Growing up, I was fed countless bowls of sugary cereals such as Lucky Charms, Cap n Crunch- heck, my Grandma would even pour sugar ONTO my Frosted Flakes!  From breakfasts of Toaster Strudels, Pop Tarts and more, it is truly astonishing that I didn't suffer from any health problems as a child- yep, THAT'S how much sugar I ate!  Thankfully my activity level must have helped to counteract the amount of calories I'd been consuming, as I was at gymnastics training 5 days each week. Not to mention I would play endlessly on the playground ompared to sitting online playing video games, much like today's youth do! I should also note that during college I enjoyed food and happy hour specials perhaps a bit too much. Never turning down a server's offer of a dessert menu, saying yes to wine tasting with the girls- dessert AND wine together? You bet!  All of the while I would attempt to eat "healthy" at most meals and was working out, but the amount of splurges I made were no longer splurges, but a few too many treats on a daily basis. Seeminly before I knew it, I was overweight and at an unhealthy level of bodyfat- yep, as a result of my eating habits!

Anyhow, that being said, it took me year to establish a healthy, balanced and overall realistic approach to my nutrition. While preparing for my first fitness competition I had hired a coach- and boy did he ever restrict the heck out of my calories, most notably my overall intake of carbs basically disappeared. I was low on energy, feeling sick and even getting dizzy during my workouts, so after a couple of days of following that crazy regimen I decided to take matters into my own hands. I added in complex carbs, making sure that at least half of my meals each day consisted of comple carbs and lean protein. The other meals were lean protein, healthy fats and loads of veggies. FINALLY! Something that I could stick to, feel healthy AND lose bodyfat all while not restricting myself (I'm sorry, but I will never put my metabolism or health at risk by drastically reducing my calories or carb intake), feeling full, energized and most importantly- HEALTHY!

Here is an example of a day in the life of meals for me (and yes, I do indulge on re-feeds or cheat meals- my fave foods being Mexican, Thai and of course- desserts)

• Meal 1: Cellucor Super Sport Berry Crème Protein Pancakes (my own recipe), topped with mixed berries and/or sugar free syrup OR egg white veggie scramble and oatmeal
• Meal 2: Cellucor Super Sport protein shake blended with mixed berries, almonds on side
• Meal 3: Chicken breast, homemade & healthy baked sweet potato “fries” with green veggies
• Meal 4: Quest Bar, almonds
• Meal 5: Salmon or lean steak, quinoa, green veggies
• Meal 6: Chicken breast, big salad w/ variety of veggies, topped w/ avocado
• Dessert: One of my high protein treat recipes (Although I did limit these during the last few weeks of contest prep)