JESSIKA’S BIKINI TRANSFORMATION!
Name: Jessika Izenberg
Nickname/Stage name: Jessika Whitney
Age: 21
Height: 5’5”
Competition Weight: N/A
Off Season Weight: 135 lb
Profession:
Student
The first time I saw pictures of a competition I knew it was something I wanted to do. I’ve always had an interest in bikini modeling but never knew that it existed in this way. I only knew about the runway type modeling and not the bikini world geared toward the health and fitness conscious woman.
My motivation for competing was, initially, only about an interest in modeling and having a better body. Now, after going through the process of prepping for a competition and backing out a few weeks before I have learned a lot. Being back in the routine and getting ready for a show in July it holds a new meaning: following through with goals for myself and knowing that I am capable of anything I put my mind (and body!) into.
Before deciding to compete I definitely ate way too much sugar! I think I was an addict. Now, I know that if I stray from my diet too much I am only making it that much harder for myself to reach my goals. The most challenging part of competing is keeping a balance between training, school and work. Luckily, it only gets easier with practice—like anything worth doing.
I constantly remind myself of my goals. When I am feeling like doing anything and everything other than working out I have to just go through the motions of putting my gym gear on and heading to the gym. By the time I begin my workout my mind gets into the right place and I am happy knowing that I didn’t flake out on myself.
Make it Happen Each & Every Day!
My experience this last year can only be described as the roller coaster ride of a life time! I was truly blessed to have been introduced to such wonderful people & had the opportunity to experience such wonderful events. At the same time, this entire year has been the most difficult & challenging thing I’ve ever experienced. I must give a shout-out to a few people: the trainer who taught me the ways of a competitor, Kim Oddo; My mom & dad are the best- Whether they agree with my choices or not, they always stand by my side & support me; my friends, family, clients, & of course the fitness enthusiasts, fans, & followers of the sport who are always there to support & cheer for me even when times get tough.
I’ve grown up & developed a new sense of self-esteem & self-respect, & rid my life of toxic people & things that were holding me back. Bad relationships, poisonous people, & unhealthy habits are now a distant memory. It takes courage, determination, sacrifice, true self- love, & confidence to break away from the pack to follow your dreams but the journey is well worth it!
BEATRIZ ANDRADE, BACK & BETTER THAN EVER!
Beatriz Andrade
NICKNAME/ STAGE NAME: “Bee”
HEIGHT:5’4.5
COMPETITION WEIGHT: 123
OFF-SEASON WEIGHT: 135-140lbs.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bee-Andrade-NPC-bikini-competitor/100661723309760?ref=mf
http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Beatriz
Q: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST TIME COMPETING…
A: I was nervous my first time. I didn’t know what to expect at all. I felt so proud on stage the minute I went on. The best part of competing is meeting other women that have a passion for fitness as well. I wouldn’t say there is a worst part.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET OUT OF COMPETING?
A: I’d like to maintain a health fit body. Anything else that might come with it is BONUS.
Q: WHAT WERE YOUR EATING & GYM HABITS LIKE BEFORE YOU STARTED TRAINING AS A COMPETITOR? WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING FOR YOU TRAINING AS A COMPETITOR?
A: What was I eating? Like a normal human being…lol. I ate unhealthy fried, sugary, salty, anything rich in flavor. That was how I gained unwanted weight. The most challenging for me personally is cutting out my “cheat” meals.
What keeps me sane is exercise. If I don’t exercise I don’t have a stress reliever. I stay focused and motivated at the gym with my ipod. If I’m feeling run-down I look at pictures of myself in past competitions/or of fitness women I admire so I can snap back into it.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR BEST PHYSICAL ASSETS? WHAT MUSCLE(S)/BODY PARTS DO YOU ENJOY TRAINING THE MOST? THE LEAST?
A: My best physical assets I would say are my eyes. Body parts I love training the most are my legs. I don’t have a least enjoyable. I enjoy working out.
Q: WAS THERE A PARTICULAR EVENT OR SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED THAT TRIGGERED THIS FOR YOU?
