Meet Stephanie: Featured Blogger

Don't forget about my giveaways.

Color Me Rad Entry: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/01/5-tips-for-most-fun-at-color-me-rad-and.html

Spartan Race Entry: http://www.mindysfitnessjourney.com/2014/01/giveaway-special-ops-spartan-race-this.html

Name: Stephanie Laurendaeau

State: Calgary, AB, Canada

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie through the Mom Power Team. Stephanie is a true motivator. I am proud to call her a friend.

When and why did you start working out?

I have been active since I was a little girl…started with Ringette, then gymnastics. Once in Junior High I participated in Volleyball, Tai Kwon Do, Baseball, and my favorite was Basketball! As an adult, I attended kickboxing 5-6 days a week. I have been supplementing all these sports with weight lifting since I was 17. This past year, my focus has changed to solely weight lifting at the gym and HITT training for fitness competitions :)

What is your workout of choice?

My workout of choice right now is weight lifting for physique, this will probably change soon enough! I just love living an active, healthy lifestyle. Fitness competitions allow me to have very specific goals to aim for which I LOVE!

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD?

This past summer I did the Spartan Sprint and it was a lot of fun. A few years back I completed a triathlon relay (I did the run part) This is the extent of my experience with races though!

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear?

Definitely my Polar HRM!! :) 

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts?

YES!! I have a very specific nutrition protocol for my workouts. I start my day off with a meat and nuts breakfast, and usually have a couple tsp’s of coconut oil before my workout for energy! During my workouts I consume BCAA’s and Glutamine, and well as Post workout. I will also have a Whey shake and a Banana after my workout to refuel! It’s one of my favorite meals! ;)

What is your favorite cheat food?

Ice cream ANY flavour, but it has to have lots of chocolate sauce!!! ;) AND SUSHI!!!!! We go to a great all you can eat sushi joint in Calgary at least a couple of times a month!! HAHA

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Have specific goals, so that you have something to work toward! Tell friends and family what you are planning so that you are held accountable!!! And obviously find blogs and Facebook friends who have similar goals! Successful people surround themselves by other successful people who have their same interests! Work hard, but take it easy on yourself! It’s hard to change years and years of bad habits and you can’t change overnight!

What is your best workout memory?

Hitting that fitness stage for the first time!!! All my work had paid off! I felt beautiful…like Bambi on ice I was so scared, but it was amazing!!! By the end of the year, when I hit the stage for the third time, I felt like I was where I was supposed to be! No nerves and feeling confident! It’s amazing how much you can improve in such a small amount of time when you put your mind to it!

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item?

I want to earn my "Pro Card” , gain as much knowledge as I can, and share what I learn through my blog and fitness page on Facebook! 

Tell us something that not many people know about you?

I wasn’t always healthy! Through my high school years I suffered from low self esteem which ending in a horrible eating disorder and compulsive exercising syndrome. I ended up in the hospital at 85 lbs, and took an awful long time to overcome the horrible disease! I am so happy that I have found balance, and take pride in competing and fuelling my workouts in a healthy way!

You can connect with Stephanie Here:

Blog: http://www.operationlean.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CompetitionLean

Facebook: www.facebook.com/operationcompetitionlean

Pinterest: smackid

Instagram: http://instagram.com/operationlean

As you can see, I love a few of her answers... Polar Heart Rate Monitors and Spartan Race!!! LOVE!