The diet of my life is looming less than a day away!

 

I am not bingeing like a maniac, instead I am trying to be productive and get all of my 'intellectual' tasks and work stuff done before Sunday morning! I want to be uber organized and on top of things so I feel good tackling this dieting challenge!

 

I love how things are rolling with my business. I have recently 'incorporated' which was kind of a big deal and am now legally known as TanisFit Inc. Through the wonders of Facebook I am hooking up with a great accountant to get things optimized in terms of taxes, and i have a fantabulous lawyer who is carrying me through depths of confusion and new territory. I really appreciate where I am and the people I have around me!

 

My meal plans have been catching on and it's fantastic! I love doing it and i love when people are receptive and true to the plan. They are seeing some great results!

 

My first competitive girl to compete in 2009 is one week out! Heather Osmond is doing Figure in the Maritimes to qualify for the CBBF Nationals in August. Personally, I think she could take the show. She is on, and unless someone is legitimately more spectacular, she's got it! I'm super pumped for her, she has done exactly what i have said to do to an absolute T. I can plan your program but YOU have to follow it! That's the tricky part!

 

My next question is: How do I get my 14 month old to not open-mouth kiss random little girls? It's been a progressive issue this week and I kind of want to stop this behaviour now! The genetic influence is awesome hey? Ha ha!

I am not weighing in. I am not even weighing myself until Saturday April 4. So hold tight! I am making some major changes. I assure that I will be stage ready by June but I am torn between what I believe is right for me and a new direction with this contest dieting that I may have to take.

 

My body is truly in it's equilibrium in the early 160s late 150s. Truly. And if I wasn't set on competing and achieving these goals that I have I would be very happy with where my body is at. That said, my habits are consistent with this body and my comfort zone supports this body.

 

I will be the first one to say that I certainly don't know everything about the body. I am not a doctor, I am not a dietitan, I have made dieting mistakes, and I feel as though I am always learning. To my credit, I have been heavy, I have been obese, I have lost a drastic amount of weight, and I have been extremely lean. I have done it in healthy ways and unhealthy ways. I have rebounded, I have created resistance within my body, and I have exhausted systems of my body. One thing I know for sure from all of this madness is that the body is so resilient and will really truly work with us if we allow it to.

 

My philosophy with dieting others is to be clean and consistent and gradually reduce to stage weight. If someone trusts in me I will be diligent and meticulous in my planning as I truly invest my energy in creating something that will work physically and emotionally. Dieting is a mental game and I am not going to get someone who is conquering issues with food to diet like a bodybuilder who is three weeks out. It won't happen, it is a set up for failure and I want to empower people, not defeat them.

 

I have cut out staple stimulants this week as part of a detoxing 'reset' for my system. For the first time in as long as I can remember I have been free of caffeine and artificial sweetener. The first day I was physically ill which goes to show how powerful and probably not good this stuff truly is. Honestly, I am starting to feel more 'real' now that I am off of it. I immediately started sleeping more - and better. Today I am not that tired and I woke up fine after a late one last night. It's the habit more than anything now. Grabbing that diet pop or double fisting my coffees with 4 sweeteners... it's all do-able though. I resisted it but I trusted that it was for the best and now I am glad I did.

 

Starting Sunday I start a very restrictive meal plan that is designed to work in sync with proper vitamin supplementation, sleep, and no stimulants! No sweetener either. Very different than what I am used to. I have been battling whether I can do the very restrictive element of this plan and I have decided that if nothing else this is part of my 'fitness' sabbatical where I learn as I go and I myself must trust the process. With the decision to keep the lines of communication very open between myself and my trainer I am going to see what happens to my body in this process. I know I need to tighten up and reduce a bit of mass. Also, I think holistically it will be freeing to release myself from my final vices of caffeine and sweetener. Obviously I need to be pushed out of my comfort zone, so come Sunday I need to really decide I am going to do this. No complaints, no excuses.

