I said "I can't" :(

Hey Everyone,

That's right... I said it :( and I can tell you right now it tasted horrible coming out of my mouth!!!
"I can't" doesn't have a place in my vocabulary anymore.

So what happened, you may ask? Well... all in all it was a pretty amazing day with some fellow BeautyFit beauties helping out at our local Habitat for Humanity build site.

We were there on the Women Build Wednesday supporting Angie Hill and Kat C's team from 105.3 KOOL FM

Pam, Sandra and I :)

Sandra, Angie Hill, Pam and I 

Our whole crew complete with pink scaffolding!!!

So our build day was insanely hot, 43*F with a humidex but so rewarding!!! We were tasked with building framing for the ROOF and nailing the ROOF sheeting.... notice the common denominator being the ROOF!!!

Little known fact... I don't like heights *insert short joke* but I figured I'd get over it. I got buckled into my harness... did my safety training... climbed up the ladder and through the framing like a monkey (which was crazy enough!!!) then got to where I needed to climb out and onto the roof. I got one leg out and attempted the other... the spins came and I said it... I can't do this... :(

Everyone there was super supportive and understanding. I took up my new assignment of building the roof frames safely on the ground and the day was awesome and super productive.

But... those words left a bitter taste in my mouth! Seriously!

Sooooo.... I have added to my "happy list" I need to get over my heights thing!

My first though goes right to skydiving... but before that....

I'm going to learn how to rock climb!!! :D 

That's a bonus deal of conquering a fear AND getting in a stellar workout!!! 

I'll keep you posted as to when this is all going down lol I'm sure there will be some fantastic photos to accompany that blog! :P

Until then... 

Safe on the ground hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

Fashion AND Function!

Hi Everyone!

I want to talk about fashion today! FUN!!! :D

For those who have seen me going to, at or after the gym... I do not prescribe to the idea of getting "dolled up" to train. Sure, if I am heading there after work or happen to have a full face of makeup on I'm not going to wash it off*

*side note: training in a full face of makeup is the best kind of research for me :P Tell me your eye primer will make shadow last 12hrs.... we'll see about THAT!!! ;)

Anyhoo! Back to fashion... like I said, I don't need to look pretty to train BUT what I have found as of late is that I really am seeing the value to proper, high quality training clothes!

You don't have to have lost 100+ lbs to see (or feel) the difference in training gear. I'm writing about how it helps me... take from it what you will :)

Coming from such a big weight loss, there are certain "things" that one can't control. One of those things for me is loose skin.
If you've been following my blogs, you'll know that this has always been one of my biggest fears.
I wasn't ready in the beginning to acknowledge that a large weight loss would result in loose skin... truthfully, it would've scared me off.
Instead my Coach had me focus on the things I could control... diet, exercise, water intake and taking care of my skin by moisturizing twice a day and using products like Beauty Bum to help break down cellulite.
To be honest with you, I truly believe that had my weight loss just come from diet alone, I would have a lot more skin to deal with.

So in dealing with the "skin issue" I have noticed that high impact training i.e.. running, jumping, etc can result in what I like to refer to as... reverb! lol It's my silly name for the little aftershocks that my body does during impact movements! (go ahead and laugh... its ok!!! lol) For women, think about running with no bra on..... picture it.... :s yep! pretty much the same feeling I get if I'm training in lack lustre gear!
HEY... my blog is ALL about honesty! lol

Sooooo... what's a girl to do?! FIND BETTER GEAR!!! ;)

On a recent sunny day road trip with Coach Compton I found myself finally investing in something I should have gotten a LONG time ago!...

My Lululemon Run:In the Sun crops!

Aren't they pretty?!?! And they WORK!!!

Not only do they have circle mesh in all the "right" places to keep sweaty stinky-ness at bay... they are also made of their Power Luxtreme fabric which I find helps keep me compressed in to avoid bounce but still super comfy!!!

I also bought this running shirt....

My Run:Swiftly tech long sleeve

I mainly bought it because its my fave colour blue lol and Coach laughed when I couldn't bear leaving the store without it :P 

BUT it is also super lightweight, has moisture wicking and Silverscent... which is anti-stink!!! 

