If you’re following my #proprepdiaries series, you already know that before I began my competition prep, I set four goals for myself for this prep and really, for the year.
Goal 1: I will whole-ass my workouts.
Goal 2: I will think highly of myself.
Goal 3: I will treat myself with respect.
Goal 4: I will compete only against myself.
Now, goal one can only be done if I am being good about goal three. That is, I can only perform at my best in the gym if I’m taking care of my body. I’m making sure to incorporate the right supplements to keep my body in tip-top shape, and ever since a friend told me about the rewards program at Vitamin Shoppe a couple of years ago, I’ve been shopping there for many of them. There has been a Vitamin Shoppe conveniently located to everywhere I’ve lived while I’ve been a bodybuilder, and they always have what I need.
My pill chest (which I wrote about here) is from Vitamin Shoppe, as are my BCAA capsules (for post-workout recovery) and my creatine (brings water to your muscle cells to increase protein synthesis). The Critical Aminos pictured here are new and came in my surprise gift box from Vitamin Shoppe – unboxing below.
I mix the creatine with my protein shake post-workout, drink the aminos during my workouts, and take 3 BCAA capsules post-workout as well. This is a newer version of the pill chest I use.
When I got this special delivery from Vitamin Shoppe, I didn’t know what would be inside. Lucky for me, it was full of things that I already consistently use to help me meet my health and fitness goals. It’s really easy to work with people and companies when you’re 100% on the same page with them!
Look at all this swag!
It included a ton of stuff to help #getyourgoalon, including many of my top essentials:
The Essentials
Magazines for inspiration: I find that flipping through magazines, Instagram, or watching fitness-related YouTube videos gives me a boost when I am lacking motivation to go to the gym.
Protein shakes: I take a scoop of whey isolate protein mixed with 5g creatine after every weight workout. Yep, every one.
Amino acid drink mix: There’s no way I could keep up my workout regimen without taking amino acids. If I take it during and/or after workouts, it cuts down my soreness by at least 75% – TRULY. I thought it was a load of crap, too, until I tried it. I’ve tried several different kinds of aminos, and this Bodytech one in Watermeleon Punch tastes A+.
Shaker cup: I take one or two with me to the gym every day. One for aminos and one for protein.
Pill container: As you saw above, I use a bigger pill chest for all my supps!
Nice-to-Haves
Super cute Vitamin Shoppe tee: Let’s be real. Gym motivation often comes in the form of cute outfits.
Coconut oil: I cook my eggs in this every morning. Coconut oil is a great source of MCT (medium chain triglycerides).
Melatonin drops: I’m currently taking a different sleep supplement, but 1mg melatonin (or less!) is great to take if you need help to drift off.
Probiotic capsules: I’ve been taking these every day since having a problem with candida ON MY FACE. Long story.
Mixing up some aminos to bring to the gym.
And here’s what I’m looking like, 14 weeks out from my competition. I definitely notice a positive change this week. My legs and abs both look leaner and tighter. Oddly enough, there was no change in my weight!
So now you know the little extras that give me the boost I need to #getmygoal on! What are your “dirty little secrets” that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Vitamin Shoppe.
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This sounds like a really neat subscription box. I know many people who would benefit from and enjoy this.
Wow, we were just talking about this now it’s time. Good luck, I know you will do well
I can see a difference in your abs too! Definitely a great box for your getting your supplements in
I love your goals and appreciate your hard-work too!! All the best!!
I love your goal #4 – that you’ll only compete against yourself. Actually, I like all of your goals. I can tell a difference between the two photos. You’re killing it!
Wow, I can definitely see a huge difference in your abs! I have to say I really love the positivity behind your goals. With goals like that it is no doubt you will succeed.
GIRL YOUR BODY IS ON FLEEK! WORK IT!
I’ve never been to a Vitamin shop or bought any of these products online. I have been low energy levels and tempted to check what they have to offer.. BTW, you are looking great!
You look really fit! I’m so glad that you reached your goals. I like your waist size, you know I want to achieve it lol.
Vitamin Shoppe sounds amazing with those package of health essentials. And you look absolutely gorgeous & fit enough as a result of some regular workout, which I think many of us must learn from your hard-work & patience.
You’ve got to talk to me about the creatine girlfriend. I’ve been stalking it at the store… You know… Walking by it several times, putting it in the cart, putting it back, putting it back in the cart, putting it back, walking away to get something else, then coming back to it. Ha! Weights have become my best friend… Like I love them, but I’m curious about the creatine. I love this surprise you got from Vitamin Shoppe, it was perfect! 🙂 I’ve been using Beachbody Hydrate during heavy workouts because that’s what I have on hand, but I’m looking forward to trying new things and seeing what works for me. 🙂 You are inspiring my dear. 🙂
Aww thank you for the nice words! I think creatine is great if you’re really trying to put on muscle and lift weights often. Otherwise, it’s probably unnecessary and could cause unwanted water retention. Sounds like you are into lifting, so it could be great for you! I buy the unflavored kind so I can mix it with my chocolate protein. 🙂 Hope this helps!
I can’t believe how tiny your waist is. You look wonderful and I’m glad that you are seeing such amazing results.
You got some serious swag! I would love to add some supplements to my daily routine. I need to head over to the Vitamin Shoppe & grab some.
I like Vitamin Shoppe, I bought some vitamins for my kids there. Looks like these supplements are great for you!
I know that to achieve your goals, there should be lots and lots of discipline and patience. I am happy that you have both. Thanks for inspiring me that it is never too late to get a healthier and more fit body.