 

My trainer promises 140s by the time my photo shoot on April 25 happens. I'd love to see that happen.

Weight: 164 lbs - way to be the same as 20 weeks out...

 

I am so cranky right now. I will keep this short and sweet. Never ever have I had to cut out diet pop and coffee in a diet at 12 weeks out. These are my 'free' calories and I need them in my life... not actually but I am being miserable and dramatic right now!

 

My head hurts, I am nauseous... I am empathizing with those on 'Celebrity Rehab'. I feel like I should be in an institution.

 

Every day will get better. It has to.

Weight: 162 lbs

 

That was my weight this morning - not after the gluttonous 'FINAL' cheat meal I just had!

 

This is it. 12 weeks of monotony and discipline start tomorrow. I acted like a pouty spoiled little kid all day today thinking about tomorrow. It all goes tomorrow. Not the food so much, but the vices. I have to go without coffee, artificial sweetener, and diet pop... what??? I would rather give up food altogether - seriously!

 

But "If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got."

 

My system's biggest problem is being overtaxed and overstimulated. I can resist what I NEED to do - but what is the benefit? I didn't think this would be asked of me so early - I am used to cutting carbs, cutting calories, adding cardio - and competing! So now comes a totally different journey! I wanted a challenge and I learn as I go, so there is no time like the present to see what happens next!

 

Don't mind the weight tomorrow - I just went out for Greek food - it was goooood!

Weight: 162 lbs

 

12 Weeks Out begins on Saturday. I love jumping the gun and trying to be H-Core early, but as far as my weight loss progress in these first 8 weeks has been - well, I am not showing too much progress on the scales! But I really have faith that i am exactly where I need to be at this moment. Sure, my eating and workout plans hasn't dropped me 15 pounds like I had hoped. I also had no idea how much muscle I had put on during my impressive pregnancy weight gain! My body fat is lower than I thought and now my trainer comes into play - crafting a mass-reducing lean out plan for 12 weeks leading up to fitness provincials. She never wanted me to diet longer than that... and truthfully, how I eat right now is not a 'diet' it's really a way of life. What's ahead for me is a bit scary. Not because of lack of calories, carbs, or an increase in exercise. Once the diet has cleaned up - we must face the vices that may be 'calorie-free' but are detrimental to our progress.

 

My relationship with coffee, sweetener, and diet pop is certainly an intense one. I win at Roll up the Rim an average of once a day. Not because I am lucky - but because the odds are 1 in 9... and I drink 8 coffees a day. Yesterday I didn't win. Today I won a coffee on my first one. The numbers sort themselves out.

 

Now it's time to face the demons - to let go of addictions, and detox....

 

This may be the hardest thing I ever have to do. Not a complete abstinence from the start, but significant enough to challenge my emotional stability!

 

It's a new chapter... a new challenge. I may as well embrace it. If I want what I want and i trust whom I trust, then I have to submit to doing things I may not be comfortable doing. Trust the process.

 

My quote of the day:

 

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."

Weight: 162 lbs

 

I had a wonderfully simple day with my little boy today. I worked out early and spent the day with him at gymnastics and then out shopping. I was trying not to spend any money on clothes until I go to Edmonton for the Britney concert... but it appears I have an addiction. My poor husband! I got some nice stuff though! Also - I have a jacket addiction... I used to be a shoe and purse girl but now I am all about jackets! And because Michael doesn't have many words... he says 'Yeah', I love taking him shopping because when I try stuff on I say - 'Should Mom get this?' and he says 'Yeah' and I tell him he's the boss and then he laughs like crazy. It never gets old. I love it!

 

And a HUGE turnout for Adult Gymnastics class tonight! Lots of fun! Great to see everyone trying out something new! I am back there in just a few hours for Boot Camps! Those are going to start getting busy too! I just have a small group for now, but even tonight at Gymnastics me and one of the girls were laughing at the fact that when I first started doing the Wednesday night class sometimes there were only one or two people... and a couple of times none at all! That was three years ago... one thing about me is that I never give up on something I want!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela 

Weight: 162 lbs

 

I just sent off the final two-week plan for one of my girls who is doing a show on April 4! I am super pumped to see how she does, she looks great and is following everything to plan! And it gave me a reality check that made me thankful... for oatmeal, for fruit, for protein shakes, for splenda.... these are to be enjoyed while they last!

