April 16, 2010

I'm in the midst of a very very busy time, but thought I'd take a moment out to update my blog here! So, if you keep up with my new video blogs (check out the latest one at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Beoq7i-GVxg ), you know I'm prepping for IDFA's Novice Classic where I will be competing in the Fitness Model category instead of my usual (Figure)- it's almost 4 weeks away - wow! But, this and next week is full of prep for a non-fitness-related event that's coming up next week, and that is the International Bellydance Conference Canada! For non-bellydancers who are reading my blog - it's a huge bellydance event held for four days here in T.O. every two years that brings in bellydance stars from around the globe to teach workshops and perform, plus there are lectures, panel discussions, and so much more. I am deeply involved - I'll be performing a solo on Wednesday, two of my troupes are performing on various days, I'm speaking on a panel about bellydance and body image, my bellydance magazine has a table in the vendor's area, and of course I'm gonna try to take in as many workshops, lectures, and shows as I can! So, there's a lot of sewing, choreographing, practising, and getting promo material for MID-BITS Magazine (plus the actual new issue) together right now! Since I have very limited time in the day to really work on stuff cause I have a 1 1/2 year old running around and jumping off the couch, etc. I have decided some workouts may have to be sacrificed for some of the IBCC prep this week. It hurt a bit (cause I love to workout and don't feel right when I miss a morning workout), but this morning I got up at 4:30am and instead of happily heading out to workout, I stayed in and got down to choreographing my solo dance for Wednesday! I'm trying to look at it in this way... I know my body responds most strongly to eating totally clean (and working out is a small part of my fat-loss usually), so if I miss a few cardio sessions here or there over the next few days it will just make me stay even cleaner with the diet. I have been really great this week eating only lean protein (egg whites, chicken, protein shakes), a few veggies, and small amounts of fat (to make up for the oh-so-low carbs). I am 1 pound away from my big goal for tomorrow - so I know I will make it!!! Something else that's really been helping me stay on track with the diet is promising all my students that I'm back to sporting belly-baring tops for classes from now on (no excuses!) If I have to have my belly out there for everyone to see and me to see for hours in the mirror at the studio - if it looks great I feel proud of all my hard work and if it doesn't look so hot, it keeps me from eating bad when I get home at night. It also keeps me from eating bad stuff all day as I don't want a big bloated-looking belly in class! Plus this way I see my progress from week to week and hopefully my students can see what's possible if you clean up your diet and workout! Anyways, I'd better be getting back to choreographing or sewing or something now! Talk soon!