Vitaman shop is awesome and you look amazing! While you are using magazines for motivation I will use you for motivation!
I agree, you totally look amazing. I love that the Vitamin Shop has the products you need to stay healthy and look healthy too.
Awww shucks! 🙂
Wow, you do look amazing and I know I mentioned you should look into doing fashion modeling after or during your bodybuilding career.
My husband is a huge fan of making protein powder drinks after his workouts and sometimes before going to bed so that his body has a chance to heal during sleeping.
That shop is the best, always able to find what I need and it’s at a good price too, always great quality.
I am into sports and when I compete, I compete only with myself. I love your list!
You look AWESOME! I definitely need to work out and these look like great supplements.
These are great goals. I only workout (at home) when I can’t go out to walk.
Those supplements are great to have. Although I do not regularly exercise, I do walk around the block (if the weather permits) and take my vitamin supplements. I love your Goal # 2. Raise that confidence level!
I’ve never heard of Vitamin Shop before. I will be honest I love reading your posts about fitness and vitamins because I’m learning so much! It inspires!
I’ve never been to a Vitamine Shop, but it sounds like a shop I need to hunt down (my hubs would be in heaven). And I love your goals – realistic and intentional.
As you have probably figured out by now—I am not into working out. I do take supplements on occasion and yes, I do shop at The Vitamin Shoppe!! I so agree with your #4 goal I will compete only against myself.
You look great! I love all of your goals and think i may have to use some of them for myself
I don’t have any fitness goals but I need to set soon! Keep up the great work!!
I don’t have any fitness goals but I need to set some. Glad this company worked out for you. You are in great shape.
I can see the difference. I love your goals.
It’s so important to have fitness goals to work towards, that always motivates me to work harder! That, and having specific events to go to, like weddings. Knowing I need to fit into a particular dress is a good motivator too 🙂
I can actually see the difference and you look great. The amino acid drink mix I may have to try because of fibromyalgia. Thanks for sharing this awesome information and keep up the great work.
Looking really good. Set your mind on a goal and you are doing it. Good job.
Looking good there Chanelle! My nephew (a HS wrestler) takes a number of the same vits etc that you do. He is ranked #2 in his weight class right now and super dedicated! Good luck!
I like the idea of only competing against yourself. I sometimes get frustrated when I lose my Fitbit challenges week after week, but as long as I am doing my personal best, that’s good enough.
What a beautiful body you have. I love watching figure models practice at my gym. I know the commitment it takes and respect that so much!
You have wonderful goals! I love your goal number 3. I think everyone should first give themselves respect.
Looking amazing- as always!!!! I love that you’re sharing how this is all possible for anyone willing to put the work in! To keep healthy, I cook with coconut oil as much as possible, take probiotics and vitamins every day, make sure I drink lots of water, and use coconut oil to take my make up off.
I haven’t tried coconut oil as a makeup remover yet!
DO try it!!! I swear by it!
Your body looks very fit, but I missed seeing your face. I prefer not just the body shot, but the whole person…..IMHO.
I take these photos first thing on Saturday mornings so my face looks a little rough around the edges 🙂 🙂
You’re well on your way to achieving your four goals and I love how knowledgeable you are about the fitness process! With so many different supplements available, I often feel as if I need some extra help in deciding which ones are best for me.
You are doing such a great job. I need to start remembering to take my vitamins. They are so important!
I have been wanting to try cooking with coconut oil. I use it for all kinds of stuff, but I’ve never tried eating it!
You are looking amazing!! I have not hear of this supplement box before it’s full of a lot of goodies!!
LOOOKING good!! Good for you for all your efforts with this – i’m just barely starting to exercise again
I love the Vitamin Shoppe! I always stop by when I’m at the mall! Oh and I should totally start cooking my eggs in coconut oil, too!
It looks like you got a lot of great products in that box. You look great, all of your hard work is paying off.
I’m so fascinated by this process. I just started working out on Monday, nothing serious like this. I have coconut oil but I don’t really use it. I hear it is the cure for everything.
Sounds like you had great goals and a great plan. You look absolutely amazing. It is great that you got everything you wanted.
I agree with you about “gym motivation” coming from a new cute outfit. lol I definitely get a boost from having new workout clothes to use! P.S. You look great!
I have heard great things about melatonin for sleep. I haven’t been sleeping as well lately, so I need to look into getting some of these drops.
First of all, you look amazing. Your hard work has definitely paid off! My dirty little secret isn’t so dirty but in order for me to stay motivated and give me an advantage, I stick to my guns and work out at night. Everyone has tried to “make” me a morning person and it’s just not me.
I can definitely relate to that. I always have better workouts after a full day of food and awakeness. 🙂
Wow! your hard work truly pays off! I too need to whole-ass my workouts and improve on all of your goals about self kindness. I live withing walking distance of a a Vitamin Shoppe and shop there all the time. Cool to know about the customized box.
You have great goals for the year! And it looks like you are doing great! I swear by coconut oil for a lot of things. It really has a lot of uses.
I have heard great things about coconut oil. I mainly use it for skincare.
Some of my male relatives use protein supplements. I prefer to get my protein from my food. Steak, yum!
I take melatonin, too. I buy the gummy ones and I don’t take them every day, but sometimes I just know when my brain isn’t going to shut off and I need something to help.
There’s a lot of great products in that box! I’m amazed at how much stuff is in there. I can really tell a difference in those side-by-side photos. Your hard work is certainly paying off.
I can see it, too! She is working her butt off and it shows.
It’s great that the Box had everything you wanted, it can be annoying when we receive something we won’t ever use.