Shannon
Member
Okay...here are a few photos.. I have will post some recent ones soon. I gained 60 lbs with my last child. GOOD TIMES!!!!
I'm a rookie at posting photos, so excuse the size differences.
September 2009...1 month post delivery
November 27th... Start of my Competition Journey
December 31 2010
September 2009...1 month post delivery
November 27th, 2010
December 31 2010
Welcome back Shannon! Sounds like you had a great time and way to inspire those around you, you fitness model you ;) Isn't it nice to enjoy your time yet still feel refreshed to get home and back into the swing of things... We just love our routines!
I am glad you received your Quest bars and love them! Aren't they delicious!!! 7 weeks and you are looking amazing! Glad you posted photos. You are adorable and have such a great physique. You are going to be ready to rock! All your hard work and positivity has paid off! You are an inspiration to all the future mothers out there or those that hope to be one day!
Glad you got off the Splenda wagon and on the Stevia wagon. I did so myself Jan 2010 and never switched back. So much better for you, way to go!!!
Keep up the great work and keep everyone posted on your continued success!!! hugs
Shannon
Member
Jan 29th, 2011 40 days from competition
February is here with No excuses! Day 2 of sticking to my exact plan...no munching on kids left over french fries or a bite of this here and there. I feel like I have turned the corner even since this photo was taken 4 days ago. My workout clothes are fitting different and the tummy pooch is slowly slimming down. Key changes have been made to my diet and it has made a world of difference. I have switched from a whey protein, to plant based and cut out eggs/egg whites all together. Gas free for 5 days.. THANK GOD!!! Couldn't even stand myself some days :)
It's amazing how day in day out, week in week out I have been working my butt off and slowly things start to click. The changes slowly appear and everything is paying off. Wow, this eating is my way of life. When the competition comes and goes, I will continue to prepare my mini clean meals and keep my physique I have worked so hard for. Days I feel like preparing my meals, steaming veggies and working out is my other "JOB". . . and I love it !
Let's all kick butt with our NO EXCUSE month... WE CAN DO IT!!
Shannon... Glad you are seeing how consistency is KEY and things just start to click and when they do, they just do! You are looking great!! I am glad you are seeing and feeling how all the hard work does pay off and is SO worth it! Staying patient and consistent and soon enough, things just ALL fall into place! I am so excited you are seeing how this is the way of life and no other way! The tools and routine you are living today is going to be the way you are forever! You are building such a foundation that will last a lifetime! Welcome to the lifestyle girlie! Keep up the great work! :)
Shannon
Member
I'm HUNGRY!! A tablespoon of PB, Sugar Free Hot Coca, and many ounces of chicken and veggies later, I am still hungry. This is where my head gets thinking a little beyond my current training and diet and looks towards after the competition. My clean eating is realistic for me, my lifting is realistic for me, my cardio is NOT realistic. I am currently lifting 5 days a week. Upper x2 Lower x3 and doing the following for cardio:
8 HIIT workouts @ 35-40 min (includes warm up/cool down) ......4 (treadmill sprints) & 4 (Step Mill Sprints)...
2-4 Steady state cardio days.
Is this way too much or is this the norm? Most days are double cardio days and intense. You know me, I have been doing this, but my fears are popping up daily of what my back to "normal" workouts will be after and how my body will change. Should I be allowing myself a "splurge meal"?? That is not on my plan, but it may help my cravings.
I know the hunger comes from ALL the cardio, so that's a simple solution.. cut back on cardio, hunger will decrease... Right?
Thoughts, I am 5 weeks away from this Successful Journey and want to end with a bang. After all, this is my new lifestyle and I do love every minute of it (well, almost)...I don't want to worry and I am !