 

And I am transitioning back to my 'seasonal' blonde look. I got highlights done today and I like it. nothing too drastic. Boot Camps, hair, and work - that was pretty much my day! Not too much excitement when it's time to get busy! I got my 2 piece suit today too! Exciting!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"When you discipline yourself to do what is hard, you gain access to a realm of results that are denied everyone else. The willingness to do what is difficult is like having a key to a special private treasure room." - Steve Pavlina

 

 

Weight: 163 lbs

 

I am out of the slump and back on track! Positive energy attracts positive results and I had to give myself a 'tough love' talking to this morning to get it together and re-energize! I got my butt out of bed and did a circuit at home with elliptical intervals, plyos, etc. The idea of it when I was lying in bed made me want to shoot myself, but I didn't give myself an out and once i was done I felt awesome and rejeuvenated!

 

And it's funny - once you shift your attitude, it really seems as though the universe begins to shift around you. I had a great and productive day today. I feel refreshed and motivated again. And things started happening in my favor out of the blue. I had someone contact me in terms of a sponsorship contract, I got some further information on an upcoming travel opportunity, and the icing on the cake was seeing girls i am working with looking so GREAT and projecting an amazing developing confidence that I am thrilled to be a part of. This process changes lives and it is really exciting for me to watch.

 

And my group of 5-7 year old gymnasts are blowing me away. I am setting my expectations higher and higher of them every week because they deliver. They rise to my expectations and push me to challenge them - which as a coach is so very exciting! They are incredible young girls and we have a really dynamic and positive energy in this group. I love it. Yes, I might seem harsh and crazy with them at times, but it's all from a genuine and determined place.

 

Boot Camps tomorrow! Gotta get to bed!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"To love what you do and feel that it matters, how could anything be more fun?" - Katharine Graham

Weight: 163 lbs

 

A bad weigh in to cap off an overall bad week. No complaints, no excuses. I want to check all of the negativity and all of the frustration right here right now.

 

That said, I am 13 weeks away from ABBA Fitness Provincials and 16 Weeks out from the latest show I am committing to: the WBFF Calgary Show on July 4. The WBFF is a newer federation and i heard about via Facebook updates from three people in this industry I give a lot of kudos to. David Ford - the first photographer I ever worked with who has supported ANYONE doing a show in this province with absolute sincerity. He has been a rock for the ABBA association and still remembers the little people even though his career has absolutely exploded over the last couple of years and he is now a fitness photographer rock star! Annette Milber-Fleck an amazing Calgarian who has 'made it big' in the Fitness competition and Modelling world! I first met Annette working at Ceilis a few years back and can't find a bad thing to say about her - ever! She has graced many magazine covers and spreads including Oxygen, Musclemag, and American Curves. Unlike some competitors, she is near peak condition every time I see her and is unbelievably stunning in person as well as in print. On top of that, she is super nice and well spoken... don't you just hate her??? Ha ha, she is really fantastic though! Finally, Paul Anthony Neil - the golden child from when I used to train at World Health! He is a World Champion Natural Bodybuilder and a top trainer. As trainers we would always get reports on who was training the most sessions per month and he was always the top name!

 

Anyways - these three put on a PHENOMENAL seminar today that I recommend for anyone looking to compete for the first time or try out a new format. The name of the game is marketability which I know a lot of girls are looking for first and foremost. There is a definite need for it! For me, I like the 'competition' aspect of competition and really want to achieve IFBB Professional status which is only possible through ABBA and CBBF. I also know that the standards of this do not always coincide with the most marketable looks, so for me, I am still in the game for ABBA's fitness show. I just think it's great to have the opportunity to compete three weeks later in a local Figure show where more emphasis will be on overall looks and presentation. And no routine to rely on!

