Testosterone– Why women need it too!

Some Surprising facts about testosterone and why it’s important for women too.

cody-lawyer-the-protein-princess-2

Testosterone – Why women need it too! Mike Mahoney Photography

 

There are a lot of mixed feelings out there about testosterone, many women hear the word and instantly think this hormone is something that only matters for men. Yes testosterone is a male hormone but women also produce it, and it plays an important role in puberty, sexual function and body system regulation. In women, the hormone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and in fatty tissues. As women age, our bodies produce less of the hormone, which can lead to physical and behavioral changes. In fact, at menopause, women produce up to 50 percent less testosterone than they did at their peak production during their teens and early 20s.

After my figure competition in March 2013, I felt tired, worn down and very unmotivated to get back in the gym. I would literally be in the gym working out yawning feeling like I could fall asleep. I knew my hormones were out of whack because my skin was breaking out and my menstrual cycle was very irregular and frequent. My doctor suggested taking birth control pills to help “regulate” my cycles. Although I am not against birth control pills my body doesn’t agree with them. I always gain a lot of weight and seem to get every side effect listed on the package. So I decided to research different products that may help regulate my hormones without actually getting on hormone replacements or use of birth control. I found one called Halotropin made by ProSupps.

This product helps your body produce more testosterone while simultaneously unbinding and utilizing your existing free flowing testosterone, and it keeps estrogen in check at the same time. The end result is an explosion in libido, strength, energy, and muscle mass. Unleash your full potential in the gym (and in the bedroom)!

At first I was a little bit skeptical about the results it would give me, but I also knew things couldn’t get worse. I approached ProSupps athlete Diana Diaz about Halotropin, and asked her if it was right for women. This is what she said about it:

“Yes, women most definitely can use and benefit from a testosterone boosting product like Halotropin. There are lots of misleading and confusing information regarding testosterone boosters for women and it’s common for these products to be associated with men only. Truth is both men and women have estrogen and testosterone. We just have different levels of them. Our hormones change with age, levels of physical activities, stress, pregnancy, nutrition/diets, etc. It seems like everything can effect a change in our hormones!

The benefits for us, women, using a testosterone booster may and will be an increase in stamina, strength, energy, vitality, sex drive and libido. These products also decreases water retention/bloating and help balance our moods. Obviously every woman is built different and may experience different results but for the most part, my female clients that I have added testosterone boosters into their nutritional routine have definitely seen positive results. Results vary but you should see a difference in strength, muscle tightness, energy and less water retention/bloating within 10-12 days.”

After contacting Diana I decided to give this testosterone booster a try and saw amazing results in my first month! Here are the changes I saw:

1. Sleep, I was actually getting into a deep sleep and dreaming. As a sleep tech I learned how much of an impact getting enough or no sleep can have on your body. In a nutshell sleep is like a reset button for your body!

2. My skin cleared up, no more breakouts or cystic acne.

3. My menstrual cycle went from 8 days to 3 days and became regular not sporadic. Cramps and bloating were also greatly reduced.

4. I’d wake up energized and ready to take on the day instead of wanting to sleep all day.

5. Because my body has been able to recover due to better sleep, I am seeing a higher level of strength. Definite gains in the gym.

6. Bruising, I do not bruise as easily anymore.

Dietary zinc is a strong ingredient in testosterone boosting products like Halotropin. This ingredient is known as the most important mineral for naturally boosting your testosterone levels. You can also find zinc in red meats, chicken, salmon, peanuts, dried pumpkin seeds, cocoa, and sesame butter. Garlic also helps boost testosterone levels because it contains allicin, which promotes testosterone production.

*Testosterone boosters like Halotropin may not be for everyone, and individual results may vary. It took me a few weeks to the notice the full effects of it. Always consult your doctor or physician before you try anything new.

Cookie Dough(nut) Protein Pancakes

Tired of the same ole boring breakfast?  All else fails make pancakes!

image

These are super easy!

Ingredients:
⚫ 1 scoop ProSupps Glazed Doughnut Whey protein
⚫ 80g MyOatmeal ( I used oatmeal cookie flavor)
⚫ 2 whole eggs
⚫ 1/4 cup fat free milk ( or water)
⚫ 1 tsp xanthan gum

Directions:
⚫ mix all ingredients in blender or nutribullet
⚫ heat griddle to 250°
⚫ spoon or pour mixture onto griddle, you may need to spread it evenly.
⚫ once golden flip and let other side cook
⚫ top with your favorite items… berries, icing, syrup, peanut butter. Or eat plain… these are THAT good!

image

Get PSwhey at http://www.prosupps.com use code CODY10 for 10% plus free Shipping

Get MyOatmeal from http://www.myoatmeal.com Discount Code: LAWYER15 for 15% off your order!