And couldn't we all really use a little less stink in our lives?! ;) 

Now onto my next new fave...

My Reebok Shapewear Lux tank

This was actually something Coach had seen and hauled me in to try it on! lol

Instant LOVE... so lightweight to wear under other tanks and tee's but holy cow!!! the amount of "suck it in ability" is AH-MAZE-ING!!! :D

I have already worn it a couple of time awhile running and am happy to report that in combination with my new Lulu crops.... I am virtually "Reverb" free! ;) hahaha

So what is the whole point here? 

Just like in high fashion, the right "under garments" make the outfit... the gym is no different!

The right gear for me means less "reverb" which means less stress on my joints and to be truthful... my skin itself doesn't ache as much after training.

In the end... it's not about looking "good" at the gym (or wherever you train) it's about feeling secure in the gear you wear.... though having some style never hurt anyone ;)

Til next time...

"Held in" Hugs...

-Crystal :) xo

How Full is Your Plate?!

Hey Everyone!

I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the transition into spring! :)

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for me! The last while has been filled with routine changes, personal challenges and a TON of life lessons! lol

As we all know, life is always changing. If it didn't.. well that would be pretty boring!
I've come to look at the "ups and downs" and "changes" in life as lessons needing to be learned to help me grow.

The first big change (though only temporary) is helping out my family with their business while my sis-in-law recovers from a c-section... I have a beautiful new niece :)
Many can relate to pitching in when family needs help... this situation is no different.
The difficult thing for me is juggling a new routine, my own family, my business and... gym time!

There are some things you just can't and don't let slide... and I have the insane need to keep juggling everything without dropping the ball ever... YIKES!!! lol No PRESSURE... Really?!?! :P

Funny enough, the one thing that I hear from some is... "don't worry about the gym, you've got enough on your plate". Well the gym is the ONE thing that is FOR ME!!! And there is no one else that gets that more than my coach.

So what does my Coach (Compton) do when she sees me stressing, being unsure of myself and how I'm going to handle all these things on my plate?! She hands me this...

Well not ALL this! Lol
My "allotted" food was neatly packed in one grocery bag... (side note! WHO DOES THIS?!?! lol How many trainers go grocery shopping for their clients?! Seriously, I have the best trainer on the PLANET!!!)

Along with my little bag o' food were 2 sheets of paper. One with my new meal plan and the other with my new training schedule. No nonsense, no excuses, no BS... and these words were spoken... "You've got a full plate... and I've just added more" *insert sweet yet evil Sam smile*. What I got from that smile was.... (and excuse my language lol) SINK OR SWIM B!#@H! hahahaha

I've been doing a great job of maintaining my weight. Losing a pound here and there but mainly hovering around the 140 mark. I'm still not at my "goal" weight but I was ok with taking things slower ... again, in the words of my Coach... "let your body recover".
Well it seems my body has recovered, had its "coasting" time and now its time to get back into the game!

Why now though? Why add a new diet and training onto this new crazy schedule? Well it took me about 48hours to figure it out.....

I'm the type of person that is fully invested in what I do. I'm uber social and my business revolves around me being available, flexible and "out there"... I feel out of the loop when I can't be in the mix at all times lol.

So like I said, it took me very little time to figure out why it was so important to start this new program now... ROUTINE and ME TIME!

It is super easy to disregard anything for ourselves when life and schedules get tough. Think about it... after a long day, needing to run errands and do all the things required on a daily basis.... you know you should get to the gym and eat clean, you want to! BUT... it's easier to grab something to eat while out and skip the gym in exchange for laundry. That is exactly why it was the perfect time for my new program!!!

So this is a pic of my new 6 pack fitness lunch box :D Coolest thing EVER!!! 

It has tons of compartments for food, ice packs, water, utensils, supplements etc. I pre pack everything at night and grab n' go in the morning. So no matter where I go I have everything with me....

Even when I'm stuck in traffic!!! Lol

Now as for the gym... I'm there at 5am for cardio and split up my training either on a break or later in the evening. Why? Cause it's when I can get there and I need that time to refocus and centre myself. lol 

Just do what you've got to do ;)

When things get crazy its important to take even just a little time for yourself and I didn't work this hard the last 18months to let myself slide back into bad habits just because things get crazy.

