Plateaus

Weight loss plateaus. All of us have them, but what do you do when you get one?

Try mixing up your workout routine every 4-6 weeks. This helps challenge your body to break through the plateau.

If fat loss is what you are struggling with, make sure that the calories you are consuming are less than the calories expended. You may find that you are not eating enough and your body is storing the fat instead of burning it. If weight gain is the goal, you will want to make sure your are taking in more than you are putting out, but you certainly don't want to just eat more to gain lean muscle mass. If your not fueling your body with the proper nutrition, it could be taking the energy it needs from the muscles, therefore no gains will be made.

For both fat loss or muscle gain goals, it is very important to make sure you are eating the proper foods for your specific goal. This is where a professional really comes into play. They can help guide you on how much of each; lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats you should have in your diet and explain how each play a crucial role. 

Everyone is different with different health/fitness goals. If you are wanting to gain lean muscle mass and your spouse is needing to lose fat, your food plans should and will be different. 

Plateaus are frustrating and can sometimes lead one to quit. Don't give up! If the suggestions listed above don't work, seek advice from a professional for a workout plan and/or meal plan tailored just for your goals. Sometimes having an outsider come into the picture with fresh eyes is the best solution.  

Here's to your health and breaking those plateaus!!

Competitions

When you mention bodybuilding, fitness or figure competitions, most people roll their eyes and automatically think big muscles and steroid use. What some do not realize is that there are natural bodybuilding competitions that ban the use of performance-enhancing drugs; anabolic steroids, insulin, diuretics, and human growth hormones. There are a number of shows that promote natural bodybuilding and they provide their own rules and regulations as well as a banned substance list and drug testing methods. These testing methods can range from urine, blood to even a polygraph test.

The journey to get to the competition level is no easy feat . The determination, commitment and sacrifices that these competitors actually go through to get to the stage; clean diets, brutal workouts, as the date gets closer, even more strict dieting. These competitors are athletes, and they deserve the recognition of their hard work. The stage, bright lights, family and friends in the crowd cheering them on give them that recognition.

It is always so inspiring to go to a show. Competitors of all ages, for some it's their first show, others have been doing it for years. They each have a different reason for competing. Some having just lost weight, some being diagnosed with an illness, others overcoming an illness. Regardless, they all are on stage with one common goal and that is to achieve optimal health.

We had such a great time at the Fitness Arizona Natural Championship show Saturday night. It was Karrina's first competition and she owned the stage, coming in 2nd place! We are so thrilled and proud of her. What a great first time experience!

Discipline

Staying true to your excercise routine and your health requires discipline. Do not look at it as a punishment or a burden. You have to earn your body if you want to get healthy, look good and feel good. There is no magic pill. There is discipline. Being prepared is the key. Cook your meals ahead of time. Pack your clean meals/snacks and take them to work with you in a ice chest.
Keep healthy snacks in your car so you are not caught starving and end up eating fast foods or processed foods. Don't give up. Your health is worth it. Respect your body. Earn your body. This is not easy, it won't come easy. This is discipline.