Finding Fitness Motivation is a lot like Dating

Fitness-Motivation

It seem as if everywhere we turn there is fitness motivation all around us. At first we jump on board and order P90X or the latest ‘kill you in 45 minutes’ at home workout. Or we get really serious and go join a local gym. We create a fitness Instagram where we post all our fit foods, new workout clothes, and for some silly reason lots of fitness fanatics like to take pictures of mirrors. I still haven’t figured that one out.
At first it’s like dating, new and exciting. It has our attention 100%, it’s all we talk about, think about, we live for it.

Then a few weeks, or maybe even months go by.

Now it’s not new, not as exciting, and sometimes we are just down right sick of it. That spark that made you fall in love, that lit your fire inside, that gave you drive and ambition, that motivated you, is now gone.

But wait! You can have that spark again. You can be motivated all over again!

I’m going to share some things I personally do to re motivate myself.

1. Find a Fit Buddy

Working out is always more fun with a partner. Having a fit buddy keeps you accountable and they are always there to give you an extra push when you need it.

2. Change of Scenery

Sometimes we get fish bowl syndrome. Getting out of our environment can make a difference in our attitude. If you workout indoors switch outside a few days a week.

3. Change Workouts

We can lose motivation if we’re doing the same things all the time. Switch your workouts. Try new things. If you don’t know what to do the Internet is a useful source. If you’re still confused you can hire a personal trainer to put you through a session or two.

4. Get New Gym Gear

This is probably my favorite haha! Who doesn’t get motivated or excited to show off or try our new gear out?! A new gym outfit can boost your confidence. Accessories can help improve lifts and workouts. Not to mention new clothes, shoes, straps, gloves and belts don’t have to set you back a ton of money. You can always find great deals.

5. Supplements

One reason people lose drive and motivation is because they lack energy.
If you are lacking energy a preworkout could help you tremendously. I remember the first time I took a preworkout  (half a scoop ProSupps Mr. Hyde) I felt like wonder woman! I finished my workout and went home and cleaned my house.

If a preworkout is too strong or you’re not wanting the caffeine. BCAA’s is a great option. There are several drink mixes that are wonderful to use during your workout. They help with not only energy but recovery as well. Win win if you ask me!

6. Switch Workout Time

If switching scenery isn’t an option. Changing up the time of day you workout can also help. You’ll be around new people and your body might like the change!

7. Take Progress Pictures

Motivation can be lost if you done see the changes you want. Especially on the scale. Taking weekly progress pictures. Keeps you accountable. It also gives you a third person view as to how you look. So you can see the changes you made from week to week. Sometimes the weight on your scale won’t change, but inches lost will show. I recommend taking full length, head to toe pictures. Use the same location and same lighting every time. Front, side, and back pictures are best.

8. Music, update your Playlist

I was lacking motivation and I switched my Playlist and added in some newer songs that pump me up. You want to pick songs that fire you up and get your adrenal flowing. Sometimes even if we like the song it isn’t one to listen to while working out.

9. Take an Instructed Class

This goes along with switching it up. Taking a class is a great way to get motivated. You have an instructor telling you and showing you what to do. As well as peers around you so you won’t want to be the class slacker, you’ll push yourself harder than normal.

10. Just do it! Get up and go!

All else fails, JUST DO IT!  As they say “the only bad workout is the workout that didn’t happen”. Even if you only have 10 minutes. It’s still something!

I hope these ideas help you rekindle your love for fitness and help you find motivation! Just like anything  you plan to do long-term you have to keep it exciting and fun. Once it becomes a chore it is no longer fun and we lose our motivation. We lose that spark.

Cody Lawyer
The Protein Princess

Comment below what your favorite motivation is. Share to motivate your friends!

25 Days Postpartum

Well I’m 25 days postpartum and we’re all adjusting wonderfully to baby Bostin. It took Gatlin a little while to decide if he liked the new baby in the house but after 3 weeks everyday gets better and better. This was my main priority after delivery, it wasn’t to lose weight or start working out immediately postpartum. It was to make sure my babies (all 4) are happy. Oh and to establish a good milk supply… I’m pumping about 72 oz a day!!

SO that being said… IT’S TIME! 

