Keeping It Lit

[lola001]

Hi Twyla - enjoy the road trip and you certainly sound prepared.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. It really helps knowing that you have friends supporting your goals.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by inatic

enjoy the game T!

On LBF, we came up with a great muffin. Im sure you'll get lots of tweaks to it ..

myofusion (serving)
pre heat oven to 350

Oversize muffin tin sprayed with Pam

mix myofusion, 1/2tsp of baking powder, 3tb of water. Some have been using a smidge of SF pudding..
mix and pour
bake for about 10min..

These are really good! Even hubby loves them! Asked for Two of them yesterday.
These would likely travel well too (your trip) and its just protein so you can do carbies on the side.

WOMAN, I LOVE YA!

Tried these TODAY, right before I left for the gym (been playing beat the clock all day), and you're right -- amazing! These are going WITH ME tomorrow when I leave town. I made them in mini muffin tins because I couldn't find my jumbo tins at the moment. So 3 scoops made 16 mini muffins. I did what you said, except added some cinnamon to the recipe. WONDERFUL! Surprisingly moist too!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by lola001

Hi Twyla - enjoy the road trip and you certainly sound prepared.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. It really helps knowing that you have friends supporting your goals.

THanks, Lola... nice to see you.

And you're welcome. Yes, the words of encouragement go a long way. Hope you've had a good weekend.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Busy weekend, and it AIN'T over, so making this short for now...

Lost our game, but Gavin played really well on defense, so it's all good. Great dinner with his girlfriend.

Was at the gym first for posing, then trained back. No post cardio.

Posing practice went very well too, and we took pics so I could SEE what I needed to work on most. Having just gotten spray tanned (for the first time), that really helps show off the musculature better (and the flaws). It was fun. My coach said, "Uh, somebody's been practicing!" She was very complimentary with my posing progress, and pointed out that having four more weeks, I should have it all down second-nature by then with no problem at all. She was very complimentary today about my physique..."Twyla, omg, you are looking fierce, my friend," and was saying how proud she was of me for having worked so hard and shown so much discipline, that it has paid off, and yet I still have four more weeks. She said I'm further along than a lot of people are at this stage, and said that THIS is what consistency, discipline, following the prep and working hard does for those who want it bad enough. AND I DO.

What a shot in the arm for my MENTAL game.

More later when I have more time.... lots more to do to get ready for tomorrow's trip...

[inatic]

Cant wait to see your pictures.. I bet your killing it!!

woohoo!!!!!

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

WOMAN, I LOVE YA!

Tried these TODAY, right before I left for the gym (been playing beat the clock all day), and you're right -- amazing! These are going WITH ME tomorrow when I leave town. I made them in mini muffin tins because I couldn't find my jumbo tins at the moment. So 3 scoops made 16 mini muffins. I did what you said, except added some cinnamon to the recipe. WONDERFUL! Surprisingly moist too!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Hubby made me make him a batch and he chowed down on them this weekend. Froze one, will see how it stands up when he takes it out.

when you are home and have some time and cals (a measily 5 lol) get the redi whip ff whip cream in the 'spray can' (its only 5 cals per serving!!and shoot a 'shot' of whip cream in the middle.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Thank you, Ileen, you're a sweetheart. Love the Redi Whip tip....must try this too!

I just typed this HUGE post, and somehow my browser redirected and I lost it before I had a chance to hit POST.

I don't BELIEVE this.

I am NOT typing all of that over. I'm against the clock already.

Huge morning, Keratin treatment at noon, then headed north to Wheeling for my conference. I'll just have to catch up with my journal another time.

Posting a pic from Saturday's game with my sons...I'm now the shortest one in the family.

I give thanks for God's abundant blessings over me, and I pray for his protection as I travel today.

Until later...

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

S c e n i c ...... R e f l e c t i o n s

Just got back from my walk at dusk. I'm speechless at the beauty of this season.
There is no need for words at times.
Nature speaks in a language all its own.

[Bejewelme]

T- my friend, looking fierce is an understatement, holy moly woman!!!! You look super!!!! I am back, totally sad to be home, but I think my fat arse is glad, 19 pounds of carb bloat, LOL Oh well it will come off, it was back to business today, it was the best 10 days of my life!!!The main thing I took away from the spa was the mediation and yoga and Chi Gong, and learning to find more inner peace and slow the heck down and find balance!!!! So although depressed about the weight, I am OK, it was a once in a lifetime trip, I enjoyed it and now to beat it off again! Chicken, broccoli and brown rice is cooked, LOL 3 weeks til the race and tomorrow starts hard training, so its back to BFFM, 100 carbs and low fat!!!!!!
Missed ya chcikie!!!
Amber

[workingmomof3]

Hey girl - you okay?

