Off-Season, Food and the Future

The 5-inch clear plastic heels and the sequined bikini have been put away for the 2013 season.  I am officially in my off-season.  What does that mean?  It means that I’m not counting calories, I’m introducing more balance and variety into my diet and it probably means that I’ll be working harder in the gym to prepare for next season.  Starting next week, that is.  My body needs a break.

Last night’s competition was amazing.  While I did have my eye on winning the overall and earning my pro card, I’m not too terribly disappointed.  I did win first in my class (beating three other women) and that is definitely an improvement from my first show where I took second in the open tall class.  I also earned a 3^rd place trophy for Masters (40+).  

I have to say that the best part of the night was at the end when I realized my daughter had come home from school to surprise me.  It was her birthday and I expected that she would be doing something else but she told me she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if I won my pro card and she wasn’t there to see it.  She’s a good girl. 

So, yes it was a good night and I decided to celebrate this morning with a nice big breakfast.  Egg white omelet with onions, green peppers, chicken and 2% cheese, turkey bacon and reduced fat crescent rolls with sugar free grape jelly. 

It was delicious and certainly a change from my regular egg whites and oatmeal which is a staple during contest prep.

Today I plan to grocery shop and pick up a few things for the week.  I saw a recipe for a spicy pasta dish that I want to make tonight.  I’ll have to resist the urge to overdo it on the mozzarella but I think that may be a losing battle.  It’s to be expected the first non-diet day.  I’ll do better tomorrow.

In case you were wondering, I do have other things on my upcoming agenda besides food.  But before I leave that topic, you can expect to see more restaurant reviews on my other blog because one of my treats to myself will be to visit to a restaurant every week.  I miss eating out and I certainly miss writing about eating out.  There’s a cute little Greek place not far from my house that I can’t wait to try.  So stay tuned for that.

Other things on the agenda are to get certified as a nutrition specialist, personal trainer and health coach.  One thing I’ve learned during this journey to the competition stage is the importance of good health and nutrition.  I don’t take my health for granted.  It’s one thing that I’m able to control by proper nutrition and exercise.  It’s my opinion that the reason so many people aren’t taking care of themselves properly is because they simply don’t know how to.  I didn’t know how before I met my trainer.  And it’s so simple … I want to help people the way that I was helped.  I want to make a difference in someone’s life.  So that’s the plan for 2014 – to get certified. 

This life is a blessing.