It's Pizza Night! woo hoo. One of everybody's favorite fun foods. Have your pizza and abs too! Abs are made in the kitchen. Check it out. Learn how to swap out fattening ingredients for flavorful, colorful, and waist-line friendly ones. 
Check the next page (Videos) to see me make this pizza and talk about what makes it healthy. 

Here's the grocery list: 
Boboli Whole Wheat ready made pizza crust
Canned Chopped tomatoes with italian herbs
Fresh Tomatoes
Zucchini
Squash
Spinach
Peppers
Red Onion
Broccoli
Garlic
Oregano
Grated part-skim Mozzarella Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Basil 

The 2010 September 18th Naturalmania US Cup Show was a success! I managed to take home 5th place in my first Pro Figure Debut and 2nd place in Best Body against 13 lovely ladies. Whew! It was a tough line up. And not to mention a particularly tough month of preparation. With all the challenging life obstacles thrown my way, it's a wonder I got through this show on my feet. I'm happy to have it behind me and I'm ready to move on to the next challenges! 
This morning was my first baby step towards running a marathon. I went for 3 miles focusing on pace, stride, efficiency and distance. I'm hoping to be able to handle a winter of outdoor running but knowing my Arizona skin I'm not sure I will handle the cold. I hear it's all about the proper layering. Wish me luck! 

The INBF/WNBF show is just days away. I have moved out of my NYC apartment and said goodbye to my jobs. Crazy times, but very exciting. Everyone is invited to cheer me on this Saturday, Sept 18th at the Naturalmania US Cup at MLK High School 5pm, $30 at the door. I need all the support I can get. Preparing for this show has been the biggest challenge yet as it coincides with moving and packing and preparing for a new phase of life. But you can bet I will be smiling on stage this Saturday! and then passing out on Sunday! :) 
Here we go! 

It's time to shed some fat and reveal the strength you are building. Not to mention stay healthy and vibrant. The benefits of this workout go far beyond appearance. See how I keep my cardio workouts enjoyable by going outdoors and keeping it quick and intense and racing against the clock!

Here's how the workout goes:
Run to the park: 5 mins
find a stairs or a hill, run up and down 3 times, 10 pushups at the top and repeat. 
Try to complete the repeats as many times as possible within 10 minutes time period
Run back 5 mins.
There you have it, a fast, effective, 20 minute workout that anyone can fit into their busy schedule. 
Hope you enjoy!  

This post is for all of you out there that are feeling so close, yet so far, from reaching your goals.
You've been working at the same goal for what feels like a lifetime and you're ready to be done with it, but you won't quit what you started. I feel ya! 
I'm 8 and a half weeks into my training right now, and I have to admit, this is hard! 
Sometimes people get the impression from my positive attitude that this is easy for me. That somehow I don't have to fight for it, that I'm naturally fit.
 Nope! I fight for it! It's a daily battle
The truth about fitness, the very nature of it, is that it's a fight, a fight against weakness. The only thing that makes it easier is a passion, a burning desire, a will, to get stronger, better, faster, and fitter than before. 
I want to be the best. I want to be strong. I want to be able to handle whatever comes my way. This is why I fight. (figuratively of course, haha, I wouldn't hurt a fly I swear) 
My point is this: It's no use to wish that fitness was easy. Easy isn't good. Earning something through hard work, consistency, and dedication is what's truly fulfilling. This is why you keep going, keep challenging your limits, and put in your honest effort.
Keep pushing my friends. We are in this together, let's get to those goals so we can celebrate after!

It's almost stage time! I have 2 weeks to go until the end of my 10-week challenge, but if you are competing for the ipod you've got 5 weeks left. I'll be expecting mid-program check in's tomorrow. 
I hope you all are doing well. I realize that making a change is not easy. The unknown can be tough. It's still very tough for me too. But I promise if you stick with your workouts and diet adjustments you will NOT regret it. There is always the future to indulge or be lazy..but for now..it's go time! After this challenge is over, you'll have made some healthy habits and learned some tools that will last a lifetime. And more importantly, you'll have inspired others with your hard work and motivation. Never underestimate the power of a healthy attitude.  Your words and your actions are influencing others around you. 
Let's get through this challenge together!   

Hey Challengers! 
I want to share with you one of my favorite fitness recipes that I whipped up this morning. It's fun to make, super healthy and tasty! 
Here's the list:
-2 egg whites
-4 Tbsp ground Flax meal
-1 Tbsp rasins
-1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
-Coconut Oil to coat the pan
-maybe a lil water if it comes out too thick. 
-1 Tbsp pure Maple Syrup


How to make: 
crack two eggs into a medium size bowl, discarding the yolks, add the rest of the ingredients, stir until smooth texture. Heat a pan coated with Cocount Oil (adds a bit of flavor and healthy fat, but other oils will do). Pour the mixture onto the pan...make one big one or two to three smaller ones. Give it 3-4 mins or until edges start to dry, flip it over and brown on the other side. Done! 


Since these pancakes are made with Flax instead of flour, they are super low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats. Perfect for supporting a lean body. Hope you enjoy!