Everyone has their own story and set of circumstances, it's your choice to give in or put your game face on!

Till next time...

Excuse free hugs... Crystal :) xo

Checkin' off my "Happy List"!!!

Hey Everyone!

Some call it a bucket list... but in my world it's a Happy List! lol And nothing feels better than checking off something on that list!
Well... that's not entirely true! Checking off TWO things in the span of 4 days feels pretty FANTASTIC!!! :D

So what did I do? Well....

First and so mind blowing-ly (is that a word?!... it is now!) unbelievable is that I got to see.... wait for it.... PITBULL IN CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Guacamole!!! (My spanish is limited so cut me some slack! :P)

If you are unaware of my absolute LOVE for Pitbull, just rest assured that it is a HUGE love and borders on sickness! lol Seriously, I go numb from the waist down when his music comes on! (Don't judge! lol).

Here are Dani, Nancy and I waiting for the show to start... I had to scam their photos since I was too excited to remember to take some of my own! Jeeze!!! hahaha

And here he is!!! Mr.305/Mr.Worldwide himself!!! GRrrrrr! ;)

And another cause... well who needs a reason for more Pitbull?! lol

I promise to update this blog with more photos and possibly a video, once I get hold of them... cause I know they exist ;) lol

But let me assure you... I shook my money maker the whole time, couldn't stop smiling AND and giggled every time he said Dalee!!! Yep I did! *sigh* lol

Ok... on to the second thing I checked off!

Another one of my happy list "to do's" was to have my picture taken with a BIG bodybuilder man!!! 

If you think this is weird, just know that I am a) 4'11" and b) have an affection for big and or tall people... can't explain it... I just do! lol

So just four short days later I found myself being introduced (by Coach Compton) to the one and only... 4x Mr.Olympia himself... Jay Cutler!!! Oh Yaaa!!! And what a total hottie he is!!! (if by any stretch of the imagination he actually reads this... I will be SOooooo embarrassed!!! :P)

And here we are! :)

hehehe.... so cute!!! Thanks Jay for helping a girl with her "Happy List" ;)

In hindsight, I am now wondering why I don't have a pic of just myself and Mr.Jimmy Mentis?! Seriously?! OK! The great thing about these lists is that you are always adding new things... at least you should be!!!

I have just decided to add the following.... have a photo taken with Jimmy in full "gun show" pose hahahaha AND to see Pitbull again... in MIAMI!!! ;)

Yep! They are formally added to the list!

I hope if you're reading this that it has inspired you to either create a list OR add to one you've already started!

I know that even as recent as two years ago, I would've been too self conscious to do half the things I'm doing now. But I am now realizing the following...

Life is worth living... in the words of good ole Abe himself...

Til next time...

Happy list hugs... Crystal :) xo

Arnolds Sports Festival 2012!

Hey Everyone!

Here it is... the rest of my recap from the Arnolds!

Friday Day 2 was our day to check out the expo. I was so excited to see everything and everyone!

I knew it was going to be busy there but… WOW!!! Now I'm a people watcher and one of those crazies that enjoys crowded Christmas shopping etc. so this was just plain FUN!

I was completely blown away at how diverse the crowd was! I was a little intimidated when preparing to go to the Arnolds... was I going to "fit in" or look like I don't belong there at all?! I know, it sounds crazy but those were the things that ran through my head leading up to the weekend. 
Needless to say, I was so excited to see so many different people from hard core body builder types to those that looked more like runners and yoga buffs :) 
Then there were people that looked like I used to... men and women that were overweight and much "softer". These people inspired me! Why? Because I know how terrified I was to go into a gym for the first time... let alone one of the biggest sport/fitness shows in the world!


Speaking of diversity, the booths were just as different as the crowds!!! Obviously there were amazing clothing booths and supplements but also vegan/vegetarian lines, products to organize food etc. gym bags and gear the list goes on and on! There was even a guy selling roofing supplies?! lol


If the crowd and booths weren't enough to keep me entertained I actually got to catch the pre judging for Ms.International Fitness and Figure! WOWZA!!!
These women looked incredible...It was pretty cool to see!