Shannon
Member
Saturday is here.... 5 weeks from today my Journey it put to the test.... It's going to be a great day. My attitude needs an adjustment. I chose to do this show and my negativity is not helping. Just read and article on Muscle & Fitness hers where I had an Ah HA moment. NEVER FOCUS ON NEGATIVE!!! Instead of saying "I'm Hungry, like I have been, rephrase with "I'm getting leaner.... a smaller waist" Stay positive, and I am a positive person!. Distracting myself when I feel this way is a MUST, along with drinking a TON of water or perhaps some Hot lemon water since its' been so cold here.
With all this said, I am REALLY looking forward to transforming my body even more during these last 5 weeks and giving my ALL!
Have a great weekend everyone ! Happy thoughts. Happy Day! Thanks to everyone for their support. I OWN IT!!
Hey Shannon! Wow! 5 weeks already! WOOHOO!! I can't believe it's only 5 weeks. You look great and you've had a great transformation so far. I bet you feel amazing. As for the hunger, make sure you're abusing your vegetables! LOL! It's the ONLY way to satisfy that hunger thing while in contest prep! Keep up the great work and amazing attitude. You are going to rock that stage!
Shannon, Checking in on you... almost 4 weeks out.. unfortunately you are are that point where you are so close and your body is really kicked into gear, which is a Great thing, BUT yes, that means you are hungry! This is where you really have to utilize your veggies and will power. This is where you are tested. You said it, the healthy eating and training IS realistic but absolutely that much cardio is NOT, for life. It is for competition because you have to take your body out of its comfort zone and push it, for a short time only but then it is back to lifestyle and a realistic amount of cardio, ie 4-6 days a week of 30-45 with some HIT sessions.
You are going to be just fine, after your show, because you have all the tools and support. You are going to be just fine, promise! easing back into lifestyle is going to be key! You don't go from 200 to 20 mph so going from 200 to 100 and then down to a steady, realistic 65 is the way to go. Easing off the intense cardio and slowly decreasing it is going to make the difference and ensure you stay on track. Glad to be thinking about the aftermath but for now focus on your show and when you have a second you can always read the following article and listen to the following podcast...
POST CONTEST- NOT SO BLUES: http://ginaaliotti.com/members/v2/?p=2667
POST CONTEST- THE AFTERMATH: http://ginaaliotti.com/members/v2/?p=644
EASING OFF EXTREMES (PODCAST): http://ginaaliotti.com/members/v2/?p=3714
hope those help....
Hope you are back to the positive you are are and not letting anything get you down or shift your way of thinking!
NEVER FOCUS ON NEGATIVE!!! That is on powerful statement to go by!
This is definitely a time where you are being tested mentally and physically but remember this is where your growth stems. If only 4-5 weeks of your prep are challenging or testing you, hey that is amazing! That means that you are doing things right. With such a short amount of time, now it is the momentum and excitement of the show that is going to carry you through... Keep up the great work and positively moving along! :)
Shannon
Member
Gina,...THANK you for always making things better. Your words of wisdom, links, podcasts, realistic positive outlook is WHY you and your site are so so helpful and have made all the difference in my journey. I will take on the POSt show Life with a better mind frame.
Yes, We are getting closer to March 12th. I am focused beyond belief!!! This week is a trial run of diet a week before the show. I have REALLY been bloated in my belly, and wow has this change in diet worked...SOOO my diet since last Friday, Feb 11th has been 4-6 oz Fish or chicken... and Zucchini, Asparagus and Green Beans. 5-7 times a day. I know numbers (ie: Scale/weight) should be a big focus, but I weighed in at 140.2 & 13.2 % Body fat on Friday... As of today, just 2 days later, eating as CLEAN as CLEAN comes, 136.6.......WOOHOO!!
Even though my diet is super clean, my workout are Kick A** and my mind is focused, I still think, oh my, ONE MORE piece of chicken... I would love to know what others do to REALLY dig deep.. When you want to eat peanut butter or something not on the plan, do you look at photos of lean mean fighting machine bodies or drink a bunch of water?? I'm open for suggestions.
Swagger has joined my supplement list, usually taking it with my 12:30 meal. I try to take only one, but some days two. LOVE IT!! For all those who take it, do you find it kicks in about an hour after taking??
