2013>2012

Hey everyone!

So this year has been amazing for myself and so many people in my life.  I'm so grateful for the past year and the amazing experiences/people that have come into my life.  I'm not going to list everything because it'll take up the majority of this blog and I will for sure forget someone or something.  LOL.  But, one thing I'm totally going to share is I had the opportunity to go home and be with family and friends who are just like my family.  It was amazing to get grounded again and reconnect with all of them.  The tricky part was saying goodbye again.  Goodness!  It was so tough!  But it was tough for a great reason. I have so much love that surrounds me. It's such a blessing!  Now we're back in Tampa and I'm ready to get this new year underway! I've have got a list of goals to get started on and getting this blog up to date is one of them!  LOL!  I would love feedback from everyone if they have some subjects they would like me touch upon please send an email here and let me know. 

Also, I would love to be your New Year's Resolution!  If you'd like to be a part of my team (Roxx Stars) send an email.

Thanks everyone! 
Hugs!

It's happening!!!

By it's I mean absolutely everything.  In 2 days I'll be shooting with Domenic Trapassi www.facebook.com/domenic.trapassi and I'm beyond excited about it!!  New photos are always exciting for me and you guys!!  LOL!  I finally got all my ideas together today.  Thankfully!  (silly diet brain)

In 4 days I'll be stepping onstage with The WBFF www.wbffshows.com for Kevin Topka's www.newenglandfitnessweekend.com .  This is something I started training for back in June after their June 2nd show.  I've put everything I have into this one.  I always thought I worked hard before but somehow I managed to work harder.  My ladies at Braintree Get In Shape where I used to work as their trainer know I was getting up at 330 am to get my morning cardio in.  Doing doubles but for my own training and for their training.  Finding ways to take a nap in between the shifts.  Eating a whole different way and somehow a whole new drive came from it.  My body is completely different from what I had brought to the stage back in June and I couldn't be happier!  If anything I know I'm bringing the best me I can possibly bring.  I can't do anymore than that.

In 4 days it'll also be the last weekend I have living here in New England.  Talk about emotional roller coaster!  My mom, brother and sister-in-law are coming to spend the weekend in Providence with me and I am so incredibly grateful!  They'll be coming to the show and yelling their faces off (or better be yelling their faces off!)  Also, a large group of my ladies from Get In Shape are going to be attending and seriously ladies you've made me the happiest girl ever!  I'm hoping we can get a group shot of us together so you can't forget me : ) 

In 1 week I will be heading to where my heart is.  I'm finally reuniting with my little family down in Tampa and creating a whole new life.  I can't wait to be with them!  We drove Max, Jake and Rocky down to our home at the end of August and I've only had the time to visit him once for 1 day while we've been apart.  It is going to be amazing!!!  I've missed them so much!  But the packing is a little difficult.  It's not like I can drive back and get anything I forget LOL!  And diet brain again destroys lots of my momentum. 

So, by everything I do mean everything.  LOL!  This whole week/weekend is going to be mind blowing.  I'm going to meeting some of you ladies for the first time even though we know each other on facebook.  I'm going to be with some of my old friends that I have known for years and from other aspects of my crazy little life.  I'm going to be surrounded by so much love from friends and family that are coming to show support.  I'm going to enjoy every single second of all this.  Embrace each and every emotion.  Take loads of photos, so ladies/gents get ready!  Take it all in and be grateful for this amazing life I have created and love each and every person that has changed my life for the better. 

Love you all and see you Saturday!!

Cookbook!!!

Hey fellow foodies!!

Send me an email and I'll get all the info to you for my Nutrition Notebook!  Full of vegan, vegetarian and canivor recipes, food journal, tips and more. 

wrestlingroxx@gmail.com - orders only please : )

Hardcopies only- $25.00 + shipping and handling

Unfortunately, the bonus features can not be ebooks : ( 

Thanks for the support!

Hugs!
-Nikki :)

3 1/2 weeks, 2 1/2 weeks & 4 weeks but who's counting??

