Day 16 and 17 - The Power of Imagination

There is a reason I didn't blog yesterday. I was embarrassed and felt that not only did I let myself down, but I let down Glen, Larissa, Maria, and everyone else who is rooting for me.

I had the worst day ever and I have no one to blame but myself. I want to apologize now to everyone I spoke with yesterday for not being honest. Not only did I scarf down an extra healthy meal, but I ate an entire Truffle Pig; the dark chocolate hazelnut kind. I was so mad at myself I hid in bed for 3 hours. This kind of behavior leads to a real downward spiral.

Although it doesn't sound like a big deal compared to what the average American eats, I consumed 780 calories more than I was supposed to. I am not starving myself; I eat between 1400 and 1600 calories a day. Lucky for me, I am 6 weeks out and have time to make it up, but I cannot afford another slip up.

I was practically crying to Maria this morning and I was definitely not planning on telling Larissa or blogging about it. People may think I am not serious about this, but I am 100% committed to my goals. I decided to blog because after speaking with my friends, I realized everyone does this but no one talks about it.

So why did I slip up?

Maria explained that fitness competitors are some of the most disciplined people in the world; they go against every instinct in their body, fighting through hunger and fatigue, to be the best they can. She said people tend to breakdown during the last 8 weeks of the cycle and you have to stay focused. If you have a bad day, leave it at that; wake up the next morning and go for it like it is a fresh slate.

Of all her advice, this is the best thing she could have said:
Visualise this: No matter how hungry you are, there is a girl out there hungrier than you, who is squatting more weight, pushing harder, and wanting the win more. You are competing against that girl on November 4th.

If she can squat more weight, I need to do more than her. I need to be dialed in on my diet. When I am hungry, I need to imagine she is hungrier and stronger than me. What Maria said lit a fire in me and made me feel better. I can beat that punk. I imagine this punk looks a lot like her.

Our minds will trick us into thinking it is okay to overeat. When we drop a little weight, we "reward" ourselves with a treat. We tell ourselves what we are eating is healthy. If it isn't healthy, we tell ourselves we will work it off, or that since our body craves it we must need it.

The only way to make it to the end is to imagine everyday that I am standing in front of the judges, holding my heavy trophy, smiling uncontrollably and looking amazing. Everyday, I need to see this picture in my head, otherwise I will forget why I am working so hard and let my mind trick me into eating another chocolate pig. You don't need the extra slice of pizza, you don't need the chocolate, a few calories less won't hurt you no matter what your mind is tricking you to do. The body is smarter than the mind. Don't believe me? Try tickling yourself.

I woke up this morning and enjoyed my oatmeal pancakes with almond butter and a cup of coffee. It helps when you set the table and make each meal feel special. Larissa and I hit upper body hard today.

Upper Body Workout:

• Warm Up:
• 5 Atomic Push ups
• 5 Deep Rows
• 4 sets (for a total of 20 reps)
• Workout:
• Circuit 1
• 12 Spiderman push ups
• 12 pulls ups (feel free to use the assisted pull up machine)
• 3 sets
• Circuit 2
• 10 stability ball power push ups
• 10 side to side ball slam downs
• 4 sets

This is my first attempt at a fitness video so please excuse the editing. In it, I (quickly) go over the form for a few of the exercises listed above. Next time I will film before I workout.

According to Maria, I may not be getting enough carbohydrates in the mornings so for the next 20 days I will be increasing my intake. For today's post workout meal, I enjoyed a green juice with 1/2 a yam, 6 egg whites, and 1/4 an avocado. I can't even begin to tell you how great I feel.

Tonight, my friends and I are going 80's Roller Skating. It will be a disaster and I cannot wait!
PS 60 minutes of roller skating with your friends equals about 300 calories. I will be there for several hours. Whoohoo!