A: If I say I am going to do something I do it. What triggered this was unwanted weight gain throughout my college years.
I went through a mental and obviously physical transformation. I was confident in my skin again.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR LIFE LIKE OUTSIDE OF THIS MADNESS?
A: My life outside this madness… this is a huge part of my life. I also am engaged and a proud mommy to 2 mini pinschers.
1ST TIME BIKINI COMPETITOR WITH MAJOR SASS, MAGGIE DANA
Maggie Dana
Age: 41
Height: 5′ 2″
Competition Weight: 108
Off Season Weight: 117
More about me: Couture Fashion Designer. I own my manufacturing company of children Tutus, Yoga & Accessories Line. What I want to be when I grow up: I am all I wanted to be. A mom, wife, friend, designer… but I strive to be a good soul! The most interesting thing about myself is that I have had an incredible life from the time of conception. I have been from Argentina, to Paris to Lebanon and back to Buenos Aires in the first 2 years of my life…I have had incredible Parents and one Amazing Argentine Icon as my Biological Father who I grew up to admire as an Athlete and one of the First Pioneers of professional, excitement-filled wrestling…I’m one lucky girl! All I have is all I want and need… the rest is more blessings!
Q: WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TAKE YOURSELF DOWN THIS PATH?
A: Oh…well… a challenge!
I’m 41 now have two GREAT kids 12 and 9 year olds… unfortunately I have baby scars on my belly that look like a 3rd degree burn. I have never in my life worn a bikini and it’s time to let my inhibitions behind and understand that this is me and any scars that I have on my body are part of who I am…
It’s time to look at my scares as medals of honor rather than something that has gone wrong….
Q: HOW ARE YOU FEELING AS YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR COMPETITION?
A: I’m training for my very first Bikini competition.
What I’m most nervous and anxious about is going on stage barely dressed…. Oyyyy!
I’m most excited to have the will power to work hard and be part of it. Being a Momma, wife, businesswoman & housewife makes it all more challenging and having the drive and the focus makes me just so HAPPY and excited to get to that day where I’ll join all the beautiful woman gracing the stage…Out of this competition I’m trying to get out self-satisfaction and most of all represent all the Mommas who I know and love so very much…many of them will be in the crowd. I’m hopping that the competition will help women like myself understand that nothing is that far away when you want it with your heart. Perseverance is your way to success and I’m trying just that!
Q: WHAT’S THE BEST & WORST PART OF DIETING & TRAINING?
A: I’m a vegetarian that LOVES sweets, wine and carbohydrates!!!
With the competition I have learned to manage my food to be more well-rounded with meals…but to be honest I do miss my Dulce de Leche!!!!!! Being an Argentine and not being able to eat all the yummy sweets, bread and wine that my Argentinean market has to offer is the hardest thing ever! My work outs have also become more rigorous and ruthless…but I LOVE THEM! Bring it ON!
Q: HOW HAVE YOU BEEN MANAGING & BALANCING EVERYTHING ELSE IN YOUR LIFE?
A: My Husband, who I adore, keeps me sane, my kids drive me insane but I would not change anything in my life. My business has struggled for the past couple of years but with faith and the love that I have for my craft and all the girls that come to work and make our collection magical, I will keep fighting. My business drives me insane…not the creation of it all but the struggle to keep a small business afloat in this very challenging economy! My trainer, Michele, is a hard ASS but I appreciate and respect her…she just wants the best for me, I understand!
“When I became 37 I realized that I was only getting older and I wanted to see if given my all, how good could I look at 40. My motivation is myself… However all woman play a big roll in my inspiration to be the best I can be, physically and as a woman. My life outside this Madness…what madness?? Just live one day at a time making that particular day unique and fruitful. I paint my daily canvas with as many colors as I can according to that specific moment in time… I love it!”~M.Dana
Bikini Champion: TAMARA WHITE
TAMARA WHITE
Nickname/Stage name: Tivona Cerise (she’s like the Sasha Fierce version of Beyonce!)