Today is 3 1/2 weeks until www.newenglandfitnessweekend.com .  That means 2 1/2 more weeks of work and 4 weeks until I leave New England for my new home in Tampa.  I'm so excited, sad and nervous for the amazing change that's about to happen.  Life is such a great adventure and I'm pumped to go along for the ride.

Prepping for this show has been completely different and I've had a different mindset through it all.  These next couple of weeks are going to be the toughest.  Not just with training but spending time with the amazing people in my life.  I'm surrounded by the most loving and encouraging people and I'm totally grateful for you all.  I could never survive these last couple weeks without Max if I didn't have you guys to lift me up when I'm sad or kick me in the butt when I wanna be lazy.  Thank you sooo much!

Along with the prep for this show I've had the honor of connecting with so many new people who are inspiring me to work harder than ever and I can't wait to meet you all at this show!  We are totally going to rock the stage, weekend and even the building!!  Providence, RI isn't going to be the same after we're done!

With all that being said let's kick it into high gear and kill these next couple weeks.  If you're already in high gear let's get to turbo!  We're in the home stretch of reaching our goal and we'll miss all this prep when we're done.  Enjoy every minute (even of cardio), every bite of food (even if you're chicken'd or tofu'd in my case out), every appointment for the beautification of you (even if it's a million dollars) and be proud of the end product that graces the stage.  Here's to us!!!!

You can check out my bio here for the New England Fitness Weekend here:
http://www.newenglandfitnessweekend.com/contestant-bios/nicole-raczynski/

This is why.....

So, it seems I haven't posted in a while.  LOL!  The last time I posted I was getting ready for my first time competing with the WBFF.  Well, that was such an amazing experience that I'm getting ready to compete with them again!  This time is a little different than last.  I wasn't very happy with my placing at last show and it had nothing to do with the judges, politics, or any of the basic stuff people complain about when they're unhappy.  It was on me.  I had started a new job, though that's no excuse, trying to figure out my schedule and training (and trying not to overtrain) was a huge challenge.  After that show I used my disappointment as fuel to dust myself off and just go at it harder than before.  I started back at the gym the Monday after the show and decided I was going to kill it.  During that week I decided I was going to compete again with the WBFF on November 3rd in Providence, RI.  That was it.  I felt I needed to redeem myself.

I had the crazy thought I was going to try and train myself but that ended up not being the case.  Unfortunately, we tend to be our worst critics and strive for perfection.  No matter how many people tell you you look great you still can find something that's wrong.  So, after a month or so I started talking with people and heard amazing things about www.HitchFit.com from Coryn Martin who is a WBFF Pro (http://www.facebook.com/#!/CorynEliseCC) and my friend Crista who is a part of my www.facebook.com/destinedtobedivas. I contacted Diana and Micah and found out they have a vegetarian program.  How amazing!  So, I signed up and I couldn't be happier with the program.  It's completely different and I've seen some amazing results!  Hopefully, they will be here in Boston for the show and I'll have the chance to meet them : )

Now while all of this was happening my boyfriend got an opportunity of a lifetime!  He was called by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to be a professional wrestler.  It's literally his dream job!  Well, for any of us wrestlers it's our dream job.  LOL.  It's truly a blessing and an amazing experience.  Only problem being we need to relocate to Tampa, FL.  This is amazing in every way except I had my goal set to compete on November 3rd and I'm determined to improve from my last showing.  My boyfriend, being the amazing man he is, decided I was staying here in Boston and reaching my goal.

With that being said, at this current moment my cat, my dog, my furniture, and my BOYFRIEND are now in Tampa.  We moved them across the country the last week of August.  I'm currently living at his parents house (who I refer to as the roommates) and getting ready to visit Tampa for the weekend.  (So freakin excited!!) This visit marks our half way point until I move and leave New England for good.  My flight is booked for November 6th to move permanently to Florida. 

