Food Scientist to Figure Competitor - The Decision
As a consequence of turning 30, getting engaged, and feeling nostalgic about gymnastics with all the 2016 Olympic hopefuls coverage, I’ve decided to compete in a Figure competition. With this decision and statement of intent, I will share my three concerns and three motivators.
I am not good at dieting. I tend to develop a rebellious and defiant attitude when I try to stick to a diet, especially one of those diets that goes “You WILL eat salmon and quinoa for lunch on Tuesday.” Fortunately my master’s degree in food science and Volumetric diet guidelines from Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix Extreme make it much easier to make sure I’m getting the right macro (and micro) nutrients.
I am not good at playing dress up. I was a gymnast all throughout high school, so I never really cared to refine my makeup and hair-do techniques. Don’t get me wrong, I can make a ponytail like nobody’s business (high and tight, low and informal, sporty and clean, messy and playful, whatever the style). Fortunately I have a little sister who is a make-up wiz, and I’m very good at reading. My current plan is to “Hermione” my way through this one, and seek help when I need it for stage-time.
I am budgeting for a wedding. Part of me is very competitive and wants to excel at everything I set my mind to do. Then the other part of me wants to approach competing in Figure like I approach a 5K – I know going in I’m not going to be the best but I’m doing it for the goodie bags, pictures, and the sake of saying I did my best and was brave enough to try. The latter will help me keep my budget in check, for I know that there are many great resources out there for Figure competitors (novice and pro, alike), that easily run up the cost of competing in this sport.
ACCOUNTABILITY. I know signing up for a real competition will keep me accountable as I get in shape for my wedding day. #ShredB4UWed
COMPETITION. I really miss competing. Sure, I enjoy my workouts in the gym, but it’s not for a specific goal (other than to be strong for life). My greatest motivation is when I have an actual physical event to prepare for.
SUPPORT. There are few people who read labels more diligently and pay more attention to the latest food science than those die-hard gym rats. I am a Food Scientist, and proud to say so in spite of negative press food scientists sometimes get for certain ingredients. Competing in Figure could be a chance to bring more positive recognition to the profession. Otherwise, just entering the world of fitness competitions will make me a better food scientist because it will help me expand my experience and perspective. FURTHERMORE, in the past year I’ve met numerous amazing people (too many to list!) and discovered so many great organizations (including Anytime Fitness, Never Too Pretty Brand, EliteOps Energy, Spider Energy, Fit Gurus, Super Flamingos United…). I feel motivated to compete in something if it means bringing recognition to the work these people and these groups are doing. For me and these organizations, I feel the support is mutual.
If you want to follow my journey (for the fitness or the food science), stay tuned for more updates, and please follow me on twitter (@GreenEyedGuide) and/or Instagram (greeneyedguide). If you want to share your tips/insight, I’m all ears. THANK YOU!