Age: 29
Height: 5’4
Competition Weight: 118
Off-Season Weight: 121
More about me: I used to ride horses competitively and I don’t like ice cream! I do the PR/Marketing for the City of West Hollywood so my regular life is full of meetings with politicians, city officials and local business owners. I spend about nine hours a day in front of a computer and on the phone. It can be extremely high stress so it’s great to have another outlet.
http://www.bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/MsTiva/
Q: WHAT POSSESSED YOU TO WANT TO COMPETE & TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE ON STAGE?
A: I went to Mexico to celebrate the New Year and after looking at the photos I decided I wanted to get in the best shape of my life. It was an experiment with myself more than a resolution. My first show was the NPC San Diego Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championships. I would say I was excited rather than nervous because every day of my training I left everything I had at the gym. For me the real competition is with myself mentally and physically. I actually call competitions “Showtime” because it’s a reward for the fierce battle that’s fought internally leading up to that short amount of time on stage. Getting made up and slathered in tanner is amazing, besides on show days you get to eat rice cakes and peanut butter all day! What can beat that?
Q: WHAT CHANGED FOR YOU…IN YOUR LIFE, MENTALLY, &/OR PHYSICALLY AFTER YOU COMPETED?
A: Wow… good question. I actually can say everything has for the better. I’m more organized in my work and personal life, I cook more, I look great, and I feel even better. I’m meeting an entire network of new friends. I’m really grateful for all of the change that competing has brought to my life.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING FOR YOU TRAINING AS A COMPETITOR?
A: Like I said I have always been fairly active and I never had a huge problem with my weight. However, as I age my metabolism has changed. In March 2009 I got back from a vacation stepped on the scale and it read 137 pounds! I was terrified/surprised/annoyed that I had let things get so out of control. I was dating a new guy and we constantly went out to eat. At the time I was drinking a lot of alcohol and stuffing my face with ridiculously good tasting food then doing cardio ever so often but with no consistency. The most challenging thing for me as a competitor is sticking to my diet. I’m a fat kid at heart and I love pizza, pasta, bread, macaroni and cheese and wine! Not exactly the breakfast of champions! LOL
Q: HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED & MOTIVATED AT THE GYM? HOW DO YOU BREAK OUT OF IT WHEN YOU’RE FEELING RUN-DOWN & NOT IN THE MOOD TO DO MUCH OF ANYTHING?
A: Having a set routine that you walk into the gym with is crucial. In terms of motivation there are two questions I ask myself to motivate: 1) Are you giving 110% right now? 2) Is someone that’s going to be on that stage working harder than I am right now? I’m an extremely competitive person so that’s what gets me moving and honestly there are going to be days you aren’t feeling a workout but you do it anyway. For those days I suggest a ridiculously good playlist on your iPod!
You don’t think your way into a change but you can think your way out of one. You either take action or you don’t. For me it was simple. I didn’t want to turn 30 and LOOK or feel 30. In terms of following through I think that when you get an urge to do something just go for it. So many people come up with amazing ideas and through their thoughts disqualify themselves from participating in greatness.”~T.White
Keeping Your Body Nice: Hold the Sugar, but keep the Spice!
Living the Lean Lifestyle. I guess I’m a masochist & enjoy the torture because when I first started dieting, even now when I’m preparing for competition, I kept everything plain & boring…or as I preferred to call it, simple! I mean the way I prepared my food was so clean and bland that I would literally be able to pick it up & eat it with my bare hands- no utensils required! Now that I’m in my off-season and won’t be competing until March 2010, I’ve decided I need to liven things up. With no boyfriend in sight, my Friday & Saturday night’s are spent experimenting with recipes that are salt-free, gluten-free, & sugar-free. On-season or off-season I like to keep my foods very clean, as in very little or NO sugar, salt, etc. Rather than deprive myself & increase my craving to the point of binging, what I’ve done is taken the things I love & found alternatives which are much healthier & fit into my LEAN lifestyle!