Looking forward to seeing my body tan instead of pasty white. What a difference that will make too! With that said...Let's talk makeup. I will take tips if anyone has them... For foundation, do you all go a shade or 2 darker.. just buy a few and try after sprayed?
More photos to come....I should be getting my suit soon... Anxious to see how it turned out. Have a great Valentines Day Everyone!!
michelle M
Member
Go Shannon! I'm so excited for you! you have come so far. When I get a really bad craving I either eat gum....drink coffee or get out of the situation that's making me have that craving. So if I'm at home and that almond butter won't leave me alone then I pack the kids up and go to the park. That usually gets my mind off of it. On really bad days I tell myself I want to win and the almond butter will always be there and I can the whole damn jar after my contest if I want! Good luck girl! I can't wait to see pics of your suit.
WOW, you are one lean machine Shannon!! Great job and way to dig deep!! You are getting close girlie! Focus and take it one meal at a time!! As for suggestions for cravings, Michelle mentioned some great ideas!!
coffee, tea, gum, sugar free popsicles (in moderation), take a bath, go for a walk, read a book, take a nap, water (spice it up with lemon), visualization... Visualization goes a long way! As Michelle said, "it" will always be there... Imagine how good you are going to feel when you get to your goal! Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels!! Keep up the great work!!
Shannon
Member
Great tips ladies. Gum is my savior!!
Attended a good friends 40th birthday party last night. I will admit, I took the day off from eating and drinking clean. I didn't over do it, but I sure enjoyed myself...for the time being. Eating crappy just reinforces that it feels so much better to eat clean. Back to my green beans, fish and chicken, I really do love. A kick-butt workout this morning and I'm back on track, 20 days until the big day.
Everyone last night was paying my the nicest compliments. My husband kept saying this morning, all the girls were so jealous of how I looked and your body. I said they have NO right to be jealous because I work my ASS off day in and day out!! I have overcome eating disorders and challenges in my life and nothing with food, the mind or body is EASY. Mental commitment is KEY. Splurging yesterday was a big stepping stone along this journey. Knowing how far I have come, what bad habits I have omitted from my life, I was ok with my actions yesterday. I will only focus on the positive and not look back.
A girl at the gym yesterday was asking what If I was starving myself yet for the show. I gladly explained that was not part of my plan. I eat 7 times a day. Not possible! She said, well what you are doing is not realistic. WOW... really, this is my life. This is the new me, so watch out. Yes, I'll cut back on my cardio, but I truly love eating CLEAN and pushing the limit with my workouts. Amazing how everyone has and opinion. This is why I blast my music, workout hard and don't socialize much at the gym.
Sooo with that said.... BRING on a new week. Everyone "Dig Deep" and have a kick butt week!!
JAMIE
Member
Shannon,
wow girl, I can't believe its almost show time! I love your attitude about all of this and I can relate to the things you have overcome. You are a beautiful person inside and out! Gina's site is so inspirational and to have folks like you on here is amazing! Dig deep these last couple/few weeks and you will ROCK the stage! Way to push through your workouts. . . .don't just be better than your counter parts. . . .be better than YOU! ;) You got this I can't wait to see pix!
Hugs,
jamie
Shannon, yet another powerful post from you! Look at you, evaluating what it is you are continuing to learn, how far you have come and the habits you have created and omitted from your life! You have such a powerful and uplifting spirit and outlook. SO proud of you for your continued success and also for being able to recognize your progress, where you have come from and be able to pat yourself on the back and acknowledge what you have done to get to where you are! You go girl, dig deep!
Shannon
Member
http://img340.imageshack.us/i/img9224q.jpg/
http://img703.imageshack.us/i/img9229.jpg/
My suit has arrived. Bright, but it fits my personality!! Just want to adjust the bottoms a bit and bunch the sides I think. Should I Bling it out ?? Do judges like the bling or is it eye popping color it is not necessary.
