Tonight is our big swimsuit calendar unveiling, which means I will be getting in a bikini, and walking a runway in front of 300+ people. Dancing in a uniform is one thing, but being on a runway in a bikini takes it to a whole new level. The only way I can feel good on the stage is with thoughtful preparation. So, aside from the poses and sassy walk here are 8 things I do to make sure I’m ready for my runway performance – PLUS a golden nugget of truth that’s going to take tonight to a whole new level.

 Eat, Eat, Eat – Real food that is! This may come as a shock to you but I don’t count calories.  Yes, you read that right! My former self would have concentrated on cutting my calories way back preparing for an event like this one, which can wreak havoc on your metabolism and make your cravings skyrocket. I’m definitely not one of those people that can eat whatever I want and not gain a pound. The key for me is to make sure I’m eating enough and concentrate on real food, especially green veggies right before the event.

Watch the additives – While I’m eating lots of veggies and protein, it’s important that I watch the additives. Salad dressings, seasonings, and condiments are sometimes heavily processed and can up my salt intake quickly. Plus, I want to avoid those no-no oils like soybean and canola oil in most dressings. Check the ingredients and sodium. A safe bet for dressing is balsamic vinegar with extra virgin olive oil (first cold pressed like this one is best).

Add in some sweat sessions – I won’t over-train because I don’t want my muscles to swell, but I do add in one or two extra workout/barre classes so I know my body is top shape. Plus, sweating helps me release extra stress and toxins that I want out of my system come game-time.

Guzzle the H2O – I load up on my water the week before an event (literally I double my water intake). I want to flush out as many toxins as I can. Two days before the event I switch back to my normal water intake. This allows me to shed the extra water and avoid having a “bloated” look. Plus, my skin is nice and hydrated.

Ditch the alcohol – If you know me, you know I enjoy a good glass of wine, but it’s not the best thing for a bikini body look. So even though I try to resist two weeks prior to the show, I will definitely be enjoying a celebratory adult beverage if I make it off the stage without falling (remember moderation is key).

Get my spray on – After several scares with potential skin cancer spots I won’t get near a tanning bed. However, there is something about a nice tan that makes me feel more confident in a swimsuit. Two days before my event I get a sunless spray tan. Who knew beet extract could look so good?

Plan ahead – Packing ahead of time takes the last minute pressure off. One thing my body doesn’t need the day of is extra stress I want to be able to enjoy my special night. Knowing what I’m wearing before, during, and after the show and having everything I need packed beforehand allows me to be able to actually enjoy the night knowing the little details have been thought through.

Get some zzzzs  – Making sleep a priority is a hard one for me. I absolutely love my sleep, but it’s hard to go to bed early when I have things that need to be done or things I want to do. However it’s a must before a game or event, because I need mental clarity so I can remember my choreography, and look like a model instead of a zombie on stage.

Are you read for a golden nugget? Keep reading

After writing this article I went to my last practice before the show. I didn’t realize there was a fundamental key missing until our very wise coach gave her closing speech before practice ended. With all the preparation put aside there was still two ways I could walk on that stage:

Option 1- I could walk on the stage thinking about all the things I felt self-conscious about. Constantly wondering what other people thought. Trying to play it cool, but in my head I’m thinking “when is this going to be over.”

Option 2- I could step on the stage with my head held high, knowing that I wasn’t perfect, but that I did the best I could. I could appreciate the fact that I get to be here and embrace this amazing opportunity, enjoying every solitary second because I won’t get a chance to relive this moment.

Looking at those two options doesn’t it make you think that this is a choice we choose everyday about how to step into the stage of our own life? We can walk through life bummed out about all the things we could do better, or we can realize that we have been given another precious gift of another day and choose to own it!

You see it’s not all about having the answers right now, it’s about continuously learning and trying our best each day so we can embrace life NOW! You aren’t going to be perfect, but you are perfect for this moment, choose to live life BIG!

Wherever you are on your health journey I’m here to help you. I want to cheer you on for what you’ve accomplished and help you get to where you want to go. Sign up for my e-mails so you can all my tips and tricks to a Healthy Sexy You, and head over to Facebook or e-mail me so we can connect. I would love to hear what’s working, what’s not, and how I can help!