Simple changes can make all the difference. We have all developed habits, both good & bad, that are ingrained in our heads as “our way” of doing things. Sometimes all it takes is learning something new & being open to change for us to build better habits. I grew up with an Italian/Mexican chef, caterer, & restaurant owner for a father & let’s just say although delicious, his food was far from healthy. I learned at a very young age how to cook & what tasted good with no reference to cooking healthy. If you know me now, you know that I am <em>in love </em>with food…my nickname is lil’ piggy! HAHA! (If I’m going to be called a piggy at least having the “lil” in there doesn’t make it so bad! LOL!) Food had never been such an issue for me until I was deprived of it. Yes, I liked to eat even before my first competition & the dieting. One of the biggest dilemmas I had to face when getting serious about cleaning up my diet was taking out the condiments & snacks that seemed to add spice to everything I ate. Really, cleaning up your diet is all about forming a new habit. Right now maybe your habit is salting everything, soda’s n’ sweets, & ranch dressing. There are many alternatives and NEW healthier habits you can develop that would change your body in no time! Not, only are these alternatives diet-safe, competition-safe, & bikini-body-safe, but they are also “super foods”, natural thermogenics, & great ways to increase your metabolism!
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAV’S- FABULOUS CRAVE CURBING FOODS!
SPLENDA~ I was never a “fake”….no pretend-sugar or sweeteners for me, no diet sodas, I always wanted the real thing. But having no choice when I needed to get serious about leaning out I had to learn to adapt & Splenda was the sugar alternative that I went for. In coffee, oatmeal, oatmeal pancakes….it’s perfect! I’ve refrained myself from taking handfuls of Splenda packets from Starbuck’s & decided to just go buy a pack from the grocery store. Although a bit costly I’d say it’s worth having around the house when you’re craving a bit of sweet. At the market I also noticed they carry a Splenda/Brown Sugar blend which is nice to use for recipes that call for brown sugar- plus, it’s half the calories & grams of regular brown sugar. There are many sugar alternatives but one thing that I’ve found really wonderful about Splenda is that you can cook with it and baked goods recipes still taste fabulous! Another sugar alternative I’m currently using is Stevia which is a natural alternative (no chemicals) & it’s great for competition time because you tend to not hold water weight from it.
Vanilla Coffee Creamer~ A friend of mine made us coffee one morning & spiked mine with an ingredient that blew my mind! I like it dark, I like it black…but after having tried a Sugar-Free French Vanilla coffee creamer I was hooked! It’s so delicious you’d never even know it was sugar free! AMAZING! There are many brands that make the French vanilla sugar free flavors along with Hazelnut & it’s worth it if you’re a coffee drinker and need a lil flavor!
Cinnamon~ I use cinnamon mainly at breakfast in my oatmeal but found that cinnamon in coffee is exquisite. It seems to take the bite out of the really bold coffee flavors. This flavorful spice is a thermogenic (a metabolism booster) which helps the body to control blood sugar & insulin levels. That’s a very good thing! Other spices that are great fat-burning tools are ginger, black pepper, garlic, & red chili pepper!
Red Chili Pepper~ As I said….a great fat-burner, metabolism booster, & a yummy flavor for any meal! Red chili pepper contains an ingredient called capsaicin which is what gives it that hot fiery taste! Mmmm….I sprinkle this all over my chicken before grilling and the flavor seems to just soak right in- absolutely delish and a great kick to plain chicken. I also sprinkle it on my egg whites & salads for a nice spice! Lately I’ve been a lil chili pepper crazy! LOL!
Mrs. Dash~ If I weren’t so into men, I’d marry her! LOL! If you haven’t heard, Mrs. Dash is a seasoning/herb blend SALT-FREE! Pretty flavorful too & can be sprinkled on just about anything from chicken, to fish, eggs, veggies, everywhere! Mrs. Dash now comes in many flavors rather than just the regular. I like the Garlic & Herb…..Garlic has been known to help remove toxins from the body since it contains allicin, it has an anti-bacterial effect! It also increases circulation & helps with proper heart function.
I can’t believe it’s not Butter & PAM~ Chances are you’re already using these to cook with. All you need is a lil spray so food doesn’t stick. The I can’t believe its not butter is great to squirt on yams!
Salsa~ Low in Calories, carbs, no-fat, low sugar….it’s a great condiment to use. I like to make my own salsa which is even better because you know exactly what’s in it! Mustard is also a great alternative to mayo and other condiments & topping sauces!
