MIAMI PRO - First Competition July 5th 2015

Not sure where to start but I stepped out on stage for the first time on Sunday and honestly, was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

The Competition was very well run, and everyone I spoke to was extremely professional through out the day. 

I initially entered Bikini Tall, and then around a few weeks before the competition I decided to also enter fitness after speaking to my posing coach Audrey.

By entering two divisions I thought it would give myself the benefit of finding out from the judges where I am more suited to since it was my first competition. 

I am so proud to announce that I placed first in Bikini Tall, and even placed 3rd in Fitness!! So I am officially an Bikini MP Pro. This whole experience has taught me that your mind and goals are so much stronger than your set backs. If you want something bad enough you will get it if you put the work in.

Loco Coco Hair, Skin, Coffee & Cooking

If any of you follow me on Twitter (@Stephren) you will know I'm crazy about Coconut Oil as it brings so many benefits- Top 10 Health benefits of Coconut Oil Below are a few of my own uses for Coconut Oil:

Hair

I have really curly hair and it becomes so dry and frizzy at times, and after a bit of research I found Coconut Oil to be a key ingredient for natural hair masks. If anyone else suffers from dry damaged hair, Coconut Oil will become your new best friend - I promise! The best thing about it is that your are able to get it at most Supermarkets too. Below is a recipe for a hair mask I often use, just mix up the ingredients below and leave it on your hair for half an hour and wash off:

• Two spoons of Coconut Oil
• One spoon of Olive Oil
• One spoon of Honey

Skin

I use Coconut Oil on my skin, but only at night time. Simply because it is so greasy, and you don't want to smell like a coconut at work. I occasionally suffer from keratosis pilaris on the back of my arms. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's the red bumps you can get on your arms which look like you are always cold. To be honest nothing works to get rid of it I have tried everything, but I have found Coconut Oil to be the most successful with treating it with a combination of exfoliation. Plus it makes your skin SUPER SOFT! 

Coffee

Coconut oil in your coffee.... sounds crazy right?! But it's a healthy alternative! Its also great for a natural Pre-workout boost! Found this out when I started +LDNMUSCLE Building Lean Muscle Naturally Bikini Guide, and it really works and tastes good too.

• One spoon of coconut oil into a cup 
• Add hot coffee or espresso
• Stir, sip, and enjoy

Cooking

Replacing your standard cooking oil will give you so many health benefits, as discussed in my original link above. This website has 100s of different recipes to use coconut oil in cooking Coconut Oil Recipes, but I simply use it for anything I would normally use cooking oil/olive oil for -Enjoy

Move over May

So much for April showers hey?!

I absolutely love this time of year - not only because it's my birthday month, but because the sun always starts to come out from the depressed wet and cold spells at the beginning of each year.

Not only the sun, but means you can keep active outside! The only time I will be happy doing cardio.... 

The only drawback is, when the suns out you have to bring out those pale white arms and legs you have been hiding!

Not to worry I have researched some foods which will naturally boost your skins glow 

Carrots & Sweet potatoes - Containing high levels of beta-carotene, Vitamin A and antioxidants, carrots can give us healthy skin from the inside by flushing out toxins. It protects our skin & when ingested, are converted into vitamin A, a prime factor in keeping skin touchably soft!

Kiwis - Contain Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis and protects against wrinkles

Spinach are filled with naturally occurring antioxidants, keeping your complexion radiant and blemish-free.

Two Thousand & FIT

2015

So far in 2015 the gyms have been over packed, the wait for dumbbells or squats racks have been longer the get fit in the 2015 year is officially here- weird but I love it!!!

It's clear that being fit and healthy is much more attractive than it has ever been, I honestly believe the online social community has a big thing to do with it and I love seeing more people taking the time to work out and even talk selfies too!.



My first competition is this year (scary!) in the beginning of July, so the count down is on. Over the next few months my training will be increased and the focus on the food I am eating will do too.



My favourite Food Shop
MuscleFood - Such a simple way to order everything you need for meals, and especially great quality meat and yummy Nut Butter. They partner up with all gym/healthy food and beverage venders to make a one stop shop.Really recommend the starter pack if you are a newbie as it gives you a huge selection of meat to choose from.