My starting weight: 118lbs
Day of Delivery: 142lbs
25 days postpartum: 125lbs

image

I’m ready! It’s been a long 26 weeks without working out. Many of you know I had to stop working out at 17 weeks pregnant because it was causing me to contract.  No matter how much water I drank or changed up my routines I still got contractions. This was somewhat devastating to me because I so badly wanted to continue working out throughout my pregnancy. But ultimately sometimes working out isn’t what is best for your body and baby. 

It’s exciting and kinda scary jumping back in. I’m like “what do I want to workout first?”…”Should I do one body part or hit everything?”… either way I’m going to be SO Sore!!! Lol! I’ve lost a lot of muscle so once I get into a routine I’m going to focus on building it back up.

After a lot of thought… my first workout will be at home. No pressure,  on my time, and definitely nothing to crazy. I know myself and if I go to my gym I’ll over do it.  I won’t be doing any direct ab movements.  My abs are trashed, I have horrible ab separation and they are sore and tender. I also have a hernia. So anything directly putting pressure on my abs could cause more damage than good.

HERE is my 1st Postpartum Workout:

★ Stretch… Stretch… Stretch!
● 5 min warm up on treadmill, fast speed walk to warm up my muscles.

● 25 body weight squats
● 10 jumping jacks
● 20 bicep curls (using dumbbells or resistance bands)
● 10 Standing Shoulder Press
● 20 alternating lunges (each leg)
● 10 push ups
● 10 body weight tricep dips (using chair)
● 10 Burpees

★ Repeat 2-3 times

My preworkout/Intraworkout mix is…
1 scoop ProSupps Karbolic strawberry popsicle
1 serving ProSupps Liquid Aminos PSXXIII Berry Flavor

Postpartum Progress- 14 days

I’m currently 14 days postpartum. Ugh my baby is already 2 weeks old!! *tears*

My starting weight: 118lbs
Day of Delivery: 142lbs
14 days postpartum: 126lbs

image

Bostin is perfect,  seriously you wouldn’t even know there is a baby in our home. He sleeps pretty much all night.  I got him on a schedule of eating at 9:30/10pm, wakes at 3-4 am, then again at 7-8am! Not to shabby if you ask me 😉

I’m breastfeeding/pumping every 3-4 hours around the clock. I’m extremely busy with both babies! But I’m loving it!

Working out…. even though I feel fairly good I am letting my body recuperate. My abdominals are extremely sore and tender. Probably due to  diastasis recti (ab separation), it got worse with every pregnancy especially this one. If I try to flex/tighten my abs my upper abs just below my ribs tighten but there is nothing below that.  I was told before this pregnancy I would most likely need surgery to repair them. We shall see at my  6 weeks postpartum check up.

I’m not dieting in anyway shape or form. I am tracking my food intake (macros) and my calories are currently over 2500 with my fats at 60-80g, Carbs 260-300g, Protein 120g. I’ve been upping my carbs the past few days. Remember calorie counting is a good start but it’s being consistent with your Fats, Carbs, and Protein that really make the difference. 

I’ve had several moms ask about supplements.  Right now this is what I’m taking and won’t add anything else as long as I’m breastfeeding. 

~ Prenatal pills
~ Mineral Drops (at the end of my pregnancy my eyelashes were falling out)
~ ProSupps TC-F Isolate and Whey Protein
~ ProSupps Liquid Aminos PSXXIII
~ ProSupps Karbolic

Postpartum Progress (first 7 days)

The first week after delivery your body goes through some crazy changes! These are the first 7 days postpartum.

My post from Instagram on May 25th….

Since I posted pregnancy updates until delivery I decided to continue to keep you all updated on what I’m doing postpartum.

I’m currently 5 days postpartum.  It’s crazy it’s almost been a week!

My starting weight: 118lbs
Day of Delivery: 142lbs
5 days postpartum: 130lbs

I’m not worried at all about my weight on the scale.  I don’t expect to see 118 for a while.  I am breastfeeding and a lot of weight is being stored there lol!

These pictures show me the day before delivery,  2 days postpartum, and 5 days postpartum.  It’s amazing how the human body can change so fast in less than a week. I do believe that breastfeeding helps speed up the process. When you breastfeed your body releases a hormone called oxytocin that causes your uterus to contract which helps with bleeding and also causes the uterus to shrink.

Aside from breastfeeding I am doing my normal daily activities. I am tracking my food intake (macros) and my calories are currently over 2500 with my fats at 60-80g, Carbs 240-260g, Protein 120g.