I even got to have my photo taken with the beautiful Ava Cowan! :D

Wow... I need a tan! lol 

Day 2 of the Arnolds ended with a trip to a local club... nothing more needs to be said about that... except I had a ton of fun dancing!  ;)

From L: Me :), Nancy Barbosa Alaimo(finally in front of the camera lol) and Lauren Fazio

just before the dancing started!!!

Day 3

I was so excited to start day 3 bright and early! It began with a trip to the host hotel to get Sandra "Coach Compton" ready for her day with BeautyFit Inc. at the LoneStar Nutrition booth!

Once again, video genius Derek was in tow, ready to capture all the action and possibly blackmail material! :P lol 

After getting Sam ready, we all headed down for breakfast with the BeautyFit team... Mr. BeautyFit himself Jimmy Mentis, Sam "Coach", John and Sophia. I honestly can't tell you enough how much I ADORE my BeautyFit family just straight up good people!


So after changing... and missing Mr.Arnold himself :(  Derek and I headed back to the expo to see the BeautyFit booth and get some video footage... at least that's what was supposed to happen! lol


We get to the the LoneStar distribution booth where BeautyFit is stationed and its a MAD HOUSE!!! Mr. BeautyFit (Jimmy Mentis) gets us behind the booth to save us from the crowd, I finally get to meet fellow "BeautyFit blogger" IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, give Sam a hug...  and then it happens... I feel at "home"!!! I feel like I actually belong here... as part of the BeautyFit Family. 
It's so busy that I start handing out samples and catalogues and talking to people about the great products... talking to people that reminded me of "me" less than 2 yrs ago. Women were flocking to the booth to see what we were about... what made us different? 
I found myself telling my story about training with "Coach Compton" doing what she told me, the BeautyFit Values and showing my before and after photo. I was blown away by the response!
Jimmy stopped me at one point and asked what I was doing lol I thought I was in "trouble"... I said "helping" and he just laughed and told me to keep doing what I was doing :P


In the meantime... Derek and his video camera are in prime location to get kick a$$ footage for him to work his magic with! 

Me, IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, Sandra "Coach Compton"

Derek "video genius", Sam (Sandra) and Me!

We finished up at Lone Star... got some much deserved coffee and sat down to chill with the crew!
The rest of the day was spent pretty low key... chilling at the hotel, getting Sam ready for her evening meetings, having dinner and great conversation and getting ready for the next day at the booth!!!




Day 4


The last day of the Arnolds  : (
Our day started out much the same... get Sam ready (hey, I'm a MUA... it's what I love to do!) lol
Meet the BF family for breaky and get to the expo! But this time I was prepared to represent! :)

Steph and I in BeautyFit RED!!! :)

And the weekend wouldn't be complete without...

a pic with my Coach ; )

Once again the booth was buzzing with amazing women wanting to know all about BeautyFit!

Unfortunately, like all good things, this too had to come to an end.

HOWEVER!!!

When you travel with your own movie man (i.e. Derek) you get the killer bonus of a kick a$$ video recap!!!

So... here it is! ENJOY!!!

Until Arnolds 2013... I'll be back hugs (in Arnolds voice) ;) 

-Crystal :) xo

Day 1 at the Arnolds!!!

Hey Everyone!

I am so excited to tell you all about my amazing time at the Arnolds Sports Festival weekend!

There are so many reasons this trip was special to me, that I am finding it hard to focus for just one blog lol (doesn't sound like me at all huh?!) 

Soooo… having said that, be prepared for this to "Be Continued".

Just some insight on myself, I love road trips! When the chance came up to go to the Arnolds with some of my favourite people… I was NOT about to say no! 

Our road trip crew consisted of Sandra "Coach" Compton, Derek "video genius" Montalbetti, myself and a whole lot of Pitbull CD's (much to Derek's dismay lol). How could this NOT be a total BLAST?!?! : ) Well, let me tell you… we had SO much fun driving to Columbus that I completely forgot to take any photos!!! :( 

Good thing we had our favourite video guy with us to document our weekend and antics! : P

Can't wait to post those for you all!

In the meantime...

I had been wanting to go the Arnolds for a couple years now, to see what it was all about. When you start hitting the gym, training and being surrounded by "fitness people" you can't help but be curious about the one of the biggest shows in the industry!