At this moment in time this show now means so much more than just redeeming myself.  It'll be the last weekend I'll be living in New England.  The last competition I'll be doing in New England.  And the last competition my family will be local enough to come and cheer my on.  They have made plans to come and stay the weekend with me and I'm so incredibly happy.  My boss and clients will be attending and I'll be with some of my best friends and some new friends that I've made just by prepping for this show.  So, if you are in New England and would like to see entertain (unfortunately not in a ring this time lol) in the area come to this show.  www.newenglandfitnessweekend.com .  I would love to enjoy the day with everyone! 

Now you know why when my alarm goes off each morning at 3:55 am I get right up and go to the gym.  Why I prep my food and never think of a relax meal.  Why it's so important that I don't skip my workouts.  I have so much to look forward to and no time to waste.  No regrets to be had.  I want to be up on that stage looking my absolute best and know no matter what I gave this contest prep everything I have. 

A little help from my friends...

In one week I'll be competing on The WBFF (www.WBFFshows.com) stage for the first time.  I have never competed on a show for this company but I went to support my friend as she rocked the stage and fell in love!  So, now I've been killing myself in the gym and trying to fit work and life in between. LOL!  Trying to fit a workout in while working a 10 hr shift is a little difficult.  You can't go back to work sweaty and gross.  Well, I can but I think my ladies might have something to say about it!  With that being said and know so many people try and balance the day like I do, I ask some of my favorite ladies for a little help. My first question being....What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, make up, certain outfit) And why?  My second question being.... What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?  Here's what they had to say!

Monique Pliakos-some of you local fans will know the gorgeous Monique from Chaotic Wrestling.
What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
 *MAC concealer- I am super pale and have dark under eye circles. Without this I would look like something out of a horror movie!
*Chapstick-every gal should have soft lips.
*Chuck Taylor All Star high and low tops (colors vary). I can do anything in these, walk, run, dance and I look good in them! Plus, I get a variety of colors to choose from!
*Victoria Secrets "Love Addict" Fragrance Mist- This stuff smells terrific! There are lots of different ones to choose from. One smells like cotton candy, but be careful with that one, some may tell you "you smell like a carnival".

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
I workout at home, so usually I shower right after, but If I can't shower after an intense workout, I always try to get some cold water on my face to help cool down, drink lots of water to rehydrate and once I'm not sweating like a beast anymore, I do a quick make-up touchup. I throw on some extra deodorant and my Victoria Secrets "Love Addict" to help prevent being stinky. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but my hair gets crazy so I always need to use some hairspray to tame my hair down a notch.

April Hunter-If you don't know this girl you live under a rock! Centerfold, wrestler and all around fun lady.  You can peep her website at www.AprilHunter.com .  This woman is the reason I ever stepped in the ring or in the gym. <3 her!
What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
colored lip gloss and a nude lip pencil. Mineral powder makeup. Sunscreen. A ponytail holder.

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
I do fasted cardio in the morning and don't shower til I go to bed, so...I'm a huge fan of THE BABY WIPE. That, with a spritz of perfume and a swipe of more deodorant, then off to work. No complaints yet!

Cat Powers-My Canadian twin!  You guys will know her from dominating the rings in Canada and Shimmer.  Pretty sure we share a brain!

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
I can't live with out my Degree Body Spray since I discovered it. My scent is Sexy Intrigue and it's my favorite scent. I also really like Avon Naturals body lotion and body spray in almost every scent. I am OCD when it comes to smelling good and I love trying new scents all the time.

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
The best fresh tip is for sure Baby Wipes and (of course a good body spray) ;) or baby powder. And throw a couple of Bounce sheets in ur gym bag so ur new fresh clothes have a clean laundry smell. Then take ur yucky gym clothes and throw it in a Zip Lock Baggie so it does not mingle with any clean clothes.

Ariel-My amazing tag partner, wife and soon to be amazing mother of twin girls! This lady will be the queen of convenience and currently my diva wife : )

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
Fashion Wise...Cant live without eyeliner and lip gloss. I'm not very good at makeup...I absolutely love being all dolled up and made up but I suck at it...so just doing eyeliner and lip gloss gives me that feeling that I'm girly enough without all the extra work!

