9 weeks out!

Happy Friday, all!

Time is just flying by and I have found it harder to make time to blog than I initially had hoped it would be. Please forgive me and know that I will try to do better going forward :)

I wanted to give you a few updates on food, training and fundraising.

I typically spend at least 2-3 days a week doing food prep.  Fortunately for me, my boyfriend is also a future competitor so we are able to help each other prepare food and remain accountable. Currently my diet looks like this-
                            6:00 AM-  egg whites, oats and turkey bacon
                            9:00 AM- tilapia, sweet potato and green beans
                            12:00 PM- chicken and brussell sprouts
                            3:00 PM- extra lean ground turkey and green beans
                            5:00 PM-ish chicken and green beans                          
                             8:00 PM-ish- post workout white potato
                                                    and then tilapia, brussell sprouts and brown rice
                           
Recently I have started a carb depletion so Friday through Sunday I remove all of the carbs listed above except for the green vegetables.  (No oats, rice or potatoes)   This is not super fun, in case you were curious.

Here are some pictures of food prep and meals: 

PROGRESS PHOTOS:

As hard as it is to do, I wanted to post some progress pics so you can see how my body is changing. The first picture (far left) is from February.  The middle is from the first of March when I first started with my trainer. And the last one (far right) is from April 26th.  As you can see, I am leaning out, slowly but surely. 

And just for fun, a little #gunshow picture :)  I am quite proud of the way my biceps, triceps, back and shoulders are starting to pop.  Hard work really does pay off!

So a special shoutout to Bill, Robert and Stephanie for your generous donations!  You have no idea how much I appreciate the help.  I still have a long way to go in reaching my financial goal but you three have helped me make a great start!  I was able to put the deposit down on my suit and pay my trainer for the month of May with your help. Thanks so much!  

If anyone else is able to contribute, you may do so here GO FUND MAEGAN or contact me privately. 

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!!! 

Always, 

            Maegan 

Training for my First Bikini Competition!!

Most of you know that I have been on a journey to bettering my health through clean eating and exercise since reaching my "bottom" (or should I say top?) as a size 16 at a whopping 193 lbs in 2009-2010.   Since then I have lost approximately 40 lbs and now wear a size 8. This has been an uphill battle to tackle an ongoing sugar addiction while learning to  make healthier choices on a daily basis.  I have had good days and bad days but am committed to changing my habits to live a healthier lifestyle overall. 

2009-2010  - size 16-     193 lbs

2009-2010  - size 16-      193 lbs

2014 -    size 8-    156 lbs

In March of this year I started working with a Coach who trains competitors.  It didn't take long for him to convince me that I could be ready to compete in July.  He suggested a show in Huntsville, close to home for my first time.  This is a huge undertaking that requires fierce determination and commitment.  The food plan and exercise regimen combined are not for the lazy or apathetic. I am learning that every choice I make regarding food and workouts will affect my results. What I do in secret I will wear in public.  This will require dedication like I have never exhibited in my life but I am excited about the hurdles ahead. 

So why am I doing this you ask?   No, I am not trying to be skinny.  No, I am not anorexic.  No I do not think that what I will look like on stage in July is a realistic, maintainable size. I am doing this because I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself to do something that I have never done and never dreamed possible.  I want to see what I am capable of. That's it.. plain and simple.  I played sports most of my life and have always been competitive. I love the way it feels to be good at something. An added bonus to this decision is that I have been introduced to some of the most amazing and inspirational people ever.  I am truly in awe of these athletes and consider myself honored to be training beside them. 

As of today, I am 12 weeks and 1 day away from contest time.  I will be posting my progress weekly on my blog.  It was suggested to me to start a GOFUNDME page to help offset the cost of this competition.  I didn't realize how expensive it could be but everything is quickly adding up to much more than I can afford.  I will post a list of the financial requirements soon.   If you or someone you know would be willing to help sponsor me in this endeavor it would be GREATLY appreciated!!  You can make a donation on my GOFUNDME site or if you prefer to you can use paypal or send a check directly to me.   GOFUNDME  

I am happy to advertise your company or institution on my blog, Facebook and/or clothing. 

Any small amount is still a huge help! Thanks in advance. 

Slow and steady wins the race! 

To learn more about NPC Bikini Competitions you can visit the site here NPC ONLINE .

Thank you to all of my friends and family who have always supported my dreams!! Your continued prayers and love are much appreciated!

Always, 

Maegan