Been looking for you????

Hope you are well and busy and training for your show...

Wishing you the very best...

Kim

[Bejewelme]

Yes T- we need an update!!!!! How are things going?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Well, I made it. It's less than one week away from my first figure competition, and I've only had one slip-up, which turned out to be hormonal related (thank you TOM). Otherwise, I have nailed my diet, training and other directives with peristent precision.

Both water and cardio increase this week; training is backing down, as it is getting more difficult to keep up with the strength demands as my body leans down. The final week, as I've learned, is the most challenging energy wise and diet wise.

Posing practice will take priority this week.

All arrangements, registrations, and appointments that are necessary have been made. I'll make my mani/pedi appt today for Thursday afternoon. I pack Thursday night and leave Friday morning.

I get to pack a "care package" of snacks I've been craving for after the competition. My own little celebration for hard work and discipline. That "list" has grown. Pizza and fresh bread with garlic, cheese & buter are on my GOTTA HAVE it list for my first dinner after the competition. I'll take along something fun to wear for the after comp party celebration.

I can't wait. It's been great. Difficult at times, challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I have no regrets-- actually, yes. I do. I wish I would have decided to compete a couple years ago. I'm against the clock now, age wise. But I can get on that stage with pride, regardless, knowing that I am in the best shape of MY LIFE, and I have lived the proof that if we want something bad enough, if we have the passion and the will, our dreams CAN come true.

Floating on the clouds today, as I follow my dream, living the life that has become what helps define me. The celebration has already begun. I rejoice at the victory that is already mine.

[inatic]

atta girl! You got this in the bag now!!

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Excited for you T!!

[Bejewelme]

Oh T what a wonderful post!!! I am so proud of you, and you should be too, you are so beautiful and so remarkable, you already the won the prize you are healthy and in the best shape of your life, and your will and strength was already tested and you won!!!!! Enjoy every minute of the competition, and celebrate your victory, I hope you beloved wine is on that list!!!!

I will so be thinking of you, as I have the big mud run in VA with all the figure competitors Saturday morning, LOL OMG I am so not ready running wise, but mentally I am determined I figure the adrenaline will kick in and push me through!! I think determination is a lot of this, and you are one determined woman on a mission!!!!

Big hugs to you!!!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Thank you!

Kim, Amber and Ileen,

for all your support.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

A dear friend just sent me this prayer, and it made me cry. It meant the world to me, and I felt compelled to add it to my journal.

I will print it and take it with me to the competition.

And I am rejoicing today for such sweet, supportive friends and a loving, merciful Father.

Dear Heavenly Father,

My friend Twyla is getting ready for a new adventure in her life - and she is nervous and maybe scared. But Lord, you know the time and commitment she has devoted to this .
Lord, help her to feel comfort in knowing her body is YOUR temple!
Help her to put behind her any negative thoughts or words
and focus on you and giving you the glory.
You have made her a wonderful being in your likeness
and no one can take that away from her.
Help her to feel calm and remind her how blessed she truly is!!!
Keep her safe in her travels and bring us back to us, her friends!

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

[Bejewelme]

T- what an awesome prayer for you!!! I will be praying hard for you too!! Can I just say, you look like a girl going to college in that last picture, holy crap, you look half your age! And you look really tiny, wow, but those arms and shoulders are ripped, looking good, I know you are gong to do well!!!! I am so excited for you, you deserve it and enjoy every moment of this journey!! I am routing for you!!!!

[workingmomof3]

Wow!!! You look fantastic.... amazing! Have a great time -

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by workingmomof3

Wow!!! You look fantastic.... amazing! Have a great time -

THANK YOU, KIM.

One picture of my journey...more to follow when I return home. What a fabulous, rewarding, uplifting experience.

[inatic]

GEORGOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bejewelme]

T- OMG you look freaking amazing, cant wait to hear I know you won!!!! And if not who cares you are flipping amazing!!!
Look at those abs, OMG and you had 3 kids, that is some hard work that went into them! You have to feel so proud!!!! Love the pink bikini! Good color choice!

[workingmomof3]

T - congratulations! Wow - truly - you look so great! Tell us more....(was it cold? with all the questions to be asked - I just wonder if you were freezin' while posing?)

