At a petite 5’ 2”, I am not genetically gifted with good muscular development. However, I trained hard, was very dedicated to my diet, and did exactly what I was told me to do. I felt a lot of anxiety on April 11, 1998 when I stepped on stage in just a posing suit. Most of my competitors had better muscle development and had been training much longer than me. (Normally, that would have sent my confidence right out window.) However, my routine was graceful and my poses weren’t bad either! The audience was very supportive and my self-confidence soared. I won a medal that day.

In my mind, I accomplished everything I set out to do. I gained valuable experience and many of my fears and hang-ups were conquered. I have never felt such confidence, satisfaction, and pride in myself. I have come a long way over years and achieved many goals, but that contest changed my life tremendously. It is difficult to put into words, but I have not felt same since that day.

Over years my family and friends have noticed positive change in my health, attitude, and self-confidence. I have taken other steps to improve in those areas and to heal from my past. However, bodybuilding has been one thing that has made biggest difference in my life. It has made so much difference that I became a certified personal trainer. Through my new business, Trinity Coaching Services, I now combine fitness training and personal development coaching to help others reap benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I have continued to compete once or twice a year, simply because it is vital for my self-esteem.

© 2000 By Monique Rider

We clearly need as many anti-oxidants as we can get! One of best place to find them is in fresh fruit and vegetables and that is why these foods are vital for detoxification. Many nutrients are destroyed by cooking and that is why raw food is much more effective as a source of health and forms core of a healthy diet plan.

Raw food and fresh juices have remarkable cleansing and regenerating effect on entire system, as they retain all their nutrients, which might get destroyed while processing and cooking.

Juices, both fruit and vegetable are essential part of whole process. Besides they are easily assimilated by body and contain all nutrients present in raw fruits and vegetables.

You can also choose from a wide range of delicious soups and salads. Try to incorporate these eating habits into your daily diet. You can eat as much as you want of salad and soup meals. Remember to snack on as much fruit as you want during day, as well as having at least two fresh juices daily, herb teas and of course, lots of water.

The detox diet helps to cleanse your system! The plan begins with a juice fast, which eliminates toxins at a very low level, and then continues with a highly nutritious food that promotes cellular renewal.

The diet might last for 2-4 weeks. By fourth week you will be on your way to establish a healthy diet for future. Below is an example of what a detox diet, might look like to begin with:-

The first two days:-

Breakfast: Natural yogurt with seeds. Apple and carrot juice.

Mid Morning: Apple

Lunch: As much salad as you like made from any of following raw ingredients-cucumber, peppers, radishes, sprung onion, any kind of salad leaves.

Mid afternoon: Apple

Supper: As much as fruit salad you like made from fresh fruits with orange or apple juice as sweetener.

You might drink plenty of water and herb tea throughout day.

NOTE: Do not begin on a detox diet without prior permission of your doctors if you are suffering from any health symptoms or condition.

Article by Dr. U. Mahlothra (Nutritionist) and updated on 20th December, 2001