My kind of protein!

Part of maintaining a successful healthy lifestyle is making it delicious. I'm always looking at different protein bars in the stores and well not only are they overpriced but we don't really know what's in them. So here is an alternative- make your own! These were so easy and are so delicious. Get your protein and chocolate fix in one! 

1 mashed banana, 1 1/2 cup dry oatmeal, 2 tblsp ground flax seed, 2-4 scoops protein powder, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips. 

mix everything together exept for the chocolate chips. spread onto tin foil. melt chocolate and drizzle on top. throw it in the freezer for 2 hours. cut into bars and wrap individually for an easy to grab healthy snack!  

I did it!!

It's been almost 2 months since my first post and so much has happened. I still have a long way to go but I feel like I have come so far in so little time. I have continued to eat clean and to work out hard (following my program at www.cathysavage.com). I have seen lots of changes in myself physically but more importantly are the emotional and mental changes. I have so much more confidence in my ability to reach the goals I set for myself. I found discipline and strength during this journey that I had no idea existed inside me! 

It has been three months but really I have taken it day by day and I think that has been the key to my success. Each morning I wake up and try to make it a healthy day by preparing, making smart choices and getting my ass into the gym. One day at a time, one healthy choice at a time. 

At the beginning of my journey it was only a wild guilty fantasy that maybe I could compete in a fitness competition. I never thought I could look like or walk with the confidence of those girls. But as a few weeks went by and I started to see small results I decided ... why not try?! Now everyone around me thought I was nuts! But I figured if I'm working this hard why not try! 

So this past week end after 11 weeks of training I competed in my first fitness competition, the Boston Natural Championship. It was awesome! I felt like a fierce new, fit, more confident Kristie. But the best part was that I set a goal, worked really really hard and achieved it. There's no better feeling than that! I was not the leanest or the fittest and I certainly didn't win but that is just fine. My goal was to get up there (with out crying or tripping) and be able to say I did it! And... I did it! 

Grateful, 

Kristie 

Look good. Do good. Feel good...

So, since I'm planning on this being an awesome, crazy, successful transformation inside and out ( it better be! :)  I feel its best that I'm really honest about where I'm coming from and where I'm starting off both personally and physically - so here goes..... 

I'm a 25 year old, active girl. I played competitive sports throughout  high school and continued to stay pretty active up until now dabbling in different things from Bikram yoga to Crossfit and a marathon in 2011. I have pretty consistently "gone to the gym" and did what most of us girls do- some abs / get on the treadmill for 45-60 min and sweat my ass off. I have fluctuated up and down but never been overweight or skinny. I have always felt I was in decent shape but never felt great in a bathing suit and have days when I feel better about myself than others. 

Like many girls my age I have struggled with figuring out how to eat and exercise properly for my post teenaged body. I have tried lots of different diets from low carb to vegetarian (that did not last long) and nothing stuck long term because after all they were diets not lifestyle changes. 

For the past few years I have felt a lack of energy during my every day life. I've felt dissatisfied with  workouts because despite how hard I work there are not any real results. And some personal ups and downs have left me feeling like its time to do something for myself that will help me regain some self esteem that I know I need to and can get back.

That being said, for the first time I feel like a switch has gone off in my head I am off on a real path. Not a diet but a new healthy lifestyle. I am truly ready to make changes in my health, fitness and mental state. I am ready to be the energetic person I should be at 25. And I'm ready to make my body the best it can be. Why not?! We only get one body, so lets make the best of it people!My goal  is to become the best me I can be physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Time to Look good. Feel good. And Do good. 

About a month ago I saw a picture of a girl from my hometown. She had recently got into fitness competitions and looks incredible. Now I'm a little out of my element with the whole girls walking around in bikinis and heels thing, I know; anyone who knows me would say 'Kristie are you serious???'. But there's something about it! These girls have such strong balanced bodies. They are not just modeling skinniness and pretty faces but they are showing off the results of their strength, hard work and discipline and being feminine while their at it. They are average women with families and jobs who are putting health and fitness at the core of their lifestyle. 

So I researched a bit and I said hmmm, I wonder If I can do that?! I asked a few more questions and signed myself up for a new lifestyle. For three weeks now I have been eating CLEAN. Working out SMART. And staying hydrated. And after only three weeks I feel more results than I have ever felt doing anything else. I feel energized, leaner, stronger and for some reason- I'm in a much better mood too. :) 

This is just the beginning but I'm looking forward to sharing my journey!!! Keep posted! 

Grateful, 

Kristie