales I’m difficult proper now (comparable to consuming cereal all the time leads me to binging on cereal) that I do imagine I inform myself after which I behave to make it true. More on that later, however some tales I’ve that I questioned the final 16 weeks, and confirmed them to not be true have been:
- If I begin consuming at 6am, I all the time overeat for the day (This doesn’t should be true!)
- If I don’t get 100 grams of protein within the day, I can’t develop muscle.
- If I begin consuming crackers, I can’t cease!
- I’m hooked on white flour. (positively not true!)
These aren’t all the time true, so why was I telling myself they have been. I would like to have the ability to eat like a traditional particular person, have a cracker, and NOT eat the entire sleeve. I do know I’m able to this!
17) Eating by the clock
And the ultimate factor I did the final 16 weeks, was I attempted consuming by the clock. Having distinct meal instances (beginnings and ends to a meal, after which NOT consuming for a minimum of 2-4 hours) is extraordinarily useful in sticking to a weight loss plan. If you’ve learn any of my articles about not snacking, this idea is the crux of all of it. (right here’s my no-snacking articles, labeled as “three meals a day“. But, it actually may be 4 meals a day!)
What’s subsequent for me!
Maintenance! I’m dedicated to studying upkeep this 12 months! I truthfully don’t know what that may appear to be, as a result of I actually don’t really feel like I’ve been profitable with upkeep but. I nonetheless haven’t returned to my early 20’s weight of 40+ lbs obese. But I do hover across the 20+lbs space, and I’d like to not acquire greater than 10 this 12 months!
I’m additionally, prepared for an additional reinvention! I’m transferring into the ‘grandma’ stage of my life (My daughter is due with my first grandbaby summer season of 2025 and I wish to be essentially the most PRESENT grandma there’s! I wish to have NEW health targets, new bucket listing gadgets, and determine what’s subsequent for me.
As far as enterprise is worried, I’ll nonetheless weblog right here. I’ve lots of low calorie recipes on my thoughts, however my husband and I purchased a merchandising machine enterprise! It’s been loopy, enjoyable, and lots of work to get it found out. But, I’m right here for it.