Being part of the BeautyFit family has been such a blessing in so many ways. Not only has it given me the BEST coach/friend a girl could ask for but it has allowed me to meet amazing women (and men) from so many walks of life. From figure and bikini competitors to "everyday" women like myself that struggle with weight and health issues. This trip to the Arnolds was going to give me the chance to meet some of these women that, until recently, were a name and photo on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.

Now add the fact that I'm a MUA and work with fitness competitors/models and this trip has just become that much cooler!!!.

I now have the opportunity to see and meet so many of the same female athletes that grace the covers of so many magazines, up close and ready to go onstage!

Soooo stoked!!! 

So here is the first pic of me in Ohio! lol

(Arnolds crew #2 lol at Smokey Bones BBQ in Grove City OH... From left Tony Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, ME lol and Derek Montalbetti... behind the camera as usual... Nancy Barbosa Alaimo!)

My first night in Ohio was spent eating with great company (above) and having 2 drinks (I'm NOT a big drinker) but the drink of choice was called a "Skinny Redheaded Hottie"!!! SO I had to have one... then a second! lol

I'll leave you at day one cause day two and three are super exciting!!!

Til next time...

Skinny Redheaded Hottie hugs... Crystal : ) xo

How to Lose 100lbs… Pt. 2

Hi Everyone,

So the last time I wrote about "How to Lose 100lbs" I ended with posing the question…how bad do you want to make a change?
I hope you’ve really thought about it, because part 2 is where you’re going to put it to the test!

A few days ago, I asked Sam (Sandra) what the "hardest" part about training me was when I first started. Her answer surprised me…

I thought she was going to say something about all my "limitations" of being so overweight. I honestly thought she’d file me under lost causes after our first training session :P
Instead, Sam said that the hardest thing about training me (or I’m sure anyone, for that matter) is what I did the other 23 hours I wasn’t with her.
Hmmmm…. Made you think huh!? Lol

Lets be honest here, I remember one of my big excuses being that I had no idea what to eat!… Really?! I’m pretty sure I know what not to eat! (quote from Jimmy Mentis himself lol).
I can do exactly what I’m told for one hour of training but if I follow it up with a cheeseburger… what good is that? Add insult to injury, it’s the trainer that gets s#!t on when the client doesn’t see results.
Wow… that was harsh! But totally true ;)


If I sound like I’m on the proverbial soap box, I don’t mean to honestly! Lol Truth is I was that person for a VERY long time! Starting a new "diet" or exercise routine or whatever. I never achieved my goals because I wasn’t really ready. Ready to do EXACTLY what needed to be done to get the results I wanted.

Sam told me (and this is my big GOLD STAR!) that I was the "ideal" client because I listened to her… always!
I’m not looking for a pat on the back here lol
This time was different because I had made the choice that enough was enough and I was READY.

If it meant getting up an hour earlier to train… OK
If it meant skipping lunch with friends… OK
If it meant cooking separate meals from my family… OK
If it meant making a sacrifice now for a result later… OK

In the words of Coach Compton (Sam)… "the food will always be there" lol.
Cheesecake is not going to go extinct right before I reach my weight loss goal! Hehehe

So here’s the next step for you…. If you’ve decided that you’re really ready.
Commit to what you’re choosing to do!

If it’s the gym, boot camp, a trainer, weight watchers… whatever! DO IT!!!
If you’ve hired someone… listen to them… see what happens when you honestly give it your 100%!!! No more, no less!

Something that I heard (no clue where, forgive me if I’ve used it before lol) that really stuck with me is that… time is going to pass regardless of what you do… so why not use that time to your advantage and each day get one step closer to where you want to be.

While we’re on the subject of "goals"… I told Sam when we first met that in my wildest dreams I would want to look like the girls in a Pitbull video!!! Lol Totally still true! Matter of fact… that’s my next focus. Shaping and toning!
I’ll keep you posted on my "bootylicious" progress!!!

Til next time…

Badonkadonk hugs... Crystal :) xo

My Birthday Adventure... Dad don't look!!!

Hi Everyone!

As you can tell by the title of my blog, I celebrated my birthday this past Monday! It was one of those "milestone" birthdays... I turned 35!!!

