After a very rough summer in Quebec, Canada (my motherland), my energy levels were very low. I was crying for nothing and feeling so alone. I slept to make the time pass as quickly as possible. I was going through a deep depression. I didn’t care about myself. I even stopped wearing my seat belt in hopes that I would not survive a car crash. I couldn’t see or feel that my life was of any worth. I put weight on and felt even worse.
I decided to return to the US, where I had spent almost eight years of my adult life. Although moving back to the US made me feel much better, I needed to get back in gear or die. So I did. I knew I had to get my body back. I had to get my finances in order first, so I trained at home with the little equipment I had: bands, some free weights, a step platform, rollerblades, my bike, a BOSU ball and stability ball. With my Oxygen magazines, my workout DVDs and the internet, I was able to pull out some very creative, hard core, balanced, challenging, efficient and super-fun workouts. After a couple of weeks, I started to feel much better.
Once I was able to pay for good-quality food, I got organized with my diet too. I had a copy of The Eat-Clean Diet by Tosca Reno. It was my bible and the focus of my attention. I started to get really good results. It helped me to structure my meals, and that structure helped me do the same with any other aspects of my life as well (finances, personal projects, training, and even relationships).
As I improved I felt I needed a greater challenge. I got interested in figure posing. I ordered a set of DVDs to teach me how to pose for a figure competition. I was even able to get in touch with the team behind the DVDs to find a figure coach in my area, Emily. I joined a local gym (open 24 hours!). I got so enthusiastic that I decided to complete at the Dexter Jackson Classic on August 1st, 2008. I placed second in the “Master Over 30” and “Open” categories, and received the “Best Presentation” award!
Although Emily adjusted my diet, I understood exactly why she selected the food she did because of my experience with The Eat-Clean Diet. I was Eating Clean with Emily too. I was just so amazed that no matter what goal you have, whether it’s losing weight or doing a fitness competition, it’s all about Eating Clean! It’s a lifestyle!
While my body transformed on the outside, I was also transforming on the inside. I wanted to do things the best I could. I wanted to treat people the way I wanted to be treated. I was more aware and I wanted to live the beautiful life that was available to me. I started to love myself and wanted to good to feel good and spread it all around me. I want to share this wonderful feeling that I am harvesting from all of the little interactions I participate in every day. I became very efficient with my time, my money and everything I had to deal with. Problems become challenges that I am now looking forward to solve. I am learning to master myself at all levels. Taking care of myself physically and seeing tangible results has turned my life around 180 degrees. I now have confidence, trust, love and respect for myself. What a gift!
Every morning when I wake up, I say thank you for being alive. There are no real words that can fully explain how beautiful, accomplished, grounded and aware I have become. I want to be able to join others like Tosca to touch more hearts that need inspiration! The reward is more than priceless; it’s freedom!
Thank you, Tosca, for this wonderful project. It shines through your heart. The message and intentions are so profound and beautiful.
Much love and respect to you, Tosca!