 

So that is my update. My neck and back are better today and hopefully my plans follow through and I get an early night in tonight and get a run in outside tomorrow morning before coaching. I have intervals to do and would like to get a start on the day with them! Now to finish up a couple of things and head to bed!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it.  The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."  ~Earl Nightingale
 

 

 

Weight: 164 lbs - What the??? Just a symptom of 'Everything going wrong week'!

 

Currently, I am exhausted, immobilized, and pretty much ready for this chaotic week to end!

 

My 'neck' thing turned into my entire shoulder girdle and neck being completely stiff and immobile first thing this morning. I could not turn my head, I couldn't pick up Michael, it worked it's way to 'functional' after a couple of hours - but it is still killing me! Needless to say my workouts have been non-existent today and yesterday. I am active with my boot camp and my job but for getting in a 'real' sweat session... hasn't happened! My trainer also changed gyms this week so I didn't get to see her. Here's for selective hearing though... I was told to go into my 12 week out point (March 21) with added calories and my plyometric workouts. I added the calories... even though I know the equation doesn't quite work without the workouts! Yikes! I am not worried - just frustrated, I need to get it together here. By the time I wake up tomorrow I want all of my loose ends tied up and i want to feel rested, energized, and mobile! We also had a concern with Michael this week, he had a prominent lump on his neck that we got in to get checked out today and luckily it only ended up being an inflamed lymph node. A friend of mine had her daughter in for surgery last month to get a lump removed so that was in the back of my mind. Everything is fine though!

 

Boot camps have been awesome! The first week went really well. I am now taking registration for my 5 week Boot Camp starting April 14. Tuesday and Thursday mornings 5:30am, 6:30am, and 7:30am. www.myclasspro.com/Tanisfit

 

Time to finish tackling my 'To Do' list now! My internet was down last night, which for anyone who knows me is absolutely disastrous!

 

Good luck to all the gymnasts competing at Jurassic Classic at U of C this weekend! It's on my 'To-Do' list to come and watch a couple of sessions! Should be great!

Weight: 161.5 lbs

 

Not yet feeling back to normal from the weekend! Darn that daylight savings time! It is nice that it is light out longer though. Big Adult Gymnastic Class tonight, great to see. Boot camps again in just a few hours, it's right to bed for me after this. I am a bit worried about an injury I sustained 4 years ago coming back to haunt me. I tore one of my rhomboids, a muscle in the upper back, and it took a long time to heal. I started feeling it today and I am hoping it is just stiffened up from the sitting I did this weekend with all of the driving and plane rides. I am not used to being in a sitting position for too long!

 

Some exciting things training wise on the go. More details as they come! For right now though I must get to bed, I have a really early morning I need to be pumped up for and then a busy day with a huge to-do list. I love those days though, they feel sooo productive. If you are reading this and I haven't gotten back to you about something, tomorrow is when you will be hearing from me. Five days away from my phone and a computer has left me with a lot of catching up to do!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." - Roger Staubach

Weight: 162 lbs

 

Busy day today getting back into the swing of things! First day of Boot Camps, I ended up with an awesome group that worked super hard and has a ton of potential for the upcoming days ahead! Awesome work!

 

The next session of Boot Camps starts April 14 and runs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until May 14, that's 5 weeks and there are time slots at 5:30am, 6:30am, and 7:30am. www.myclasspro.com/Tanisfit

 

All of my competitive Figure and Fitness girls are doing and looking amazing as well! Some big changes have been underway and it's really starting to show.

 

My quote of the day:

 

"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dream, and how you handle disappointment along the way" - Robert Kivosaki

BOOT CAMPS START TOMORROW! http://www.myclasspro.com/TanisFit

 

Weight: 163 lbs (not a morning weight - and actually surprised it is not 263... that's what I feel like!)

