Any weight loss journey is a tough one, but it can also be one of the most gratifying experiences one can ever have. Whether you’re just starting your health and fitness journey or you’re a seasoned veteran; keep my 10 commandments of weight loss in mind to help yourself be successful in accomplishing your goals.

As my prep for the 2012 NPC Nationals hums along and approaches the 6 week out mark, I’m compelled to share a glimpse into my journey that has led me here today.

Who doesn’t love fall? Football, hoodies, and cooler weather-what’s not to love? The fall season brings the sweet smells of harvest, bon fires, and PUMPKINS. My personal favorite part of the fall season is anything and everything pumpkin!

Last week, I experimented with a few new recipes. All of which are cleaner versions of some of our favorite ‘comfort foods’.

Change is inevitable.

Everything changes; people, our environment, our bodies, life. How do you adapt? Do you fear change?

Change is necessary to grow. Not only does this hold true with our gym lives, but our everyday lives as well. Sometimes, things happen in life that we don’t always understand. Change being one of them.

We all know how a BBQ/cookout can potentially ruin your clean eating. Host your own party & fool your guests into eating clean with my guilt free menu!

You can’t win em’ all. Sometimes you’re first, sometimes you’re last.

As I’m reflecting on this past weekend where I competed at the 2012 NPC Jr. Nationals in Chicago, I know that even though I didn’t place in the top 15, I’ve still won. I competed against myself and my last stage performance and still came out on top.

The official first day of summer is just around the corner. Many of us have been faithfully hitting the gym getting that bod ready for bikini season. Now that it’s almost here, don’t slack off; we still have 3 months of bikinis, tank tops, & shorts.

As a continuance to my last blog on food choices, I’ve decided to share some of my favorite recipes! Some require a little more prep time than others, but like I’ve said; “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”.

You’ve said to yourself; “It’s time to lose this weight”, “I’m going to make it to the gym at least 4 times this week”, and “I’m going to get healthier.” But, “What do I eat?” When it comes to weight loss, many people are confused about what to eat, what not to eat, and how much.