(I promise I will be continuing my "How to lose 100lbs" series... part 2 is almost done.)

I thought this was a great opportunity to show how much of a big deal this birthday was for me.

First, this is the first birthday I have ever had where I've not been overweight! Seriously!

Last year I was about 4 months into my weight loss adventure and I was about 200lbs. Wow... how much can change in a year!!! It just goes to show that time doesn't stop for anyone... you can choose to do something or stay the exact same and time is going to pass regardless.

So a full year later... I'm not celebrating another birthday feeling trapped in my body.

As for all my journeys milestones, Coach Compton (Sandra, Sam, you know who I mean) lol was there.

First, lunch at The Bauer Kitchen... start off with some wine... yes please! why not?! : P

Then a yummy roasted chicken pesto sandwhich with.... yep... sweet potato fries!!! Mmmmmm!!!!

Hey! Sam was right there... it's my birthday! lol

Ok! Lunch is done... here's where things take a BIG turn!!! : D Only read on if you're A) open minded

B) not squeemish and C) not my Dad!!! heheheheeee

Part of this birthday being a milestone was doing something that I have wanted to do for about 10yrs now.

I told myself it would never happen if I was "fat", I would only do it if I felt confident in how I looked.....

Curious?! LOL

DAD... Don't look!!!!

Here it is.... my Chandelier tattoo!!!

Why a chandelier you ask? Well... my name is Crystal... I love ALL things sparkley... and I absolutely LOVE chandeliers!!! It just seems to be something that best represents me : )

Here we go...

I look dead lol

Outline done!

And shading : )

And FINISHED!!!!!! : )

Absolutely in LOVE with it!!!

Honestly, I can't even explain to you all how amazing I felt seeing this in the mirror for the first time! I cried, not cause it hurt.. it did mind you, but I did it!!! I actually DID it!!!!!!! I felt a little silly at the tattoo shop crying AFTER it was done but he didn't seem to mind. lol

It's pretty surreal to me that after wanting something for so long... I finally have it. I have wanted to be fit and in shape and I have been working for over 15 months to get where I am... slowly but surely... but in 3hrs I have gotten something that has taken a lifetime to build the confidence for.

I feel like I've just customized myself : P

Check another thing off the "list"!!!

Up next... what better way to celebrate then dessert! Here is Sidney looking strung out on sugar even before she started!!! Lol Funniest pic ever!!!

All said... an awesome birthday!!! Can't wait til this tattoo heals cause it's wicked itchy today! lol

Til next time...

Tatted up hugs... Crystal : ) xo

How to lose 100lbs... Pt.1

SURPRISE! lol

While many of you who know me or follow me on facebook already know, as of Dec 31 I hit my 100lb weight loss! What a great way to end 2011!!! :D

So as the saying goes... the proof is in the pudding (or oatmeal in my case)...

I cannot even describe to you how I felt seeing this number on the scale. :)
Lets just say there were tears... lots of tears.

I have spent easily 95% of my entire life being overweight, this is the lightest I have been since about grade 7... yes, you read that right. There was a very brief period in grade 9 where I battled with an eating disorder and went down to 105lbs... that accounts for that other 5% of my life.
So when I talk to women (and men) about the struggles of being overweight, I am talking from experience... I HAVE been there and experienced it all. The name calling, low self esteem, rude looks, low self esteem... oh right I said that all ready.
In the end, it was my self esteem that took the beating as much as my body. The feeling of absolute hopelessness... like I was a less valuable person because of my weight. (This was never true but that's how I felt).

To give you an idea of how I felt in my body at 241lbs, I'm going to share a great visual from one of my favourite movies... Wall E!
See how the little people keep getting fatter and their bones more padded? Well the last one one the right is exactly how I felt!!! Extreme? Not to me. Honestly... that's how I felt.

(I apologize for the quality of the screen shot but you get the idea! :P)

I distinctly remember the day I found my calf muscle.... I thought I had a tumor in my leg!!! lol Nope! It's called a muscle... and now I have lots of them!
To be able to feel the definition of my bone structure, muscles etc. underneath my skin still amuses me!!!


So, here is an updated photo for you all...