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
The freshen up after a work out...as you all know I'm not a crazy workout person...but I would definitely agree that baby wipe is a lifesaver and it just makes you feel rather refreshed after working out if you don't have time to go shower. They even have scented baby wipes....like I had some before that were cucumber melon so if you used them it didn't even smell like baby wipes... :)

Madison Rayne-this little hottie will be stepping on a whole different kind of stage in 4 weeks! She'll be competing in the Bikini Division and I'm sure she's gonna kill it!  You all know her from SpikeTV's Impact Wrestling and though I did lose my career to her how can you know love that gorgeous face!!!

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
CANNOT live without a little concealer for under eyes (because who really gets 8 hours of sleep regularly?!), mascara and some Chapstick or clear gloss. Clean skin is so pretty do I try to keep it as minimal is possible. Also cant go w/o an extensive collection of gum/mints. When you have to eat every 2-3 hours, it helps when brushing isn't available.

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
deodorant, a little VS very sexy body spray and a sports wipe. Playtex makes Sport Body Wipes. They're individually wrapped wipes for post workout/sweat fest. They smell really clean and they're easy to carry!!!

Kellie Skater (RateTank)-You guys know here for being hugely diesel!  This Aussie kills it in the ring and in the gym.  Trust me!  I've seen it! (No roo steroids used!)

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
My chucks. Always been in love with those shoes and they can have fun designs which attracts my hyper mind :p

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
I usually shower after, but if I cannot. Cool water to try get less beet red and tame my frizzed out hair, then towel off. Deodorant up.

Bonnie Rain Maxon-Love this amazing girl! And always helps me with my fashion issues.  She has taught herself how to be her own beautician.  Always amazing me : )

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
1. I can not leave the without coloring in my eye brows, so an eye brow pencil.
2. I can not leave the house without mascara. I'm obsessed with big, long, black eye lashes.

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
1. I do not leave the house w/ out my deodorant on. I wear the new Secret blend, still sticking w/ a powder fresh smell.
2. Also, without a quick spritz of perfume or body spray.

Courtney Rush-this woman has been BUSY!!  Over in Japan, here in the states and all over Canada.  She's a hardworker and just as dorky as myself : )  If you haven't seen her work umm, get to it!!!

What can't you live without? (i.e. perfume, makeup, certain outfit, etc)
Can't live without....hand sanitizer. A must for this lil germaphobe

What tips can you give for a quick freshening up after an intense workout?
If you don't have time/grossed out for a quick shower at the gym, then bring babywipes and complete change of clothes with some bodyspray and low ponytail holder under a ballcap to hide sweaty hair!

Thank you ladies for helping me out with these questions!  Love you all and miss you all terribly!!!  <3

Tips to stay on track for this holiday weekend

I know this is going to be a tough one for you ladies since we have weigh-ins on Monday so I just wanted to try and give some tips that will help you enjoy the day and not really feel like you’re missing out.  So, here’s a little list for you guys….

- You can always bring a healthier dish to dinner.  That way you won’t have to feel badly saying no to anything and you’ll seem thoughtful.

-Try using a smaller plate.  You’ll have smaller portions

-Wear clothes that are a little tighter.  You won’t want to eat so much lol.

-Drink lots of water to help fill you up

-Eat a meal/snack before heading to dinner or before you serve dinner.

-If you’re entertaining make sure to prepare healthy options.  You’ll be surprised how quickly it’ll disappear! (Some recipes below for you)

-Offer a family walk after dinner. 

-Don’t be bullied into food.  It’s ok to say no. 

-Games are super helpful and will keep you away from picking at what’s left from dinner and dessert.

-Enjoy your relax meal but don’t binge so badly you’ll regret it the next day.  Eat until you’re full and then walk away.

Hope this helps everyone!