 

WOW! That was an insanely busy but exciting weekend! It went by way too fast but at the same time I felt like I was constantly on the go.

 

Did I stick to my diet? No. Did I make it an absolute disaster? No. There is a huge difference between going off of a schedule and having a binge fest. I did not have a binge fest. My intentions were good - I was saved several times this weekend with 'Boost Diabetic Shakes' (gluten-free, dairy-free!) but there were unforseen circumstances like being a driver and going the wrong way on the highway for 2 hours, or assuming the concession would be open for sessions at the competition but instead having to depend on the 'hospitality room'. All things that in hindsight i definitely could have been better prepared for. And then there were just the stupid things, I took my cheat meal but then I made exceptions for things when I shouldn't have. I had wine three times when I was only supposed to have it once, I had bread and jam one morning from the hospitality room, pizza for my cheat meal, and I had a peanut butter chocolate bar at the airport. By the time the flight home came I was exhausted, cranky, and worn right out. My body feels swollen and achy. I did make use of the hotel gym and made three cardio workouts where I actually ran but it was sub par. Flying takes a toll on the body as well, I am making sure to hydrate and replenish extra well today. And a meet out East with a time change is definitely an experience!

 

But the competition was an amazing experience. The meet is called L'international Gymnix and is a top International meet held in Montreal, Quebec. This year it became a part of the 'World Cup' circuit, which is HUGE for a Canadian meet! The meet offers competition at all levels and it is a popular meet out East especially so the girls get to experience competing against different clubs that they don't see all the time here.

 

Our club's shining moment was definitely earned by our top Junior Anysia Unick. Anysia was invited to be part of the Junior Team for Canada. She was added to the team and was definitely not expected to be one of the top Canadians, there were girls on the team with more experience and higher expectations. The USA Junior team was there with their top prospect right now Jordyn Wieber, along with the Russian junior team, and the French junior team. The juniors are 13-15 years old and are really interesting to watch because it gives a peek into the future of International gymnastics. It was definitely a big deal weekend that the girls were lucky to see. Marta Karolyi, one of the infamous Karolyis was the coach of the US team and on the floor with Anysia and the Canadian team. Very cool.

 

The All Around competition had Anysia as a starter for the Canadian team for two events, meaning it was her job to have a solid routine and set the way for higher scores from her teammates following her. Well, Anysia blew everyone away and hit 4 for 4 and ended up being the top Canadian coming 4th All Around to 3 out of the 4 Americans. She made 3 event finals and competed in Vault, Bars, and Floor the next day winning a Bronze medal on the bars - sharing a podium with USA's Jordyn Wieber and Sabrina Vega. Watch for both of those names coming out of the US, they are 1 and 2 for the Juniors and Anysia was right behind them.

 

Our top Senior Ashley Quinton was also in attendance at this meet and was prepared to take part in the Senior International Cup. Unfortunately a short landing tweaked her ankle on vault and she was unable to complete the competition. Ashley is a fierce competitor and one of the toughest and most hard working kids i know so I know she will bounce back. But it was definitely an unfortunate situation. The other girls got to experience a very different competition than what they are used to. Experiences like a different time zone, a time change, competing on a different brand of equipment, different teams... it all adds up. The more we can expose these girls to, the more exprience they will gain and hopefully the better they will perform. It's all a process and i am proud of all of our girls.

 

My quote of the day:

 

"Your actions in life set your course and determine the destination of your travels. Your reactions in life create the climate in which you travel" - Beth Johnson

 

 

Boot Camps in less than a week! Free up your Tuesday and Thursday mornings and get moving! www.myclasspro.com/TanisFit

 

Weight: 158 lbs

 

I am off to Montreal very shortly. This should be an exciting action packed weekend I just hope it doesn't take a toll on the scale! Meal by meal, day by day. I am prepared, it all depends if I am determined enough to make the time once I am there, I certainly hope I am!