My new trick to curb a craving, put on my suit and prance around.
15 days to perfect this bod !!
JAMIE
Member
Wow girl it looks great. . . .and so does the suit! ;) hehehe You are transforming your body INTO a champ! I think you have the right idea about bunching the side and I think you should go with your personality. . . .if your gut is telling you to bling it. . . .bring on the BLING! I think with your blonde hair and tan for the show that color is going to look AMAZING!!! Some bling? That will just make you sparkle! Keep it up girl, I can't wait to see your comp pix! =) woo whoo to 15 days! i can't wait until I can say that, since that means I'll be almost outta the desert and on my way home ;)
Hugs!
Jamie
Shannon
Member
9 days away!!! I'm pumped and doing great. My suit is looking great with some added BLING (thanks for the green light Jamie..YOU r kicking butt BTW !!) I leave for LA tomorrow, an unexpected weekend away with travel. Not what I had planned on, but have to attend my uncles funeral. All my baggies are packed with protein and my veggies are steamed. This will be a true Test, but I am ready!! Measured in at 11.5 % Body fat yesterday... WOOOO HOOO.. clothes are getting LOOOOOSE! I sure notice I snap a little quicker and my patience is not quite the same, especially with the kiddos. I am eliminating the Debbie Downers in my life..well at least at the gym, and focusing on ME.. not to sound too selfish. Will keep you all posted on my final week of Prep, diet, tanning and FUN FUN !! My posing was perfected yesterday. My posing coach is the BEST.. So I thank her and everyone for their support through my journey.. Let's do this!!! Off for a kick butt work out!!!
Shannon
Member
2 Days away from the BIG BIKINI DAY!! Cutting back on my water is the hardest part of my training. I LOVE water and drink a ton. What am amazing journey this has been. Thanks to everyone on this site who has encouraged me to shoot for the stars. Looking forward to Sparkling on Stage Saturday. WWOO HOOO!!!!
WOW 2 days to go! You have made it!! Remember the starting posts and look at you now! You committed and you have arrived at your destination! What an amazing journey indeed and it isn't over! Enjoy every moment of these next few days, they go quick! Absorb them and shoot for those stars! We will all be thinking about you and sending you our best!! You've got this! Be the confident, energetic, positive, and successful woman you have been throughout your journey! Do your thing and have fun!! Remember you have already won, congratulations!!
Great job Shannon!! I can't believe it! That went by so fast. Maybe not for you but for me it did. LOL! I love that you kept such a great attitude through the whole thing. Now it's just relax and enjoy. You did a fantastic job so just enjoy your time to shine on stage. You'll have so much fun. Can't wait to see pics and hear about your experience. You will love it! Have fun!!!!
Lucy
Member
Yes I agree with Erin, that did seem like a really fast prep. Tomorrow is the big day, how exciting!! Can't wake to see the pictures of the finished presentation!! YOu must share as assign as possible. You have such a great attitude and outlook on life and I have really enjoyed reading your journal. YOu will do great! Yes let your sparkling personality lead you on stage!!!
Time sure does Fly!! We are thinking about you this weekend! Go do your thing, show off all your hard work and be that champion that you already are! Best of luck from all of us!!!
Shannon
Member
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Good Morning Everyone. Bikini Day has come and gone. What an experience and LONG day, with tons of laugh and memories! I didn't bring any hardware home, but know I am a winner in my own way. I will get some photos of the actual competition once I get them, but this photo was taken on our lunch break at Toby Keith's Bar& Restaurant. So Fun!!!
We had a celebration dinner at almost midnight then off to bed. My meal this morning was oatmeal and protein shake and my typical 2 cups of coffee, followed by a trip to the gym to do sprints and lift legs, followed by chicken and veggies. This is my life. Strange to wake up and not have a strict plan...It was weird to have oats and be free to make my own healthy clean choices. My splurge meal is over and I'm back on track.
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement to follow through with my goal. You all ROCK!!!!
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