Why I Took 2 Months off…

I started my coaching business based on the premise of creating and sustaining permanent results through healthy, clean eating and BALANCE. I have always believed (and still do) that tracking macros and calories is a recipe for disaster long-term. You can’t enjoy life if you’re constantly worried about what you’re eating. Sure, you can diet like that for a short period of time and probably will see results. BUT you will inevitably “fall off the wagon” and will likely go back to your old habits or binge eat. Those hard-earned results will diminish and you’ll be right back to square one.

Big Changes Ahead…

I made the decision to compete back in August of 2021. Prior to signing up with a coach, I had never tracked calories and only weighed myself once a year at a doctor’s appointment. I’ve always been an active person and enjoy eating healthy. I was in for a very rude awakening starting my competitive journey; I now had to weigh myself every morning, and measure all of my meals. It was a HUGE learning curve for me, but I had a goal in mind (IFBB Pro Card) and I fully embraced my journey and newfound habits.

Competitive bodybuilding has taught me that the body is capable of amazing things. It’s also shown me that I have a level of discipline and willpower that a lot of people probably don’t have. My goals haven’t changed; I have accomplished so much since August 2021 (3 Overall NPC Bikini Titles, 3 top 10 placings at 3 National level shows). That Pro Card is in reach for me, and I will accomplish that goal come hell or high water.

Prep Life…

Nationals '23

With that being said, I was on a pretty rigorous prep for a little over 7 months last year (May 2023-December 2023). I prepped for 2 National shows back to back, which isn’t really recommended but I decided to go for it. I brought my absolute best at both of those shows, and followed my coach’s plan to a “T”. Of course it was physically exhausting, but the hardest part for me were the mental challenges. I had maybe one or two “cheat” meals during the second half of my prep. Day in and day out was the same; fasted cardio, train, eat, sleep, repeat. As you can imagine, this does take a toll on you mentally.

Doing what was best for me…

After Nationals in December, I decided to take two months off from tracking my calories and weighing myself. I continued my training (5 day split) and ate intuitively during that time. There are many reasons why this was best for me, and now I am in a better state of mind to build what I need in order to be competitive this 2024 season.

There are many bikini competitors/coaches who would believe that taking that time off, especially right after a show, would be detrimental to my progress. It only helped me and made me stronger (mentally and physically). I truly practiced what I preach to my clients – a lifestyle that has balance and allows you to live restriction-free. The competitive bodybuilding world is much different than a “lifestyle” change, however this experience has allowed me to have even more knowledge to share with respect to how important it is to put your health first.

Put your health first…

I am now full speed ahead in my off season and have zero regrets from taking the time off that I needed. My nutritional coaching now has an even stronger foundation of how important it is for my clients to achieve the balance that they desire WHILE reaching their health goals. Don’t reach for that newest diet program that “guarantees results fast” – give your body what it deserves by finding a plan that is meant to be followed forever and develop habits that create sustainable change in the healthiest of ways.