Pineapple Vinegar~ I discovered this “dressing” because I was getting so sick of oil & vinegar. This has a bit of sweetness and flavor but is still under 3 g of sugar. I also cook my veggies with this- it gives everything, rice included, a very unique and taste bite!
Smucker’s Sugar-Free Breakfast Syrup~ When I tasted this for the first time I HAD to go get some for myself! It tastes like real syrup and I’ve come up with tons of ways to use it. I cook with it when I make baked goods & I pour it on my oatmeal/egg white breakfast pancakes….delish! Be careful though because if you’re anything like me, you’ll straight drink the stuff right from the bottle! LOL! Did I mention I have a lil bit of a sweet tooth?!HAHA!
Brown Rice, Rice Cakes~ I listed these because I found MANY UNLIMITED uses for these fantastic performance carb treats! Gluten free, sugar free, salt free, low calories…what more can you ask for?! I buy mine plain, salt-free and I absolutely love the fact that they are made with brown rice! I crumble them up and mix them with low sodium all natural peanut butter, splenda, & whey powder. Then I flatten the ingredients out in a pan, refrigerate, and then cut them into bars….viola! A yummy, homemade, protein bar! Great for on the go and just to have when you’re out. I snack on these backstage with some PB….Mmmmmmm!
So there are a few of my fav’s & there are many other alternative foods and condiments available too! Remember, it’s the small changes that make a HUGE difference!
Train Like a Champion with Michele D’Angona!
www.empoweringbody.com
Get Trained Like A Pro, By A Pro! Become the champion you’re destined to be. We all have a hidden six pack or bikini body hiding inside of us so when are you going to reveal yours? No matter what level you’re at or what’s going on in your life it’s never too late to get started! Michele D’Angona is available for private training sessions, group sessions, competition preparation & coaching, nutritional guidance, fitness modeling, or guest speaking/appearances. For more information please email your inquiries to: shapeup@supermichele.com or visit: www.empoweringbody.com
Master Your Metabolism!
After years & years & experiment after experiment of trying juice diets, fasting fads, point systems, counting this & counting that have you yet to become the master of your metabolism?
Your metabolism is the rate in which your body burns and uses food as energy. The faster your metabolism works the less food your body will be able to store as fat. Many factors can determine your metabolism such as your age, gender, how much exercise you do on a regular basis & the amount of muscle you have compared to fat. Along with the proper nutritional guidance, increasing your muscle mass will help to increase your metabolism.
To improve your metabolic efficiency you only need to alter what you eat and what you do in order to experience a difference in how you look and feel. The secret is not just in the calories you intake throughout the day. Eat fewer high-fat foods and less total calories. Choosing healthy foods, such as lean protein and vegetables, can actually increase your metabolism as well. Some basic rules would be to increase dietary fiber and limit sugary foods, 
alcohol, caffeine, & don’t smoke. The best foods to increase your metabolism and help you lose weight are fish, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries and other fruits, whole grains, and at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Be a Protein Warrior! Lean proteins such as boneless skinless chicken breasts, egg whites, white fish, & whey protein powders are all great sources of protein when working to master your metabolism! Why? Protein builds lean muscle, the more lean muscles you have the more fat you burn, & this speeds up your metabolism which lowers your body fat, hence giving us the figure we want! Got it? When you choose to eat lean proteins on a low calorie diet you will not only promote muscle growth but you will be saving the muscle you already have. Remember, the more lean muscle you have the quicker your metabolism will be….I hate to keep repeating that but I just can’t stress enough the importance of proper nutrition and protein in your diet. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be building giant bodybuilder muscles but you’ll begin to see your body take shape as body fat decreases & muscle mass increases. Keep in mind that whey protein contains a high amount of glutamine and BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) – the building blocks of muscles. Taking whey protein increases your muscle mass, lowers the time it takes to recovery from exercise, and boosts your stamina! A variety of proteins in your diet combined with lots of veggies & good fats is essential to a balanced diet. It is suggested that you consume an average of 1g-1.5g of protein per pound of bodyweight daily.
