BEFORE

Toni’s Journey To Her First Bikini Show

AFTER! (Taken 6 weeks out from show time)

How did you get started in fitness?

I started getting into fitness by taking a fit camp with Tim Gorham.  I wanted to do something to look and feel better.  Once the fit camp was over I started taking kickboxing, but still wasn't seeing the results I wanted. So Tim convinced me to start weight training with him—his fiancé, Ashley Katz, also put me on a strict nutrition program. This is when I began to see results!

What compelled you to do a bikini competition?

I wanted a goal of something to work towards to continue to give me motivation to work harder and continue eating right. I also wanted to compete to give me more self-confidence.  I want to do something out of my comfort zone that pushes me to strive for the best.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

The challenges I have overcome are staying honest and accountable with my diet.  It is so easy to cheat but I have to have a lot of will power and motivation to stick to my diet so I have good results.  I have had many life changes going on since I have began working out on a regular basis, but working out and eating clean have made me feel so much better about myself.

What is your diet like?

I eat 6 small meals a day.  It consists of oatmeal, egg whites, chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, almonds, and broccoli.

What is your workout schedule like?

I workout 5-6 days a week at 5am. I mix cardio with weights.

When it comes to competing for the WBFF Rhode Island show November 5th, what are you looking forward to most?

I am looking forward to seeing what my body looks like, accomplishing my goal of getting out of my comfort zone, and becoming more comfortable with myself.

A note from Ashley:

I can’t say enough good things about Toni. She’s worked so hard to achieve her goals and never gives up when things get tough. Not only has her physical transformation changed drastically, but her mentality has changed, too. She’s more self confident, outgoing and an all around happier person. She went from being a very passive person during our competition practices—to a sassy bikini diva ready to take the stage! I wish her all the best as we both will be taking the stage together on November, 5 2011 for the WBFF Bikini Diva Division in Providence, Rhode Island! Congratulations, Toni on all your accomplishments—you are truly an inspiration!

Ashley 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Do you often find yourself needing a snack before bed? These delicious peanut butter balls really hit the spot! Try this recipe to satisfy your nightly craving--or for a snack during the day!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
3 scoops chocolate protein powder
1/4 c. flaxseed meal
1/2 c. all natural peanut butter

Mix all ingredients in a bowl--mix in water if necessary (1 TBS at a time). Form mixture into TBS size balls. You can eat right away, or for better taste, place them in the freezer for about 2 hours.  ENJOY! :)

Makes 8 servings

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

6 ice cubes
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 Tbs. sugar free vanilla or butterscotch pudding
1/3 c. canned pumpkin
Cinnamon (for added flavor)
Nutmeg (for added flavor)
Splenda (for some sweetness)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Throw ingredients in the blender, pour and enjoy...

Yum. Tastes like fall :)

Why do I LOVE to train?

This is a question I’m asked on a regular basis. It may not be this exact wording, but people are more often than not interested (or concerned) why I train like I do. They wonder why I go to the gym 6 days a week and eat the same foods. It’s not all for superficial reasons, although staying committed does whip that booty into good shape! It’s about getting stronger, healthier and loving the person I am.

Here’s a few reasons why I love to train:

To challenge myself

To achieve goals

To build character (really, it does)

To increase confidence

To age more healthily

To be an inspiration to other’s
To be knowledgeable so I can help other’s

To practice what I preach

To feel the good burn baby!

To feel more energized everyday

To feel happy

To relieve stress (wow does it work!)

To look better naked :)

To give me a sense of accomplishment

To brighten my mood

To support my disciplined personality

To help my mind

To love myself—without self love, it’s truly hard to give love

 

“Fitness to me isn't about a crunch or a push up, it's about taking your power back.” ~Jillian Michaels

DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE EGG WHITES?

1.       Egg white oats: Mix egg whites with oatmeal, Walden Farms maple syrup and cinnamon-this is my favorite!! YUM

2.       Egg white pita: Put cooked egg whites in a whole-wheat pita pocket. Add 1 ounce low fat cheese, 1/3 c. black beans and shredded chicken breast

3.       Low carb Chinese: Saute stir fry vegetables with ½ TBS oive oil until tender. Add cooked egg whites and cook for a minute. Remove from plate and add ½ TBS low sodium soy sauce

4.       Protein ice cream: Blend 4 egg whites, ½ scoop protein of your choice and 1 TBS Walden Farms syrup. Place in bowl and freeze for 1-2 hours--this stuff saves my life!

5.       High protein cottage cheese: Add egg whites to ½ c. low fat cottage cheese-- toss in ½ c. blueberries

6.       Egg white taco: Place egg whites on corn tortilla, add an ounce of low fat shredded cheese and salsa. Add lean ground turkey for more protein

7.       Sweet Potato Fries: Peel sweet potato and cut into strips. Fill a zip lock back with egg white, paprika and a little cinnamon. Place potatoes in back and shake well until all are covered. Place on aluminum foil and bake on 425 for 30 minutes--flipping every 10 minutes. Done!

8.       Protein pancakes: Blend ½ c. rolled oats, ½ scoop protein of your choice, 4 egg whites and cinnamon, and a splash of unsweetened almond milk. Spray pan with PAM, pour mixture onto pan and cook! Makes 2 pancakes

9.       Sweet Potato cakes: Blend ¼ sweet potato, ½ scoop protein powder and 3 egg whites. Spray PAM on saucepan, poor mixture and cook. Makes 2 small cakes. Add some extra sassiness by adding 1 TBS fat free cream cheese and 1 TBS Walden Farms syrup on top.

10.   Egg white omelet: Self explanatory