NPC Star, Janessa Mitchel will be the new face of FigureBikini.com on Facebook. She will be on the cover for what's left of this month + the entire month of March. Janessa is only the third lady to be on the cover, with Ruthie Harrison being first, followed by Abby Clark.
NPC Teen Champion, Miriam Looney, will be on the cover of FigureBikini.com on Twitter. She will be on the cover for the remainder of the month + the entire month of March. Thanks to last month's cover, NPC Star Hunnika Rodriguez.
If you haven't "liked" or "followed" our pages, please do so! You'll really help us get the word out!
Darielle Gaines is a top level NPC Bikini Star. Aaron Singerman is the host of Access Bodybuildingon RxMuscle.com. They are both sponsored by Robert DiMaggio'sIronMagLabs!
Ok, so Aaron Singerman isn't really relevant on a blog about Women's Bikini to Bodybuilding -- or is he? Actually, he's got a pass, thanks to his incredibly beautiful and genetically-blessed girlfriend, NPC Bikini Star, Darielle Gaines.
Please, if you have the chance, take a look at Aaron's awesome interview, as well as Darielle's very thoughtful and loving comments. Cheers!
I just saw this gem of a video on IronMagLabs twitter account and I can't recommend enough. I think it's very important to have a menu of sensible sweet treats that pack a good amount of protein and slow-digesting and/or complex carbs. Fitness enthusiasts, like anyone else, crave some variety in their diet, but simple sugars or super-processed crap just won't do.
Many people often say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this holds true given the fact that most people (on average) sleep between 6-9hrs per night. The body needs time to recover, and while some bodybuilders may subscribe to the notion of waking up to ingest protein in the middle of the night, I would strongly advocate that people let the whole body rest.
Resting for the body, also means starvation for the muscle, but the body can't run nonstop. Keep in mind, that the second most complex system of the body, is the Gastrointestinal System, and if you're constantly eating, never giving your body a break, what result is that going to have on your overall health? What would happen if you trained every single day with weights? I'm sure it sounds counerintuitive to tell people to starve themselves while they sleep, but you can't have restful sleep if you're waking up to several alarm-clock buzzers throughout the night. Remember, the deeper the sleep, the more restful it is, the more recovery will take place.
Ok, so we've decided you'll sleep. Great! But what to eat when you wake up? I've gone to the champions, from bikini to bodybuilding, to share with you, how they start off their day.
My first meal of the day is at 6:30 am right after my workout and cardio. session.
I usually eat 6 egg whites scrambled up with 1/2 cup of bell peppers and mushrooms; 1/2 cup of old fashion oat meal; along with Vitamin E, Potassium, magnesium and a multi-vitamin. It's just what I need to stay fueled up for whatever the day may bring.
Hunnika Rodriguez
"My meal is about 45 min after I wake up. My training isn't until 4pm so I eat 4 meals before I even go to the gym then the last 2 after I get home.
First meal is 1/2 c oats, 1Tpb and a shake. Love to eat procakes offseason as well. Have to start the day with some sort of protein for sure. Eggs are a staple with me as well."
Danae Zaitz
"First meal is within half hour of waking up. I am eating egg whites with spinach, oatmeal with cinnamon or sometimes pumpkin pie spice and bananas. Fills me up and fuels me for my workout later in the day. I take my first set if vitamins after I'm done."
Jamey Peters
"Yay breakfast talk! Mine is usually 1 tbsp of psyllium husk, then coffee and 5 egg whites with anywhere from 1/4-1/2 cup of oatmeal, cinnamon, stevia, & sugar free syrup."
Karly Woodle
"First meal is about 45 min-1 hour after I wake up and will generally be one of 2 things depending on my day..either 1) 2 whole eggs + 3 egg whites and 2 slices lean turkey bacon..I'll sprinkle calorie-free cheese flavored popcorn seasoning on my eggs, yum! OR 2) 1 cup egg whites with 1 piece of fruit or 1/2 cup Oats w/ cinnamon.
When I begin show prep I'll do cardio prior to eating with some BCAAs but right now I do my cardio after my workout."
Darielle Gaines
"I always start my day with protein pancakes!
I make them with egg whites, oats, stevia, cinnamon, crushed pecans and topped with sugar free maple syrup :)
While, I often eat these at other meals as well..it's a delicious start to the day and makes a great pre workout meal too."
Nicole Gray
"My first meal of the day is usually a protein pancake, I mix about 1/3 cup of oatmeal with 4 egg whites and 1 whole egg. I add flax meal and cinnamon, and sometimes I spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on top!"