-Nikki : )

***Healthy options

Make some deviled eggs with light mayo/mustard mix.  It's Easter, there's tons of eggs around!

Make some sugar-free Jello.  Top with fat-free Cool Whip with sliced fruit (i.e. strawberries, blueberries, kiwi) and some sliced almonds.

Use fat-free Greek yogurt as a dip for your guests.  Mix in some Ranch powder and put out some veggies

Hummus and veggies are a appetizer

Making small switches in homemade recipes like Splenda instead of sugar, wheat flour instead of white flour, walnut oil instead of olive oil will help healthy up a recipe.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Per several requests here is my pumpkin pancake recipe.  I love these and hopefully you guys will too!

Ingredients
1/4 cup of canned pumpkin (NOT PUMPKIN MIX)
1 packet of Truvia or Splenda
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 large egg whites
Cinnamon

I mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl in no particular order until it is smooth.  It takes a few since the pumpkin tends to be lumpy but try to mix into a smooth batter.

Then add the mixture to a frying pan that's been sprayed with cooking spray.  I made 3 pancakes with this recipe.

These don't necessarily work the same as regular pancakes.  You want them to cook for about 4 mins on medium heat or until they are a little lighter through the middle.  Flip and cook for about the same amount of time on the other side.  Just keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

I will usually add my Morning Star Breakfast Sausage with these to add some extra protein.  Plus, they taste freakin great!

Nutritional Info:
Calories: 75
Fat: 0
Carbs: 9
Protein: 9

They are also added to www.myfitnesspal.com under "Nikki's Pumpkin Pancakes"

Cheating...How bad can it be?

So every now and then everyone needs to cheat on their nutrition plans.  It's understandable.  You can't always be 100% on track.  It'll make you crazy!  But so many people are cheating everyday and not realizing it.  When you "sneak" a bite here and there or use the mentality, "Well I've been good all day I can have just a little bit", it all adds up.  Yes your metabolism needs a little jolt after eating clean for a week or so but you have to earn it.  You need to have that week of eating clean with no hiccups before you can have your reward.

Let's also try and change the mentality of having a "cheat meal".  It's not a cheat, it's a reward for the hard work you put in during the week.  And it's not an entire day of rewards.  You reward yourself with 1 meal.  During the week when you feel like you're going to give in just remember the reward that awaits if you can stay on track and how great it's going to be since you earned it.  Find replacements for what you're craving or go for a walk, leave the kitchen or the environment that's causing you to feel like you're going to cave in.  If you do cave in you need to give up that reward meal and wait until the following week.  It sounds difficult and hard to do but once you see the results you'll be so happy and those reward meals will taste that much better.  Plus you're tough!  You can do this!

Omeletes To Go

Hey everyone!

I know everyone has busy schedules and myself included. One of the biggest problems with staying on track for most people is having time to cook and prepare themselves for the day. This recipe totally helped me out and still totally do. It's totally an omelet on the go!

What you need:
Muffin Tin (I use a bigger muffin tin. This way I can make 6 meals with it)
Cooking Spray
Egg Whites
And...what ever you'd like in your omelet!

Pre heat your oven to 375. Spray down your muffin tin with cooking spray. Since I use the bigger tin so I can fit 3 egg whites in 1 cup. I made veggie omelets so I added in chopped mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic and spinach.

Pop these guys in the oven for about 20-25 mins depending on your oven. I usually watch for the edges to turn brown. You cook these up and you'll have breakfast for a week : ) You can make different ones in each cup. The possibilities are endless!

Portobello Pizza

This is one of my favorite recipes Max makes for me. Since I'm a pizza lover he found a great way for me to still have pizza even when it gets close to competition. He's a lifesaver!!!!

Ingredients:

Large Portobello Caps
grape/cherry tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatos
Basil
Low-fat/Veggie Slice Cheese


Preheat your oven to 375. Start by gutting your mushroom caps. I use a spoon to make them little bowls.

