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Pro Prep Diaries: Checking in on My Four Goals

By 65 Comments

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.

Vitamin Shoppe #getyourgoalon

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.

Vitamin Shoppe Creatine Aminos BCAA

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 This is a newer version of the pill chest I use.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!

Vitamin Shoppe unboxing

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.

Vitamin Shoppe Aminos

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!

Pro Prep Diaries 15-14 weeks

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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Comments

  5. 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!

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  6. 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.

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  8. 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!

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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  11. 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. 🙂

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

  17. 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.

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  22. 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!

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  23. 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!

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  25. 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.

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  30. 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 🙂

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  31. 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.

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  34. 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.

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  37. 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.

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  39. 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.

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  45. It looks like you got a lot of great products in that box. You look great, all of your hard work is paying off.

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  46. 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.

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  49. 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.

    Reply

  50. 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.

    Reply

  51. 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.

    Reply

  55. 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.

    Reply

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