“Started from the bottom,  now we are here.” ~ Drake

I began composing this blog about a month ago,  and finally decided to publish it going into the season of giving thanks, I am grateful for this trip I am on.

image

It has become more and more evident that my lifestyle has changed more than just my physical appearance and the responses I get from others. It has changed my outlook on life.

image

Simple everyday decisions are life changing actions that lead to so many milestones at 30 something years of life with more to come!

image

Just the simple act of shopping for clothes just a few months ago during my competition prep brought tears to my eyes.
image

So when I finally decided to break down and go shopping, I was mortified by disbelief that I had managed to drop approximately 2.5 dress sizes during the beginning of my competition season.
image

In choosing what to try on was such a proud moment. Not having to switch out sizes because the size I thought I could wear was too small, but in fact too big for my newly discovered frame.

image

When size 10’s became 8’s, and 8’s became 6’s, and even 6’s became 4’s, I knew at that point, I was living a dream, and was in the best shape of my life.

image
NANBF Figure Athlete - 2014

Never in my life have I been that slim built,  lean athletic girl. You know the track sprinting,  glee club, popular, cartwheeling cheerleader type.

image
8th grade Basketball to 1st Figure Competition at 31

Nope, I was that shy, nerdy, kid on the chunky side of life, you know the one that the teachers loved, but the other students laughed at. My how the tables have turned!

image
Childhood Days - The Chunky Side of Life

I’m still that nerdy, shy kid on the inside,  but on the exterior,  I’m a lean mean roaring muscle machine and I’m not done roaring yet, in fact I’m just getting started! To be continued. … I AM CANDICE MARIA

image
Building Season

#AestheticallyAthletic #ActionFigure

Have you checked your macros lately? Can you say off hand how many total fat grams, total grams of carbohydrates, and total protein grams you’ve consumed in a 24 hour period! I can and have to have 30 days worth of intimate conversations with and about them, with myself,  my body, my kitchen, and my coach. It’s a beautiful relationship,  because I know the end result is going to be amazing!

image

I have always been good about food journaling, but since i hit 30 days to the stage,  I have gotten so close with my macro’s relationship that we plan our futures together in black and white before the day even starts! Yeah that pic is my food journal macronutrient totals  for the next 24 hours, already planned out with total macros that I have already sent to my coach for his approval! Trust the plan, trust the process!

During all of this I reflect back on how i used to have to beg clients to send in food journals and on a weekly,  not even a daily basis,  and always got excuses. It would frustrate the heck out of me, because there’s no room to wonder why the results are not showing up from the workouts I would give some of them if they haven’t willingly changed their diets!

image

I write this and shake my head.  My how the tables have turned,  but needless to say,  nobody has to beg for mine, because I know how important it is to the overall process.

image

Yes, even trainers complete food journals,especially when we have our own fitness and athletic endeavors to achieve! It’s important to reaching your full potential in whatever you expect to achieve along your fitness journey,  regardless of your overall goal.

image

You don’t have to be prepping for the main stage to get to know the Macro’s intimately.  Heck just do it because you love your body and want to be mindful of what’s going into it everyday!

image

Until next time. ..#EatClean … #TrainDirty and #MeetYourMacros

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

image

So yesterday was my mom’s birthday. Needless to say,  I spent most of the day at work or working out, so I avoided being tempted by the following:

image
Mom's Birthday Cake
image
Cryptonite Cake
image
The Devil.....lol!

The last two pic are some of my favorite “big girl foods” ….lol! Super addictive cheat foods for me. But at 30 days to the stage and with the strict structure of my nutrition regimen right now,  this girl opted for her favorite healthy treat and still celebrated moms on her birthday!

image
MY CAKE & COOKIES

Yep my frozen cashew mylk to the rescue! So no need to miss the fellowship of family celebrations, just don’t indulge and kill your progress!

Until next time #EatClean – #TrainDirty and trust the process!

~ I AM CANDICE MARIA ~

image