9 Weeks Out

Good Morning to my readers!

Yes, you read that title right! 9 weeks out

I’ve kept this little secret for MONTHS now, and it’s been really hard not to talk about to anyone. In fact, my parents only found out last week! The only two people who knew were my 2 friends Mary and Tiffany.

This was because at first I was hesitant, then I said okay I’m making it happen, and then I wanted a few weeks under my belt before I announced anything.

So here I am, 4 weeks into this contest prep and I am 9 weeks out. I have been really good about prep this time, last time I was in over my head and everything was OH SO WRONG.

Here I go again, but this time I am FOR REAL competing in my first fitness bikini competition.

So why now? What’s different this time?

Well, remember when I went to a show with my friends Tiffany and Mary? I was already thinking about competing, but when I saw the show and my friends said they were going to do it I said “I can do this too”. The show I’m competing in is different than the one I considered before. This is OCB which means:

• NATURAL body building
• no crazy fat burners
• no PROVOCATIVE poses that creep me out

I’m still wearing a bikini, but it’s more to showcase your hard work, rather than lay on the sex appeal. Perfect for me 🙂

Also, I hired a new coach and she is amazing. She is realistic, has been in the industry for years, and knows what she is talking about. I feel at complete ease with her. Since my friend Mary is competing as well, this time I have social support. I have someone to talk to about the process, where as before I was on my own. Mary pushes me and I love her for it.

So as far as nutrition and workouts go, does my coach do all that? She could if I paid more, but I’m doing those parts all on my own. I know what to eat, I know how to push my body in workouts, I just need the framework for presentation on stage and everything that goes into competing. There is so much to think about that I need her help. I can handle the food and exercise! Last time I had a coach manage my diet and I was STARVING. Another reason I ditched them. I refuse to do this unhealthy and the wrong ways. I’m competing to feel good about myself, not beat myself down for having some almonds. The diet I made for myself is strict, but manageable. I’m always within my macronutrients (I use My Fitness Pal), but I’m never hungry.  I found a way to make it work that’s not starving myself and so far I’ve done pretty good!

I even have a team jacket! Things just got official folks…

So I have been prepping for 4 weeks now. I started dieting at 13 weeks out, now I am at 9 weeks out. Six small meals a day (as close to that as possible- since my job can be unpredictable at times). My body has already made big changes. I was a little fluffier since it was the holiday season and let’s face it, Minnie loves carbs! The scale? Well I stopped using that to track my progress because it’s all over the place. I’m tightening up, leaning out, and losing inches so that’s what matters when I hit the stage, not a silly number beneath my feet. In fact I’ve gone UP in my weight when it’s obvious I’m smaller.

And my suit is in the process of being made 😀 It’s going to be gorgeous and while the color is under wraps as of right now, I can tell you I am going to be sparkly! Again, now there is NO turning back…

So these past 4 weeks how have I done? Well let’s look…

I’ve been practicing posing in classes and at home. This was the first week I posed. DAY 1 of Prep.

I realize I look absolutely fine here, a healthy body, so I would NEVER shame myself, don’t get me wrong! I just want to push myself and see where I go.

And I do understand people are going to say “you looked better before”. Well I’m here to tell those people that this is my journey and I’m doing it for me, not anyone else. That’s what fitness is about, right? Making yourself happy!

My shoes came in and they are definitely not a shoe you wear in public, or any other place than a fitness stage, but I understand why they make you wear them. These shoes make legs look fantastic!

Remember when I showed you guys this picture? I was wearing my heels and I just cropped them out 😉 Oh that sneaky little Minnie!

Here I am in my one of my “Before” shots…

After 1 week of eating super clean with 6 small meals and exercise…

Thighs a little slimmer, my trouble spot has ALWAYS been my mid section. Not afraid to show the world though! 

After 2 weeks…

After 3 weeks…

Hey abs! 

And now through to my 4th week!

Obviously these are “morning” shots. Things look tighter when you first wake up!

And here are some shots from this weekends posing class 🙂

I still have a lot of work ahead of me in the next 9 weeks but I am so excited about it. It’s going to be a lot of fun! NOW is the time where my body will make big changes and I’m more ready for it than ever!

Believe me, not everyone is supportive. As long as I’m happy doing it than the rest is a moot point. I would never judge someone else’s journey, and the negativity just pushes me HARDER!

4 week change

So watch out, bikini babe coming through 😉

XOXO With a Cherry On Top,

-Minnie

P.S. BIG hugs and kisses to my mom and dad. My BIGGEST supporters in everything I do. I will always be your little Minnie Pooh.