I have had several people ask when I’ll start working out again.  Honestly my doctor told me to listen to my body and I could be back at it before 6 weeks. However my main focus right now is establishing a good routine with my babies,  a solid milk supply/production, and soak up the newborn stage. It is my absolute favorite and this is my last baby, so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it! A 6 pack would be nice,  but it’s obviously not a priority right now 😉

image

My post from Instagram on May 27th….

My starting weight: 118lbs
Day of Delivery: 142lbs
9 days postpartum: 128lbs

I’m 10 pounds away from my pre pregnancy weight. Like I posted before I’m not focused on loosing weight or getting fit right now.  I’m enjoying my babies and eating.  I know I’m burning LOTS of calories right now because I’m breastfeeding/pumping every 3-4 hours around the clock. I’m super busy with both babies. When Bostin is napping I’m playing with Gatlin… When both are napping I’m cleaning lol!!

I am tracking my food intake (macros) and my calories are currently over 2500 with my fats at 60-80g, Carbs 260-300g, Protein 120g. I’ve been upping my carbs the past few days. Remember calorie counting is a good start but it’s being consistent with your Fats, Carbs, and Protein that really make the difference. 

I’ve had several moms ask about supplements.  Right now this is what I’m taking and won’t add anything else as long as I’m breastfeeding. 

~ Prenatal pills
~ Mineral Drops (at the end of my pregnancy my eyelashes were falling out)
~ ProSupps TC-F Isolate and Whey Protein
~ ProSupps Liquid Aminos PSXXIII
~ ProSupps Karbolic

image

39 Weeks Pregnant!

Baby Bump #4 Update!
Going on 39 weeks pregnant!

image

I can’t believe this pregnancy is almost OVER! Any day now! Which I’m both terrified and excited about. Terrified because… well, I don’t think it matters how many babies you deliver the labor part isn’t on my favorite things to do list. One second I’m like “I want this baby out!” Then as soon as I feel a contraction I’m like “nah I’m good he can stay put a few more days” lol 😉 But on the other hand I can’t wait to meet him and love on him!

By the way,  I’m a little bummed because at 37 weeks I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced.  When I went in at 38 weeks I was only 1.5cm dilated and still 50% effaced. After looking into it more I think Benadryl is the culprit for slowly down my progress.  It is the only thing I changed and my contractions have decreased significantly. 

My nesting is full force and pretty much complete. Some of the things I checked off my “to-do” list are…
● My house has been rearranged and organized for the new baby.
● A weeks worth of meals for our family completely prepared and frozen.
● Gatlin moved into Talons room
● Newborn clothes, blankets washed
● Infant car seat ready
● Breast pump ready to go along with new bottles. (I have to pump)
● Hospital bag packed and ready

Beginning weight: 118lbs (height 5’1″)

Current Weight: 140lbs

Gender:  Boy!!!

Baby Names: Two we have picked out are Bostin and Ryott. I’m waiting till I see his face to decide.

Baby is the size of a small watermelon!

Maternity Clothes? A few pieces but mostly yoga pants! Definitely getting uncomfortable and none of my tees fit… so I’m counting down days till I pop lol!

Sleep? What’s that? Lol I haven’t slept this entire pregnancy unless I take Benadryl or Tylenol PM.

Linea Nigra? Very light,  can’t even really see it.

Stretch Marks? Not any new just old ones.

Symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Probably due to my boobs quadrupling in size and accounting for 90% of my weight gain lol!! 😉

Heartburn/Acid Reflux has become VERY annoying. 

Braxton Hicks contractions are very frequent.

Baby boy moves like crazy, and often gets hiccups. 

Morning sickness has decided to make it’s way back into my world. Which makes eating and drinking difficult.  Same with the heartburn!

Workouts?  With getting contractions early I’m playing it safe and sticking to stretching, yoga movements,  and my normal daily activities (running our gym, training clients, and chasing a toddler around lol).

Diet? I’m still following IIFYM, with macros at 80-100g fats/ 400-450g carbs / 110-120g Protein / 35-50g Fiber …it’s almost become difficult to hit these daily due to my stomach shrinking or being smashed lol. NOTE: this isn’t normal for most pregnant women, I worked for months before I got pregnant to build up my metabolism.
Lately my numbers have been much lower, not by choice.  But morning sickness and acid reflux make eating near impossible right now.

Supplements?
Prenatal Pill
Vitamin E
ProSupps Liquid Aminos PSXXIII
ProSupps Karbolic
ProSupps TC-F Isolate Protein
Black Strap Molasses
Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (helps acid reflux… among other things)