Carolina Granados
"My first meal is at 6 am after my morning cardio. It's usually 4 egg whites with one teaspoon chia seeds and a teaspoon psyllium and 1/2 cup oats with cinnamon . ;) best meal of the day!!"
Marilena EchoHawk
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I first began working out when I was about 16 years old. I have always been active growing up, being involved with anything from dance to gymnastics to sports. When I began high school, I lost that part of me and began getting into trouble. By the time I was 16, I had experimented with drugs and dropped out of school. It was in my first rehab facility that I discovered the gym. I was shown by a woman 30 years older than me how to workout and instantly I became addicted. When I left that facility, I continued to use drugs and my life was a complete mess. Long story short, I landed myself another stay in a rehab program for 15 months. I put on 60 lbs and left a whole new person, literally and figuratively. Within the week I was out, I remember going straight to the gym. Once again, I became addicted and stuck to this feeling I would get after a workout. I have been clean ever since and the gym and weight training had become my savior in life. I have not slowed down and have continued to push myself even further.
This is what now brings me to my competition life; the desire to push myself to newer and higher goals. Competing, gives me a purpose, direction, and discipline in life. I am able to focus on a goal, and depend only on myself to achieve it and experience the feeling of accomplishment. You know, a lot of people have these preconceived views of girls who compete in bikini, and to be honest, I did not want to be labeled in a category that was not taken seriously. After realizing that I had to work just as hard to reach the bikini look, I realized I did not care what others thought about it, I knew I was working my butt off to get that win!
Now, working as a Personal Trainer, spreading my knowledge to others to change lives whether it's directly or indirectly is the piece that completes the puzzle. There's nothing that makes me happier than receiving emails and phone calls that I have changed someone's life for the better. I began competing in 2010, in 2011 having competed in 3 national-level shows, placing 3rd at Jr. Nationals. For the 2012 season, I plan to continue my quest to become the next IFBB Pro in bikini. I will begin my season in May, and depending on the results, plan accordingly! Currently, my diet consists of clean, whole foods. Protein sources with all 5 meals in the day are usually lean meats or protein powder. I like to keep my healthy fats moderate and my carbs minimal. My body does not react well to many carbs so I will generally eat them in the morning at my first meal, post-workout and sometimes pre-workout depending what I'm training and how I am feeling. I keep my sugar intake to an absolute minimum, but allow myself "cheat" meals a couple times a week. When I am dieting for a show, carbs are usually cut out or cycled. My body reacts much better to a protein and fat diet, leaving carbs for a re-feed day.
I would love to thank my family and friends for their continued support and understanding of the type of lifestyle I lead; the friends I've made in the fitness industry as a daily support and motivation via social networking; my best friend Melissa Isaacs, who has been my rock in this sport since day 1, showing me the ropes and supporting me with everything by checking up on how I'm feeling during my prep to tanning me by brush at my first show! I also want to thank Dave Palumbo and RxMuscle for taking me into the family and allowing me to explore and be apart of the industry. Of course, above all, I want to thank the most amazing man in my life, [other] best friend, and boyfriend Aaron "Jewbacca" Singerman. He will be helping me in 2012 with my show prep and has already shown the utmost love and support for me to reach my goals.
Editor's Notes
First and foremost, I'd like to thank Darielle for being so great to work with. As many of the ladies that appear on here can attest to, I tend to politely keep up with everyone that commits to be featured, but Darielle not only makes good on her promises, she delivered this TRULY tell-all response. Just remember, this page is fan-based - she did all this for the fans - not for money. This speaks volumes about her as a future IFBB Pro and as someone that would be a true asset to any company, anywhere!
I also appreciate the fact that Darielle addressed an issue that many of us hear and read on various online medias, these unsubstantiated and often just plain backward assumptions about bikini. I think she had an awakening of sorts, when she stopped caring about the chitter chatter in the peanut galleries of the web, but I also think it's valid that she took them head on. Like any physique-based sport, she said what she needed to get off her chest, but it was her physique that did most of the talking.
What I also love about Darielle [how many times have I said "Darielle?" Prolly not enough times :)] is that in addition to being ridiculously attractive, she's also ridiculously hardworking, and seemingly committed to the core to going pro. This young lady from Boca (one of the most affluent cities in FL) isn't taking anything for granted, she's doing the interviews, competing, she's already getting her share (though undeservedly) of haters, but she's going to make it, and it's this hunger and determination that makes her destined for greatness.
