So let me first start off by putting a disclaimer out here that my food plan was created by my awesome trainer Chris Presley (801.654.2566 and he absolutely does online consulting so you don't have to live in the Salt Lake area to work with him!) specifically for me and what my body's needs are. Not everyone will have success following a similar plan, and more importantly, Chris and I change my plan pretty much every week. I'm sure you all know this, but I did want to make sure I spelled that out. :)

That being said, my current meal plan looks a little something like this...

Meal 1 (eat within 30 minutes of waking): Protein Shake and 1 tbsp natural peanut butter Meal 2: Apple, 1 cup cottage cheese Meal 3: Protein shake, 1 cup green beans, 2 rice cakes Meal 4: 1 cup lettuce, 3 oz. tuna, flat out wrap Meal 5: Rice cake with 1 tbsp peanut butter Meal 6: 1 cup broccoli, 4 oz. sweet potato, 3/4 cup egg whites Meal 7 (about 1 hour before bed): 1 tbsp peanut butter

I am also consuming at least 1 - 1 1/2 gallons of water per day, as well as taking a multivitamin, fish oil supplements, glucosamine/chondroitin, and a slow-release iron tablet.

I hope this helps you guys! If you have any specific questions for me, please feel free to email at [email protected]!

Fittest wishes,

I’m only 8 weeks into my new lifestyle, and already I couldn’t be happier. Of course, there are some growing pains here and there (primarily just getting over the fact that I can’t eat whatever garbage food I want and stay skinny), but overall this new way of eating and working out is awesome.

8 weeks ago, I started my journey. 5’6” tall, just shy of 160 pounds, I had known for awhile that I was carrying too much weight for my body. For the last two years, I have wanted to go for the challenge of training for and competing in a bodybuilding show – ever since I picked up an issue of Fitness RX for Women magazine at the airport on my way to see Brody when I moved with him to Georgia two and a half years ago. This has been a dream I’ve held on to, knowing in my heart I wouldn’t be satisfied until I went for it.

October 2012 came, and I went to see my friend Lauren compete in her first figure show. At the competition was a high school friend of Brody’s, my now trainer, Chris. He had trained multiple people for this show, and had (not to mention) won the overall award in the March competition just a few months earlier. After that day, I forced Brody to contact Chris and see if he was taking on new clients. The best news ever – he was.

A few more weeks went by, and I contacted him for us to set up a time to get together and chat about what my goals were, what I wanted to accomplish, my timeline, etc. At that point I had it in my head that I wanted to train for the October 2013 show. But after 6 weeks of working with Chris, I knew I could do something sooner. I didn’t want to wait! I don’t want to wait! So after looking at the schedule, I realized that to give myself the best chance possible, I could train for the June show starting at the end of February – that would give me 16 weeks. It will be tough, I won’t lie, and probably a lot tougher for me than most other competitors, but if there’s anything I’m certain of, it’s that I am HELL BENT on kicking ass at this show. And I believe I have done exactly what I should’ve to get on the right path for this – I’m modeling the best (my coach – I mean, he won the overall for crying out loud!), I’ve got the right mindset, and dammit, I want to WIN! It’s not just about wanting to compete and look good for the show, it is about wanting to go in there and take 1st. You know who doesn’t rest? 1st place. You know who knows exactly the right amount of time to take between exercises? 1st place. You know who wants it worse than anyone else? 1ST PLACE.

So alas, you’ve found me at 8 weeks into my journey. I’m down 16 pounds and kicking butt! (Though my glutes need a lot of work) I am so excited about the changes I’ve made to my body but more importantly, to my lifestyle. I’m no longer waiting until I’m starving to eat, and then gorging myself on unhealthy food like I used to. I’m eating every 2-3 hours, I’m eating healthy and clean food, and I feel better than I ever have. And I even enjoy a weekly treat meal too – no stipulations, just 500 calories and I can have whatever I want. I’m quite partial to the Rubio’s mango habanero mahi mahi blackened fish tacos with rice & chips, followed by a few bites of Red Mango frozen yogurt. Yum.

I am so excited to share my journey with you, and I hope you will enjoy what I have to share. I’m planning to do features on “My Journey” (bet you can guess what that one’s about), “Food & Recipes” (eating clean can be delicious too!), “Working Out” (this will be EVERYTHING workout-related, from clothing to exercises to do’s and don’ts at the gym), and “Fashion Stuff” (because even though I like to workout and lift heavy things, a girl wants to look feminine and pretty too!). If there’s ever anything you want me to post, please let me know. Suggestions are ALWAYS welcome!

Fittest wishes,