No Need to Fear, the Carbs Are Here! It’s best to choose unrefined whole grain carbohydrates, “Whole” is key word here! Veggies & fruits which are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals are an excellent choice. Starchy carbs like whole grains, oats, bran, rice, wheat, & potatoes are a little higher in calories but because these foods are high in fiber as well, they help to keep you fuller longer & are a great source of energy. When your cells need energy they will break down carbohydrates first, then fat and finally protein. Your body converts carbohydrates into a form of sugar called glucose which is easily used as fuel by your body. Any excess carbohydrates you eat will be turned into fat for storage. Of course, any fat you eat will be stored as fat as well. Your body converts the fat you eat into body fat very efficiently. If you exercise and eat wisely, however, you will burn those fat stores and increase your metabolism. Assuming you choose nutritious less refined carbohydrates, you can eat anything between 35 and 55 percent of your calories in the form of carbs. If you wish to try a low-carb diet, that’s fine – but for optimum health you should avoid the very-low-carb weight loss plans except for very short periods of time (such as training for competition, bodybuilding, etc.). Some of these very-low-carb diets rely on nutritional supplements, which generally speaking is not a good long term dietary habit to adopt.
Eat, Eat, Eat! Typically we’ve grown up thinking we need 3 meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner…& the occasional midnight chocolate brownie dessert. With the fear of gaining weight engrained in our heads, many women cut their portions to half of this, skipping breakfast, or exchanging a wholesome lunch for a few evening cocktails with the girls. This is where the trouble begins- and by trouble I mean this is when our body begins to store fat! When you’re only eating a couple meals a day (which probably don’t even contain enough of the essential nutrients your body needs to raise your metabolism) your body goes into “starvation mode” which slows down your metabolism meaning, you’re body stores the fat. Your body is speaking to you as I’ve mentioned before, its saying, “FEED ME”! Whether you’re a hardcore competitor, a health conscious dieter, or a die-hard bikini babe, eating 5-7 meals a day is essential to putting on lean muscle & lowering your body fat. So eat, eat, eat! Eat frequently, about 6 small meals a day, every 2.5-3.5 hours. Research has shown that eating this way keeps your metabolism at a consistent higher level throughout the day.
Feast on Fiber! Fiber has been known to help decrease your chance of developing heart disease & heart attacks & there are many other benefits as well. Fiber works to form a gel like substance that helps to trap fats & cholesterol which allows carbs to pass through your body at a quicker more beneficial rate. Fiber also slows down sugar absorption which improves your blood glucose levels. Some of the best sources of water soluble fiber can be found in oats, beans, fruits like apricot & oranges, & veggies such as broccoli and kale. In addition fiber helps you to feel fuller longer so you’ll be less likely to snack throughout the day! The National Fiber Council recommends 32g. of fiber a day.
Some researchers have calculated that if Americans doubled their intake for fiber, they could cut 100 calories from their daily diet – which could shave off 10 pounds of yearly weight gain (WebMD.com)
Something’s Fishy! Fish is great a great source of protein with fewer calories than other meat sources. Rich in Vitamins B & D, & omega-3 fatty acids, fish such as salmon & white fish can help to promote a faster metabolism. The best fish oil is obtained through a process called molecular distillation. By processing the fish in this manner, the fish oil obtained is sure to be poison and toxins free. Fish oil supplements, compared to flax seed oil, another source of omega 3, contain the DHA and EPA fatty acids, while the flax seed oil contains only the ALA fatty acid, which has to be transformed by the body to DHA and EPA. (EzineArticles.com)
For assistance with your daily diet or questions regarding your diet please email me at: Shapeup@supermichele.com or visit: www.empoweringbody.com, Thank you for Visiting!
Something New
We have so much information constantly bombarding us…when to eat, what to eat, low-fat diets, no carb diets, sugars bad, soy is good, how to train, to lift heavy or to not lift heavy, how much cardio, no cardio?….how on Earth are we supposed to figure it all out? It’s exhausting & scary. No wonder it’s almost impossible to begin & actually stick with a program!
