Yesterday I participated in my first Scottish Highland Games!  I competed in 9 events that involved throwing heavy weights as far or as high as possible, each requiring technical skill in addition to strength.  Why would I be interested in doing such a thing?  

First of all, I want to show women that STRONG IS BEAUTIFUL. There are too many terribly wrong ideas about women and strength out there and I want to be part of the movement to change those.  Being strong does not mean you must look like a bodybuilder or manly or any other negative association I have heard far too many times.  Being strong means taking care of yourself physically and mentally - there is no exact shape, size, or look we should all measure against, because we are all different. Someone who is skinny is not necessarily more healthy than someone who is overweight. Everyone has a different story and a different background.  Let's stop being so hard on ourselves and each other!

With strength comes confidence. For myself and many others I have observed, this is where the beauty is discovered. We have always been beautiful, but it took developing the strength and the confidence to realize and embrace it. It is my mission to share this with as many women as I possibly can.

I function best when I set goals. If I want to accomplish something, I set my mind to it and get to work!  The fact that my size is far from a typical highland games athlete wasn't going to stop me. I started with the basics. Thankfully, the men of Ambition Athletics were generous with their time and patiently shared their knowledge. I had no previous experience and more questions than you can imagine. We practiced twice a week starting a few months before game day. We made our own equipment (which broke often) and worked on technique step by step.  The bonding time with Team Ambition was priceless. 

I love to surprise people with my strength - I'd rather be stronger than I look and experience pure joy from exceeding people's expectations! Despite our short kilts and painted nails, the ladies of Team Ambition showed up to compete. I placed 3rd in my class and I'm so proud of my performance!  The highlight of my day was weight over bar - I threw a 28lb weight over a bar set at 10 feet (something I could not do during practice)!! 

Overall, I loved competing in the highland games.  I am extremely inspired by the strength and dedication of all the athletes. I intend to do it again and I will be better, stronger, and more confident the next time!

Thank you to everyone who taught, coached, and supported me throughout the process!

Craving something sweet, but don't want to ruin all that hard work you've been putting into eating well?!  

Welcome to my life. I developed my sweet tooth and love for baking at an early age. It was inevitable. I grew up in the house all my friends were excited to hangout at because of the unlimited supply of sodas, candy, crackers, cookies...I know what you are thinking, poor poor Holly ;)

BUT I am an adult now and I am responsible for choosing what I put in my body. While I do indulge in treats, I believe there are different tiers in the sweet world of deliciousness. My secret is to eat something somewhat nutritious, while satisfying my sweet tooth! Keep these ideas in mind when your sweet tooth strikes...

Sweet snacks:  
Plain greek yogurt with fruit, nuts, cinnamon & honey (any combo works)
           my pick: 2% plain greek yogurt, walnuts, 1/2 banana, & cinnamon
Pumpkin puree with nuts, fruit (fresh, frozen or dried) 
           my pick: 1/2 pumpkin, 1/2 yogurt, shredded coconut, walnuts, and dried cranberries
Fruit (check out what's in season...berries, mango, pineapple, so many choices...)
           my pick: banana with almond butter. Find a store where you can grind your own almond butter. AMAZING
Trail mix - pick one without much added sugar (ie M&M's, "yogurt" raisins, etc) or make it yourself
           my pick: Made it up myself! Roasted almonds, shredded unsweetened coconut, and dark choc chips  

Sweet drinks:
Shake it up!  Protein shakes are multitaskers
          my pick: 1 scoop MRM vanilla protein powder, spoonful PB, spoonful cocoa powder, 1/2 C milk, water 
Fruit/Veggie smoothie
          my pick: 1 scoop MRM vanilla protein powder, water, handful spinach and/or kale, 1/2 banana, frozen berries, ginger root, flax seeds, and spoonful of greek yogurt (optional, depending on your texture preference)

If one of those won't do the trick I try a homemade treat...

Homemade goodies:
Making something yourself is always better than buying from the store because you know what you put into it!

Dark chocolate covered...(insert your favorite fruit, nut, or nut butter)
          my pick: melt dark choc chips (at least 60%) with 1/2t coconut oil in microwave (30-60sec). Dip or cover your chosen treat in chocolate, set on foil/parchment paper & let cool in freezer until solid
My favorite Coconut Chocolate chip cookie recipe
No bake Coconut balls recipe
...and many more on my pinterest page


Bottom Line - if you are going to eat something, do it and don't feel bad about it. Ain't nobody got time for that!

Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts. Comments encouraged!  

First of all, this picture was taken after a strenuous workout in the heat! No makeup, no pretty hair, because if you look amazing after a workout you might be doing something wrong ;) Or you are very, very lucky!

While I do love splurging on a few key pieces at Lulu (I own 3 to be exact), shopping for expensive workout clothes is not sustainable for me.  It is possible to create outfits that are cute, functional, and affordable. I've broken down one of my favorites below.

PS: watch out for bees in this bright sunshine-y outfit.  Seriously, a swarm flew over me when I was doing my downward dog...you better believe I jumped up and ran until they were out of sight :D

Mossimo stripe racerback tank (Yellow Boom)  - Target $10

Champion shorts (Indigo Screen) - Target $24.99

           Cutout back sports bra (Black) - Forever 21 $13.80