And now to tackle the "big" questions that I get asked.....

Am I done losing weight now? The answer is no :)

While I am over the moon happy with what I have acheived so far, remember... I am 4' 11". While I know that I look "normal" and even "thin" to those who are used to seeing me, I still have a little bit of weight to drop.

More improtantly... I have toning, strengthening and compacting to do. I have an hour glass shape, I am "curvy" period. I love the look of a feminine shape... (like the curvy ladies in Pitbull videos!!! lol).

The next question... "So you don't have to watch what you eat ALL the time now, right?"
I'm going to answer that by showing you a photo of my breakfast...

Egg whites with salsa, oatmeal with blueberries. lol Were you expectiong chocolate chip pancakes? :P

Seriously though, I am completely happy eating a clean and balanced diet. If I eat something that's "off diet" I make up for it in the gym!


Last question.... "How do I lose (whatever weight)?

Well... first ask yourself if that's what you really want? Sounds silly? Who wouldn't want to lose weight?!
I tried losing weight so many times... too many to count.
It wasn't until I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, that it all started making sense to me. I had to hit absolute physical rock bottom... I was a mess.

So lets stop here for right now... you know how I began and where I currently am.
Consider this homework ;)
Take this time to evaluate how you feel about changing because believe me, it's not easy.
It's a ton of work, it will test all your limits and most of all... it's completely worth it!
Once you've decided... the next step will present itself :)

Til next time...

100lbs lighter (but still big) hugs... Crystal :) xo

Cheers... Here's to YOU!!!

Hi Everyone!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with friends, family and wonderful memories made!

Incase you missed it... here's the link to Sandras blog about our BeautyFit beauties team making soup for local charities with the Soup Sisters organization!
http://beautyfit.com/blog4/2011/12/21/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-at-christmas/

Such a great time for an amazing community based project! What a way to feel the true spirit of the holidays!

There are many articles, blogs etc. devoted to the issue of how to stay on track with your diet during the Christmas/holidays. This is not one of those blogs lol.

In the words of my BeautyFit mentors (Sandra and Jimmy) "You know what NOT to eat" :P Does that mean I refrained from all Christmas goodies? HECK NO! I enjoyed a great dinner with family (2 dinners actually) complete with a couple of sweet treats! What I didn't do is completely go nuts and gorge... I felt bloated enough with the little extra I did have! Ugh... thank goodness for peppermint tea!!!
When you look at things, like the holidays, with a realistic view... it's so much easier to deal with and get through.
As a matter of fact... the glass of wine pictured below was a prescription direct from Sandra (Sam). Two days out from Christmas I hadn't reached the goal I had in my head. I was stressing and not looking forward to the idea of Christmas meals. Sams response... "chill, enjoy a glass of wine and relax! You'll get there... just don't go nuts."
Well, I always follow Sams orders lol. I did indeed have that glass of wine (which was funny enough since I'm not a big drinker :P) and also enjoyed my family dinners. More importantly, I felt empowered knowing that I was in control of what I ate and I knew my limitations!

Like I've said before in the past... when I do eat something that's "off" my regular diet plan, I know that I need to ramp it up at the gym to get back on track. That's what this week has been about. Refocusing, re evaluating and setting new goals for the new year! With that being said...

You may be wondering about that goal I was stressing about... well I'm working on that for my next blog post! lol So you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for the next one!!! ;)

In the meantime... take this time to evaluate whats important to YOU! What do you want? and what are you willing to do to achieve those goals? I promise it's worth the effort!

Til next time!

Happy New Year Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Feel the fear... and do it anyway!!!

Hi Everyone!

Many of you may know that besides being a blogger for BeautyFit Inc. my full time profession is as a makeup artist.

In my industry I work in so many different realms with all types of people from brides to actors, models to fitness competitors. But no matter the client or job, one thing is always the same... I'm BEHIND the scenes! lol

So when the opportunity arises for me to be in front of the camera or a large group of people, my first reaction is to avoid and shy away from the experience!
This was especially true when I was at my heaviest... oh the chances and experiences I missed out on because I was so worried about how I looked and what others may think of me.