Put a rack on a cookie sheet that will keep them off the cookie sheet and place them caps up.

Tomatoes:

Cut your grape/cherry tomatoes in half and slice up your sun-dried tomatoes. Place them on a separate cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Roast both the caps and tomatoes for about 7-10 minutes depending on your oven. Try to keep an eye on them to make sure you don't burn them.

Remove both cookie sheets and mix tomatoes together. Flip caps over and spoon tomato mixture into the caps. Slice up your basil and add as much as you'd like to the mini pizzas. Sprinkle your cheese over top and pop these bad boys back into the oven just to melt the cheese. This usually takes about 8 minutes for the Veggie Slice Cheese. Unfortunately, I'm unsure on the low-fat cheese so just keep an eye on them.

Enjoy everyone!

All we are saying is give fats a chance!

So many times I see people's nutrition logs or chat with them about different options for food and I hear, "But it was low fat." Eck! Low fat doesn't mean it's good for you. It's the same idea for organic foods. Just because it's made organically it doesn't mean that it's healthy or going to help you reach your weight goal. Since the hype of "Low fat" has come around obesity rates in the US have doubled. People have been taught for years now that fat is a bad thing. They have also embraced the thinking that if it's low fat I can eat more of it. We need to change this way of thinking.

Firstly, there is good fats and bad fats. Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These good fats help with your heart, cholesterol and well being in general. The other great thing about these fats is they will help you stay full longer. You body processes these fats at a slower rate. Therefore, you'll take in less calories. Some examples of monounsaturated fats are avocado, canola oil, peanut oil, nuts, sesame oil. Some examples of polyunsaturated fats are pumpkin, sunflower or flax seeds, fatty fish and tofu.

Bad fats are trans fats and saturated fat. These fats usually look pretty solid at room temperate and increase disease and increase cholesterol. Saturated fat can be found in fattier cuts of red meat, whole-fat dairy product and butter. Trans fats are mostly found in processed, sugary and packaged foods. The best way to stay away from trans fats is, the closest the product is to it's natural form the better.

If I could put this in a dorkier analogy, the "bad fats" are the dark side (being that they solidify at room temperature). The "good fats" are Jedi's (being that they are more clear oils).

Some easy ways to switch from the dark side is:

-Cooking sprays while cooking or canola oil instead of butter
-Switching to lower fat dairy products
-Leaner cuts of meat or switching to chicken or fish
-Limit fast food intake
-Bake, grill or broil instead of frying foods


Now that you're armed with some more knowledge let's see how amazingly you'll do in switching over your nutrition and reaching for those healthier goals.

Go get 'em!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Truffles

Here is a quick and easy way to get in protein, good fats and some starch. These are great for quick on the go meals and breakfast. You can use any protein powder you'd like but I was making this batch specifically for the ladies I train and use the protein powder the studio endorses. These can be made totally Vegan by using Vega Protein Powder. I myself prefer the Vega Sport Chocolate flavor. Yum!

Ingredients:

Dymatize Elite - Whey Protein Isolate - Gourmet Vanilla, 8 scoop
Organic Quick Oats, 2 cup
Teddie - Super Chunky Old Fashioned All Natural Peanut Butter, 5 tbsp
Blue Diamond - Unsweet Vanilla Almond Milk-Net Carbs, 1 cup

Coco Dusting:
Generic - Unsweetened Coco Powder, 4 tbsp
Truvia - Nature's Calorie- Free Sweetener - 1 Packet, 3 packet

Directions:
Mix Protein with Oats in a large bowl. Add in peanut butter and almond milk. The mixure will get pretty gooey. In a small bowl mix together Truvia and Coco Powder. Using a tablespoon scoop out protein mix and roll, by hand, into ball. Drop into coco powder mixture and cover ball. Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and put in fridge. These little treats will be ready for you when ever you'd like : )

Nutritional info.... serving size is 3 truffles and this recipe makes 14 servings.
Per Serving: 148 calories,12 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fat,17 grams of protein