Looking forward to your upcoming posts!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Thanks for the kudos, guys. It truly was a great experience. I've been trying to catch up on sleep, rest and chillin' since returning home, something I've been craving for quite a while, not to mention off-limit food while prepping. Lord, have I had my fill of that the past couple of days. I'm so over the eat-what-I'm-craving thing. Ready to resume clean eating and my cardio and training starting today. My body doesn't like this way of living/eating AT ALL. It's protesting loud and long.

So. Time to get back at it, living the clean and healthy lifestyle. It never ceases to amaze me how people can eat crap day after day. Clean eating gives us so much more energy, and that's just for starters.

Yes, Kim, it WAS cold! And the last 2-3 wks of my prep I froze my butt off most of the time, having lost a lot of my "insulation" -- LOL I had my body fat measured two days before I left town, and it had dropped to 9%. The last time he measured, it was 18%. Yay!

Posting a back shot. I'll post more pics of my weekend journey later when I have time. It's time for cardio now...coffee is empty!

[inatic]

awesome shot !

I had my free weekend too and so, SO happy to be back on plan!

So do ya have the competition bug and will you compete next yr?

[kmcentire]

Hey Twyla!
Just wanted to say how great you look! I was on a challenge with you several years ago and have not been active on LCF since then. I am starting to go back to lower carb. I will be asking some questions if you don't mind as I go back to this way of eating and I have joined a gym. You look great!!!

[Bejewelme]

T- you look freaking awesome!!!! Wow I was excited to see one divot in my back, you have like 100, LOL Cant wait to hear all your thoughts and stuff on the trip, and how it was being there! 9% body fat, dear lord, you are one skinny mama!!!!! Are you going to try to gain a little back now?

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by inatic

awesome shot !

I had my free weekend too and so, SO happy to be back on plan!

So do ya have the competition bug and will you compete next yr?

Ileen, my free weekend, I'm SO SURE, was far more shameful than yours. SO GLAD IT'S OVER, and glad to be back on clean eating.

As for competition bug....hmmmm............I love the way my body looks now, and I wanna definitely try to maintain the conditioning as nearly as I can. Whether I choose to compete again, it's too soon to comment. Not ruling it out, for sure.

I have SO MUCH to share about that journey, and I want to put it in my journal, should it inspire others to challenge themselves with their own training goals, but I've been so covered up since I got back in town, and with work, and catching up with things around the house that were neglected last week. I need more time to gather all that I want to say, etc. I fully intend to. Maybe this weekend I'll have more time.

I definitely want to share it all! But thank you for your kind comments and all the support you've given to me through this journey, Ileen.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by kmcentire

Hey Twyla!
Just wanted to say how great you look! I was on a challenge with you several years ago and have not been active on LCF since then. I am starting to go back to lower carb. I will be asking some questions if you don't mind as I go back to this way of eating and I have joined a gym. You look great!!!

Hi, Kristi! So glad you've decided to rededicate your lifestyle to clean eating and reshaping your body. GOOD FOR YOU! Please, ask all the questions you want. Great first move, by the way, joining the gym. Weight training is WHERE IT'S AT, GIRLFRIEND. You have to build the muscle to most effectively reshape your body. Diet is 80-90%, but at the same time, diet alone will only make you skinny fat. It's the lean body mass that gets us to looking our absolute best. Don't hesitate to ask me anything you want. Would love to be an encouragement and source of support for you.

Thank you for your kind comments! It feels wonderful to be in the best shape OF MY LIFE. I plan to maintain this "high."

[inatic]

Mornin' Doll!

I think we'd have a tie!! Seriously there was nothing controlled about it.. . It was an all out eat fest, much like post contest.. Coach said eat up..

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

T- you look freaking awesome!!!! Wow I was excited to see one divot in my back, you have like 100, LOL Cant wait to hear all your thoughts and stuff on the trip, and how it was being there! 9% body fat, dear lord, you are one skinny mama!!!!! Are you going to try to gain a little back now?

Thank you, Amber. You're so sweet. Yes, I worked ESPECIALLY hard on building my back during the prep, and I was excited to watch the changes in that part of my body.

Gain back some? Uh, I won't have to TRY. I think the TRYING will be in maintaining 5-7 lbs above competition weight. I like to think of it as being "lean" as opposed to "skinny." Semantics? Maybe. Maybe not. Just love being this conditioned, I gotta admit. I have never felt better and I wanna maintain discipline, consistent training and clean eating for as long as I'm able.

I will share more later when I have more time. Incredibly busy this week. I want to share more about the experience, definitely.

Thanks again, girlfriend.

[Bejewelme]

I know you are busy, I am waiting, you look amazing, and the dicispline that went into this!!!! You are one tiny T though!!!!!!!!