 

To all my girls - stick to your diets! You are all doing great, and the first show for anyone I am helping out is officially one month away! I will share pics if she lets me after the big day! She looks FANTASTIC already! And she still has fruit and carbs!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Boot Camps start in One Week! Don't miss out! www.myclasspro.com/TanisFit

 

Weight: 157 lbs

 

I have 'day before vacation' syndrome! I leave for Montreal tomorrow and I am in a scramble to get ahead so that when I come back next Monday I don't have apile of work on my plate! My goal is to have a free Monday to sleep and unpack before work. That probably means a long night ahead! My little boy is catching a cold too. My husband is in Vegas, he is staying with my parents and now he is going to be a little sicky! Poor guy.

 

If I can I will blog in Montreal but our schedule is jam packed and I make no guarantees! I won't be weighing myself unless there is a scale at the hotel, but I really hope not to put on any weight!

 

My quote of the day:

 

"Everybody has the will to win, but not everybody has the will to prepare."

ONLY A WEEK LEFT UNTIL BOOT CAMPS! www.myclasspro.com/TanisFit

 

Weight: 157 lbs - and soon to be dropping fast!

 

Okay the weight is dropping now, time to take advantage! Today is a busy day but there is lots of working out involved so I am pumped. I see Martha again tomorrow and leave for Montreal on Wednesday. We got the schedule for Montreal sorted out and it is insane. 6:50 am competition times to late night competitions all day every day. There is a gym in our hotel and i am making Kelsey my co-coach go with me every chance we get! I have trouble dieting when I am away because I usually don't prepare as well as I should. I am starting my packing today and making sure I have lots of protein shakes, cans of tuna, rice cakes, and oatmeal on hand.

 

My quote of the day:

 

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Weight: 160 lbs

 

The fact that I only gained a pound after my cheat meal from last night tells me that my number is on the decline this week! It was my birthday and I was an unrestricted pig last night! Wine, bread with butter, ahi tuna, steak with seafood oscar, mushrooms, asparagus, yam fries, a coffee with milk and MARBLE SLAB! I do not usually go that crazy but it wasn't an 'out of control' binge feeling. It was very controlled, I just wanted to eat it! I get one more cheat meal with alcohol and then I have to shut her down for the season! Boo! Ha ha - for the better!

 

It's interesting to be working with a group of girls towards shows this year. They are all very different and it's fascinating to observe how different they are 'living' out their experiences. This experience of dieting and training for a show really puts your ability to organize yourself and accept structure on the line. Most people who begin training for shows never make it to the stage. There is always a big long complicated reason - but 99% of the time, they found justification for their excuses and weren't ready for the 'preparation' this sort of thing requires. I am really not judgemental abut it - I observe it - I see it for what it is, and I have done it too. Now, reflecting back on it, I have improved myself since then, I have matured, and I have gained confidence along the way to do what I do now. I couldn't do the show I started training for in 2003 because I was a shooter girl at a bar and 'just couldn't stop drinking'! Meanwhile, another girl I worked with worked full-time days with special needs kids, and worked in the same bar I did with all of the same co-workers and ended up competing that year and making top 5. I was jealous. When someone does this sort of thing it brings out a crazy side in people. It forces them to face their own weaknesses and the most common reaction to someone working hard and making progress is anger, resentment, and jealousy... it's ugly, but it happens.  

 

That said - not everyone has to do a certain show at a certain time or face doom! The shows don't go away! Yes, they are rewarding to do but you have to be ready for EVERYTHING that is involved with doing one! If you think you just want to do one to look hot and you think all you have to do is eat a few chicken breasts and join a gym, well sorry, that's not going to cut it. It doesn't mean you can't improve upon your current lifestyle, but a show requires an unfaltering dedication and commitment that most people are not willing to make. And that's what makes it so fantastic when you make it to that stage... very few people can do what you've done. It's great.

 

My quote of the day (from my girl Kylie... not sure where she got it though!)

 

"To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure. But risk must be taken because the biggest hazard in life is to risk nothing."