STRENGTH and dignity are her clothing.

First off, let me start by saying sorry I have been MIA. Days have been filled with work, getting ready for move-in at the new house, (still) unpacking from Atlanta, and working out. Let's expand on this working out bit....

As most of you know, I was in a body transformation contest at A Taylored Body that ended on SATURDAY! Honestly, one of the best decisions EVER. I didn't think I could have had a chance at winning, but now I actually think I do! Results won't be in until April 27th, so I kind of think that prize money or even the second or third place basket would be a pretty awesome late birthday gift.

Let me just give a brief overview of what I did throughout the 12 week transformation...

Workouts:

• Lifted at A Taylored Body 2-3 times per week
• Did bootcamp at A Taylored Body 2-3 times per week
• Ran about 3 miles 3 times per week
• Hill Sprints usually 2 times per week (on the days I didn't run long)

***This would be an IDEAL week, let me tell you. Things do come up, aka the freaking FINAL FOUR, so obviously that put a damper in my plans. But I did the best I could, and honestly, I sit at work all day craving my next workout.

Diet:It's not rocket science people (I have just come to realize this because I always wanted the "quick fix") AND Eat CLEAN, which to me means shopping on the outside of the grocery store. Fruits, veggies, oats, fish, and LOTS o PROTEIN!

A normal day eating-wise looked like this for me:
• Breakfast: oatmeal with a half of a mashed banana and cinnamon OR overnight oats using this recipe. BEST THING EVER (you can also switch up the fruit!)(http://www.theyummylife.com/recipes/219/Mango+Almond+Refrigerator+Oatmeal)
• Mid-morning snack: rice cakes with natural pb OR an apple OR protein shake
• Lunch: chicken tarragon salad on an orrowheat thin (made with greek yogurt, tarragon, onion, and Costco canned chicken) OR salad with veggies
• Mid-afternoon snack: protein shake OR veggies OR rice cakes
• Dinner: salad, sauteed veggies, salmon patty or turkey burger, and ONLY using balsamic and olive oil for dressing

***This is super simple, and I did modify obviously. Yes I still had my coffee, yes I still went to Starbs, and yes I still had my fav salad at Nordys every once in a while. Just moderation I tell ya.

OKAY.....so you ready for the results?? Wasn't sure if I should post these or not, as it is a tad embarassing. But, heck, I am proud of myself and want these after pictures to be the new before pics. So here goes nothing.

 

Just to sum up the "stats", I am down 16.4 lbs, lost 6.6% body fat, and lost 11.5 inches. Not too bad eh?! And I am not done yet! I want to be my absolute BEST.

I was looking for a spiritual, physical, and mental transformation, and boy I sure got one. Let me leave you with my motivating verse for this journey.... xoxo

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25