FitChicks BodyBlog

I feel blessed to have been chosen Amature Bodybuilder of the week. Check out my write-up at:  http://www.bodybuilders.com/laura_bravo.htm

~Lifes battles don’t always go to the stonger or faster man/woman, but sooner or later the man/woman who wins is the one who thinks he can~

   I have to say, meeting all of those nice ladies backstage at the NPC Orange County classic made the experience just that much more fun!!  I had an awesome time competing in SO CAL. You all looked amazing! Im happy to have placed 3rd in the Masters 35+ & 3rd in the Open out of 26 girls. Not too shabby~ This is just the start to my busy year. Im sad that those of you who planned on working that show didn’t come thru. You missed a great show. Gina Aliotti, Flex wheeler, Jay Cutler, just to name a few pro’s, were there to top off the day with an awesome ending. 

 Okay here it is in black and white peeps… Im finally commiting to do the NPC Orange County Classic on April 25th. So for those of you who live in the area, please don’t miss it and come give me some support. I hope to be ready in 11.5 weeks. I have lots of work to do. I’ve gained some muscle since the last show..but along with that some extra insulation that I am now working on disintegrating. :0) Im excited about it. Its been much too long since my last show and I can’t wait to feel the rush of the spotlight!! I have to thank Paul for giving me that extra push I needed to get out of that Funk I had been in for a while. Hope not to be back there again! So goal for the next few days is to keep clean, Train Mean, and focus on getting Lean!!! ~ Thanks for stopping by and as always, Train with Passion!

 Happy New Year!! It’s time to start fresh and get this ball rollin’. After taking a year off and gaining some muscle as well as some unwanted bodyfat, not really following the best nutrition plan, I am pretty much starting from scratch again. So here it goes.. I actually started my contest diet a day after Christmas day, because as all of you know, its so hard to eat clean during the holidays (Although, Ive done it many times before)..It definitely get’s harder as we grow older (no, I didn’t just type that??) That’s not really true, unless you truly believe it.  So, no more Posole’ and tamales..and not to mention the wonderful desserts that everyone at the office tempts you with..but everyone also knows, that "Nothing Tastes as good as Fit Feels".. Right?? Okay, with those words.. Please join me on my Journey to my next competition. You are probably wondering, "Well, when is your next competition?"  It really depends on weather this plan works for me and where Im at contest time. Now that OCB contest have put a ban on ECA stack, is there an alternative? If you know of a good Thermo, one that you’ve actually had results with, please post!!  So for now, lets just say I want to be contest ready in approx. 12 weeks.  :0)

Supplements: Listed on profile page.

Daily Meal Plan:
~~Training Days~~
Meal 1: 1/2 C. Quick Oats, 1/4 C. (Fresh) Blueberries
Meal 2: 1/4 C. Raw Cashews
Meal 3: Stuffed red pepper (1 large pepper stuffed with ½ cup brown rice, 3 ounces ground top serloin,  ½ cup sodium free tomato sauce, 1 Tbsp olive oil)
To make: Stuff pepper, Bake in 350°F oven for ½ hour (or until ground meat is cooked through).
Meal 4: Low Fat Cottage Cheese topped with 1 Tbsp Wheat Germ
Meal 5: 4 oz. Turkey, 1 C. Sauteed green beans & Mushrooms (made with 1Tbsp Olive Oil, Chopped Garlic to taste).  1/2 C. Quinoa.
Meal 6: 1/2 C. Low Fat Plain Yogurt with 1/4 C. Berries & 1 tsp. Almonds

~~Non Training days~~

Meal 1: 6 Eggwhite Omelette made with 1/4 C. Spinach & Mushrooms, 1/2 C. Oats
Meal 2:1 Serving Protein, 1/4 C. Raw Cashews
Meal 3: 4 oz. Chicken Breast, 1 C. Rice, 1/2 Grapefruit
Meal 4: 1 Serving Protein
Meal 5: 7 oz. Salmon, 1 Medium Baked Potato, 1 C. Green Veggies
Meal 6: (Optional) if still hungry eat 3 Eggwhites or 1 Serving Protein

  Its the new year, be sure to stick to your goals and live life TODAY!! ~ God Bless

 I hope Santa brings you everything your heart desires. ~God bless

Im going to be out on Vacation (~Ca bound baby~) I will be checking my emails periodically. Have a blessed holiday! ~Be blessed~

Survival Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving Dinner

*Skipping breakfast and lunch is a sure recipe for overeating at the Thanksgiving table.
* Our bodies aren’t meant to handle 2,000-3,000 calories all at once and will store excess calories as fat.
*Better to eat smaller amounts and drink lots of water throughout the day and really enjoy a healthful dinner. 
* Control your portion sizes: Draw a 12-inch dinner plate in your mind and divide it into three-inch-sized circles with each one representing one food group: proteins, vegetables and starches. The key is to stay within your circle for each food group: If you like turkey and ham, fit a little of both in one circle. 
* If you’re worried about the food choices, bring your own low-calorie dish or veggie tray to family gatherings.
*Be active: Go for a bike ride, a long brisk walk, a run or spend at least one hour at your local gym to burn calories before the big Thanksgiving meal. 
* Plan a family event that involves physical activity.Pick-up game of basketball, a snowball fight, a long brisk walk outdoors or a family bike ride before, during or after the big meal.
*Be mindful of your alcohol intake: Mixed drinks tend to have high amount of concentrated sugar and quickly add empty calories. One glass of wine may be reasonable, but remember alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which makes it nearly twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein.

SWEET~ Im 10 weeks out- Hitting it hard. Goal for next 4 weeks {Muscle Gain}

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Halloween!! Don’t eat too many treats tonight. Be safe and have loads of fun!!!