How did I do it? Get from 182 lb. in November, 2006 and giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, then hit stage at 123 lb. and 7% bodyfat just a short eight months later? I get asked this question every single day. Nutrition baby. Nutrition. Well, that and some fairly intense hours in the gym! But mainly, it's nutrition. And not nutrition that is based on deprivation, contrary to what you might think. My nutritional plan is based on real foods that actually become a way-of-life, not a gotta eat like a freak for the next 12 weeks so I can get on stage kind of plan. I have children to raise, and a completely full life that requires energy. I believe in health from the inside out, looking and feeling young, and being a good role model for my children and other moms. Those things are at the very top of my list -- regardless of any trophies I may win on the stage.
November 2006, 182 lb. July 2007, 123 lb.
(check out my double chin!) (7% bodyfat and feeling GREAT!)
With that in mind, I started my own diet research, much of it based on my college days in pre-med and medical school. Intuitively I disagreed with the typical stage-ready diets out there. I would pass by Whole Foods Market and think, "Why aren't I shopping there? Loading my cart with all kinds of nutritious foods? Why is my diet so limited?" If I'm supposed to be the 'picture of health' that other women can aspire to, shouldn't it be from the inside? With NO major nutritional gaps? The answer, and unequivocal YES!
So I started to construct my own, using total calories and mixing up my ratios of protein/carbs/fats using a wide variety of healthful whole foods and organics, plus high quality supplements . . . and my body blossomed. However, even though I was on the right track, there was more that I needed to learn. Enter John Berardi, PhD. and Precision Nutrition.
and . . .
Dr. Berardi earned his doctoral degree in exercise science, specializing in exercise biology and nutrient biochemistry. And he has designed the very best program I have ever seen in nutrition -- no matter WHAT your physique goals are, man or woman. It's not a "diet," it's concrete knowledge, simply put, so you yourself can become a nutritional "expert", and an expert on what your body needs to look your very best, EVER!
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have come across Dr. Berardi and his nutritional program -- it truly was the key to my transformation . . . and the transformation of my clients . . . here are four clients that placed Top 5 at the 2008 E-Cup (three 3rd's and a 4th), using my nutritional programs which are based on the concepts and knowledge you'll find in Precision Nutrition.
I encourage you to click on the above PN pictures which will link to Dr. Berardi's site, and check it out for yourself. Really check it out. It's the very best thing I have come across, and I'd bet the farm that it will be for you too . . . it's hands-down the best investment you'll ever make in yourself; whether you just explore the endless amounts of knowledge in his comprehensive site, or you choose to buy the program and dive head-first into creating your best physique ever!
And remember, I am always available for your questions and comments via e-mail. Thanks, and enjoy!
Helpful Links
Glycemic Index Information @ http://www.glycemicindex.com/ . Valuable information on what the "GI" is, and the values of different foods.
Great Nutritional Information for a variety of foods, plus great background on different varieties, such as pastas and potatoes @ http://www.wholefoods.com/ . Click on "Products" and scroll down to "grocery."
See an actual nutritional label for virtually any food @ http://www.nutritiondata.com/ .