I am still very apprehensive of being in front of the camera lol (the fact that 2 of my closest friends are photographers makes this especially difficult!!!)
So you can imagine my thought process when confronted with the reality of going onstage to present awards at the OPA London Championships... as one of their major sponsors... YIKES!!!

BUT... as the title says and I'm learning very quickly about SO many things... it's OK to be afraid!!! Feel the fear, embrace it, and DO IT ANYWAY!!!
I know, for me, I'm done passing up opportunities because of fear!

Here we are with the Overall Figure winner!

And here is the presentation to the Overall Bikini winner (oohhhh... recognize BeautyFit Inc' s very own Sandra Compton ;)

And here we are... having a photo op at the booth!

(from left...)

Nancy Barbosa Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, Katie Lesperance, Sandra Compton and Me :)

What did I learn from all this? Well, I went up onstage and didn't get laughed off! lol I didn't feel out of place AND I had FUN!!! Who knew?!?! lol

Til next time... 

Feeling free Hugs... Crystal :) xo

 

Failing and quitting... there's a difference!

Hi All!

Here's a great quote to get us started...

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually, it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever" ~ Lance Armstrong

The "universe" works in amazing ways... I love it when I come across exactly the right motivation when I'm most needing it. 

With all victory, there comes defeat and with all success, there is some level of failure.

It is what you do with the defeats and failures that ultimately determine whether you reach your goals.

I remember vividly my first attempt at a military push up... hahaha It was BAD! I could barely hold myself up, let alone go through the full range of motion! I thought to myself, is this EVER going to be possible for me? 

Well, after attempting one... and face planting lol, I figured it couldn't be that bad again :P Even if I did one push up and wiped out on the second... at least I did ONE! lol 

Eventually, one turned into 10 and then to 30. The point is, after the face plant I could've said f#*k it and not ever tried again. What would be the point in that though?!

 So here I am... doing military push ups! Wow, that's a bad angle!!! hahaha Oh well! Point IS that I'm doing them! :D

I know I've thought about quitting, the days when I'm sore or tired or when I have guilt over all the time I'm putting into making ME better. In the end its what you can and can't live with. I choose not to stop where others would be comfortable. That's my choice.

Its not just about being "not fat" anymore, its about being the best Me I can be. Exactly the way I see myself in my head, but was always afraid to hope to become.

For me, once I got a taste of a healthier body and mind, having anything less is now unacceptable.

I don't want to be stick thin. I am, and will always be curvy. I love the look of hips and booty... and boobs lol

I do however, want to reach the goals I've set for myself. Regardless of how many people tell me that I look "good" now and I don't need to continue. I'm not "there" yet. ;)

So here I am with Sam on back/shoulders day, that was a push to failure workout! lol

Each day we all have the choice to either push til our body fails OR to try a little and then quit before we ever see our full potential OR not even try at all... which do you choose today?

Remember, no matter how slow your pace... you're still out running the people on the couch! (I take no credit for that quote but I love it! lol).

Til next time...

"You can do it" Hugs... Crystal :) xo

I am Beauty Strong!

Hi Everyone!

If you all haven't heard the news... BeautyStrong is now available in Canada!!! 

What is Beauty Strong?! Well it's a pre workout drink that helps me dig deep, zone in and maximize my workouts with no jitters!!! 

The first time I used BeautyStrong, I felt the difference. My training was more intense because I could push myself beyond what I was doing normally!

As I always say, if you want to know all the scientific info about the product... head to www.beautyfit.com!

 I love that BeautyStrong is pre measured and it comes in Fruit Punch and Grape!!! Mmmmm!!!

At this point in my weight loss, the loss of pounds is slower than it was in the beginning. This I know is normal, I am in the "home stretch" of my weight loss goal.
Every day at the gym or cross training outside means one step closer to where I need to be. So why not maximize my potential and time there?!?!
Having said that, I am setting new goals and thinking about the "fine tuning" of how I want my body to look and what is important to me.
I want a strong, toned body. Not just a shell that is 100lbs lighter.
With this goal comes a whole new set of challenges, changes and, I'm sure... struggles! lol

I know what I'm gearing up for.... actually I'm looking forward to it! Why?!
Cause I'm BeautySTRONG!!! ; )

Til next time...
BeautyStrong Hugs... Crystal : ) xo