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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThus starts my exploration into the Zone. My current meal plans were based on a 30-40-30 ratio (carbs, protein, fat) to jump-start my metabolism and the Zone is a 40-30-30, more for maintenance. The great thing about my discoveries in the Zone is that I learned how you come up with the ratios; i.e. what does 40% carbs look like in any given meal. First I would have to learn how to read food labels and then figure out how much of that item I could have. I first experimented with this trying to make pizza. I wanted a ham and pineapple pizza (I know, not everyone\u2019s favorite, least of all my husband\u2019s). I calculated just how much pita (whole wheat of course), cheese, ham and pineapple I could use. It was a little scientific but worth it. And after that I kept on going, re-creating as many old favorites as possible. Now keep in mind, when I started this journey I was in no way a good cook. I come from a family who bakes, desserts no less. I didn\u2019t even know the difference between homogenized and buttermilk. Luckily I had lots of help from my husband who does come from a family of cooks. Through reading, experimenting and gentle encouragement from my husband I was able to learn how to make meals that were healthy AND tasted great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end I lost 40lbs, about a third of my body weight, over a span of one year. Since then I have had my fair share of relapses, usually during the holidays when I put on a pound or two (and I do mean two, not five or ten). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My next endeavor has been competing in the Bikini Division within the CPA (previously OPA). After 10 years of continuous competing I earned my IFBB Pro Card. It wasn’t easy and I had many bad placings, but I kept at it and got better and better every show. It taught me a whole new level of training and dieting which has helped me enable others to achieve their goals too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end it\u2019s all about the you choices you make everyday, not who you are or where you came from. I am not special in my ability to lose weight and build strength and muscle. You can do it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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