It is true, you’ve heard words of advice regarding your diet or training that seems to hold the answers you’ve been looking for. But just as soon as you think you’ve figured it all out that same magazine, coach, news report, or friend has something else to say that totally contradicts what you’ve heard and thought to be true. How can that be?
First of all, what works for some can work for others- but not for all! Are you still with me? GOOD!
Everyone responds to particular training programs & diets differently. Some work for you and some don’t. Deciding & sticking with a program is a two step process. You must fist make the commitment to a new plan then have patience to see it through!
Beginning a new regimen? Don’t give up!
Listen to your body: Your body holds the answers to many of the questions you may have regarding what to eat, how to train, & what works best for YOU to achieve the look YOU desire. Listening to your body is the key to unlocking your individual transformation secrets. As a coach, I can read your body and needs to a certain degree but the better YOU know your body, the better I can assist you! Start by paying extra attention to how you feel after eating particular foods. Does eating dairy make you tired? Do breads & grains make you bloated? What is your energy level like after eating a certain meal? Are you hungry throughout the day? In addition to how you feel, take note of how your body looks & how your body has changed throughout your life. Do you lose weight easily? Do you gain it back quickly? Are you bottom heavy? Do you tend to hold a majority of weight in your midsection? I recommend to all my clients that they keep a journal during this process. It helps to record not only your workout progress but the foods you eat & how they make you feel. This journal will turn into a reference manual specifically designed for you. I look back at my fitness journal & progress constantly as I’ve recorded my trials & tribulations transforming, competing, & dieting over the years. It is a fabulous tool which guides me as I improve my physique & helps me to remain positive & motivated.
Time is on your side: Now that you’ve decided to get started & you’re just getting into the swing of things, it’s very important to give yourself time with your new diet or program. One common pitfall I see and hear about often is when a person begins a new regimen & expects too much too soon. I understand, we want it fast & we want it now. But having this mentality can have a negative effect on your attitude and ability to follow through with your goals. Within the first two weeks many changes can occur but you must be consistent & dedicated to following through with each step in order to really see how, and even if, it affects you. During this time frame (roughly 10-14 days) your body will begin to adapt & conform to this new way of life you’ve introduced to it. Get through those first two weeks & you’re well on your way. Remember, what works for some doesn’t necessarily work for all. So if you are to discover what works best for your body, you need to give yourself TIME to adjust. In a way, you’re experimenting & testing your body. Don’t give up! Dedicate and commit yourself to at least 8 weeks…really that’s not that much time compared to the years you’ve wasted not seeing the results & body you desire! Even if you’ve heard of a fad diet or program that claims to work in 1 week, if you are to have a long term transformation, be ready to give yourself time.
Educate Yourself: I am most certainly an advocate on educating yourself. One thing I stress to all my clients is the process in understanding why I’m asking them to do what they do & eat what they eat. It is important that if you’re going to make a lifelong commitment to bettering your health & improving your physique you must understand what foods are good for you and why & what training programs work to benefit your body. I am a trainer & coach but more importantly I consider myself a teacher. In fact I taught Physical Education (P.E.) & health at a junior high & elementary school for 3 years. No matter what age or what stage in life you’re at it’s never too late to learn something new. Now you don’t need to know ALL the ins & outs but it can’t hurt to understand the basics. This also helps when discerning the information and advice you get from friends & other sources. As this site grows you will notice that not only do I provide pertinent health & fitness facts & information but I explain things in a way that is easy to understand & actually put to use.
As you see, a combination of knowing your body, giving yourself time to see how your body responds, & educating yourself on the super foods & tools needed for your success are the essential building blocks to begin your transformation. For more information regarding coaching & getting started please email me at: Shapeup@supermichele.com or visit my website: www.Empoweringbody.com
Bikini Body, Who?
USA's Bikini Girls
Bikini Body Pro, that’s who!
