The Golden Rule

I recently came across this image on Facebook.

Yes. It was posted with the intention that the women should be compared to each other (we do it whether we like to or not). Most likely assuming that the fuller, and more muscular woman on the left is 'more attractive'. Because I enjoy fitness and the more muscular look, I would agree with that. However, this is not about which woman is 'better looking'. 

This is about a comment  that was left on the image that REALLY bothered me.

'Sorry, but neither one looks natural. Both represent very self absorbed women'

Miss, I beg to differ. These images simply portray women and a piece of their lifestyle. You do not know these women. Either or both of them could be the most down-to-earth and friendly people. Being a woman, I am 100% positive that each of these women carry their own insecurities with them everywhere they go.

The fit girl is not even posing for the photograph. Someone admired her, and chose to snap a shot. She is at a competition, simply enjoying an activity that she is probably passionate about.

The model, I'm sure, faces some pretty heavy pressure being in a career that targets young girls and is notorious for housing girls with eating disorders. She probably does not enjoy it. She probably worries about being ready for a shoot or a show constantly. How harsh to be one to judge her when she probably spends enough time judging herself. 

Now, I realize this is a bit of a rant, but I relate to this. For my whole life I have been insecure about myself. I am not pretty enough. I am not thin enough. I have ugly stretch marks. My toes are weird. I am not strong enough. I have these irrational thoughts sometimes. And because I am critical of myself, I am concerned with how I look. This does not make me self-absorbed. It makes me HUMAN. 

I believe that it is not our place to judge the character of any person without knowing them personally. I am sure each of the women in the image are beautiful in their own ways. Remember that you have people watching you every day. Would you like to know that they are making an unsupported judgement of your character? I would not.

Treat others as you would like to be treated. It's a rule. Don't forget it, be kind. <3

Dine With Me

I was asked what my meal plan is like during a typical week, so I am going to give you all a little peek into my diet. Keep in mind that every person has different caloric needs, so this wont necessarily work for everyone, but it has been working for me:)

I generally eat the same meals every day for a week, because I am currently in competition prep. It might seem a bit 'boring', but all the meals that I eat are quite yummy:)

I take a multivitamin daily...I would recommend this for anyone and everyone. It is rare for a person to hit all of their vitamin and mineral needs every day without this (especially people who have a typical 'American diet').

SO. Here is my dining for the day:)

7:00 AM Breakfast

Protein Waffles (Strawberry Valentine Protein Waffles) Vanilla protein powder and replace strawberry with 1 oz. Banana
.25 cup (35 g) Blueberries (to top the waffle)
~302 calories:  36 carb, 3 fat, 32 pro

10:00 AM Snack 1

1 Scoop Protein Powder (Dymatize Elite Gourmet)
.5 Tbs Chia Seeds
2 Quaker Caramel Rice cakes
~250 calories:  30 g carb, 5 g fat, 25 g pro

12:00 PM Lunch

4 oz. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
.25 cup steamed asparagus (or microwaved)
.5 cup black rice
Red Curry Powder
Turmeric
~270 calories: 30 g carb, 3 g fat, 31 g pro

2:00 PM Snack 2

4 oz.  Extra-Lean Ground Turkey
3 oz. Sweet Potato
40 g  Raw Almonds
Mrs. Dash Sodium Free Seasoning
~434 calories: 26 g carb, 22 g fat, 38 g pro

5:00 PM Dinner

4 oz. Extra-Lean Ground Turkey
.5 cup Black Rice
1.5 oz Avacado
2 Tbs Medium Chunky Pace Salsa
~405 calories: 34 g carb , 20 g fat, 39 g pro
8:00 PM Snack 3

1.5 cup Lentil Vegetable Soup
Mrs. Dash Sodium Free Seasoning
~227 calories: 24 g carb, 2 g fat, 37 g pro

Total: 1888 calories: 170 g carb (~35%), 55 g fat (~25%), 202 g pro (~45%)

That's it! I will occasionally switch out some of my meals to add some variety, but when I switch my meals I am generally moving around food items from each meal (so swapping my sweet potatoes with my rice). As long as I keep it clean and keep my calories and macros the same, I don't worry too much. Drinking a lot of water is a big deal, too. At least 1 gallon daily (~3.5 L). Don't skimp on water. It helps to curb cravings and enhances immunity. Your body needs water.

So, there you are.  A typical day (week) for me right now:) I have other meal plans that I follow during different weeks, but this is what I am currently eating. Take it for what it's worth:)

Strawberry Valentine Protein Waffles

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, which is notorious for sweet treats and lots of cheats. My sister asked me for a recipe for a healthy treat to share with her roommates tomorrow, and I came up with this waffle recipe. It isn't a chocolate or a cookie, but it is easy and tasty...and healthy:)

Strawberry Valentine Waffle
1 Waffle

1/3 cup Old Fashioned Oatmeal flour (26 g...blend into flour)
2 egg whites
2 Tbs Fat free, plain Greek yogurt (40 g)
2 Medium strawberries (60 g)
1/2 Scoop strawberry or vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Stevia


4 Waffles

1 1/3 cup Old fashioned oatmeal flour (104 g)
8 egg white
8 Tbs Fat-free, plain Greek yogurt
8 Medium strawberries (240 g)
2 Scoops strawberry or vanilla protein powder
1 tsp Baking powder
4 tsp Stevia

Serving Size: 1 Waffle
Cal.: 280
Carbs: 32 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fat: 3 g
Sat. Fat: 1 g
Protein:  32 g

Happy Valentine's Day!