My name is Michele D’Angona, the “Bikini Body” PRO, CHAMP, STAR, FREAK of NATURE…LOL, whatever you want to call me! I am that bikini girl you may have seen gracing the stage in my crystal clear platform heels, grass green teeny-weenie bikini, & bronzed goddess tanned skin. I’m not a big n’ bulky bodybuilder, I’m a lean, sexy-built wonder-woman. Not a skinny girl or muscle lady, but a firm & fit fantasy woman. I’ve managed to achieve that body that is universally recognized by women as a phenomenal package & in the process of doing so I’ve learned the good, the bad, & the detailed secrets to attaining that “Bikini Body”. So now I’ve created BikiniBodyPro.com to share with you the fabulous way to finally be happy in your own skin.
I’m really just an average girl with bikini body dreams. Before I transformed myself into a bikini girl & long before I discovered my full-potential, I’d look in the mirror & think, “This is as good as it gets!” Now just between me, myself, & I…deep down inside I knew different. I had doubts but I knew that if I really wanted to make over my body for good, I needed two things: Motivation to DO & Direction to FOLLOW!
RULES TO REMEMBER:
- KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Your body is your own. This is you! Overall, you are what you are and that won’t change much. Whether you’re a hippy girl, or you have booty, a small chest, a big chest, a belly, big arms, skinny legs, a curvy body, or a stick body, you are what you are and the first step towards a bikini body transformation is to accept that. Find your best asset & work with what you’ve got. Remember, your best assets may not be what you think it is. Our best assets tend to be the parts we never knew were great. In fact, it may even be that one thing you’ve always disliked about your body. For instance, I’ve ALWAYS had an issue with my legs- that whole, hip, butt, thigh area but especially my thighs! I tend to carry my weight in my legs & I learned that at a very young age. Now I knew I had a booty which wasn’t such a bad thing & maybe in tight jeans it was all packed in pretty snug so at first glance I seemed nice & firm, but the reality was I jiggled, my skin was rippled with cellulite, & bottom line I just wasn’t comfortable exposing my legs. As I began my bikini program & started to transform, I began to see my body in a whole new light. As I leaned out I began to shed myself layer by layer- not just in the physical sense but mentally I had a clear vision of who I was & what I was made of. My fears had shed with those layers of fat & I developed a whole new confidence. Ironically, I realized that I had dynamite thighs!
- BELIEVE IN THE BIKINI BODY! You’ve heard it before, Thought’s Are Things! Your attitude, how you feel, how you think, & how you feel about the things you think, play a major role in achieving that “Bikini Body”. When you hold onto negative or untruthful thoughts you’ve collected over the years such as comments & criticism from parents or siblings or peers, you begin to create layers of insecurities, doubt, & failure which seem to cover your body, cloud your vision, & block your path. This is what holds us back. By literally shedding our fat, we are also ridding ourselves of the weight we’ve been carrying in our mind- we are able to let go of the things that have been holding us back- people, thoughts, ourselves….. When you get focused & clear your head of the non-sense you begin to believe & that is a powerful thing. Be open to change whether it’s a specific idea about training or dieting or it’s just doubt & fear in not being able to succeed, let it go. You may not realize this but it’s holding you back & that may be why you don’t have the bikini body you so desire!
- TAKE CONTROL OF THE ONE THING YOU CAN CONTROL! You may not be able to control the weather into being bright & sunny, control your boyfriend into proposing, or control your MP3 player which seems to go haywire whenever it feels like it. But you can take control of you! How? Well if you’ve gotten through steps one & two then this should be simple: Embrace, Change, & Control! Get a handle on reality & embrace who you are, Change your habits & turn negative thoughts into educated positive ones, & with the powerful ammo you now possess you’re finally in control. Don’t forget to believe it. I know you see that light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe you don’t know how to get there but the most important thing is that you’ve entered the tunnel, recognized you’re in the tunnel, & you know there is a way out! As far as we know, we are only given one life to live. We are given one body in which you are in complete control of. Whether you chose to control yourself or not, you still have a choice. By educating yourself on what it takes to get a bikini body & choosing to go out & do something good for yourself, your health, & your mind you are taking control. The best trainer on the planet isn’t capable of changing you. It’s you & only you who has 100% control over reaching your full potential so why not take the reins & make it happen?!
