(more to come with that in 2013)
I belong to a community of influential motivators to help spread the word of health & fitness!
I believe in being TRUE TO YOU & doing what's best for YOUR OWN BODY.I've always been athletic and into nutrition. My mom is a personal trainer -
I guess you could say that is where my background of health comes from.
My mom did everything she could when I was younger to help me make healthier choices.
With that said though, I wasn't the most healthy child. I had my fair share of the occasional temper tantrum in the
cereal isle whenever I wanted Lucky Charms but my mom would suggest getting Cheerios.
But, that's what Grandma's are for, right?! My Grandma Mimi had all of the goodies at her house!
I'm talkin white bread with loads of butter, white rice, sugar cereal, milk shakes...
...you get the point?
So no, I was not deprived as a child at all; Just ask my chubby childhood cheeks.
(Insert embarrassing childhood picture here)
Looking back, I've learned so much from my Mom & I'm still learning!
When I was younger I wouldn't admit it, but now I'm so thankful for the knowledge
that I've gained from my Mom (And the amazing childhood memories I have with my Grandma)
and I'm so happy to have such wonderful women and role-models in my life!
Which essentially was their way of sneaking healthy ingredients into our pancakes.
my mom always wanted to make sure that I had some form of healthy power
to give me energy to play in my soccer game!
But in reality, I was over-doing it and I developed an Intolerance to Gluten.
I've always been a competitive person - I've played soccer and I ran track (triple jump and hurdles) since 7th grade.
I've also play numerous intramural sports in college & currently do CrossFit.
My friend from college competed in the show the year before and I was amazed at her results.
I was sold & I decided to train with her.
I started over two & a half years ago-
building muscle, becoming stronger, & weight training
while losing my fear of becoming "bulky" - MYTH!
After months of training and "dieting",
I competed in our school's show in the Spring!
I got 2nd in my height class - it was such a great experience!
I ended up competing in 2 more shows after that last year.
This whole "dieting" concept sparked my interest into the different ways that I could do this the healthy way.
You see, I listened to so many people telling me to cut things out of my diet like carrots & blueberries...
When in reality, I was just making myself more un-healthy & wasn't listening to my own body.
Hence why I don't like the word "dieting"
because clean eating has truly become LIFESTYLE.
I was so tired of looking healthy on the outside; but feeling horrible on the inside.
I'm so glad I decided to listen to my body & give it the nutrients it needed.
I even went on to compete in Miss Bikini New York!
I eat CLEAN ; veggies, protein, healthy fats,
(which I used to have a fear of!) fruits, & clean carbs broken up into 3-5 meals a day!
Honestly; I may not have a shredded 6 pack, but I am happy with how my body looks.
That's why I chose to do these shows; It gives me a goal to work towards!
With exception of the first show (where I was being unhealthy) I haven't weighed myself once (unless I'm at the doctor).
I broke up with the scale & never felt better. I just use the mirror to check on my progress.
I believe that you are SO MUCH MORE than a number on a scale!
These shows have completely changed my way of thinking when it comes to working out & refueling my body!
Will I compete again? I don't have any plans to do one again.
I am now focusing on becoming a better athlete & "training" instead of working out to achieve something on the outside.
My current goal is to become a stronger athlete.
It truly is a combination of nutrition & workouts to see results & feel good on the INSIDE!
but I really stay true to being healthy with FUELING my body and I'm proud of myself for it!
Eating whole, clean, natural foods have changed my life!
& since eating clean, my eczema has gotten so much better!
especially since I've realized I have an intolerance to gluten and other food allergies!
I've come up with so many healthy gluten free recipes and I really love sharing them.
I hope you'll enjoy reading about them!
**All of these pictures on my site are my own. If you are going to use them or the recipes; please link them back to my page! I'm very passionate about coming up with my cooking/baking clean recipes &
would appreciate receiving credit if you make these recipes!
*Also, I am NOT a doctor. These tips & recipes are based off of my OWN lifestyle & I started blogging to SHARE them with you! By no means am I telling you to live my lifestyle; just sharing my stories with you for ideas!!
THANK YOU & BE TRUE TO YOU!
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Kasey,
I enjoyed your story – So Inspiring! A few of my trainers are involved in body building competitions and although I’m not interested in getting that ripped, I like the idea of a bikini contest. I look forward to your next post!
Thank you Jessica!! <3 I appreciate it- did you ever end up competing? I'd love an update!! kasey@powercakes.net
Enjoyed reading your story…looking forward to reading more of your posts!
Thanks Charissa! ;]
Nice story and the new site is very good and as clean as you eat!!! Looking forward to the recipes and post!
Thank you Greg!
Loved reading this! It was cool to find out the story behind your site name.
Thank youuu!! <3
I love that you didn’t weigh yourself while competing. It obviously worked out for you!
I still don’t weight myself and it’s so liberating to not have to worry about it! <3 Just living a balanced powerful life ;] thank you! <3
I enjoyed reading your story! I am starting a health/lifestyle blog soon and found your great site for inspiration! Thanks so much!
Julie – so glad you are starting your own site! Let me know the link!! <3
I love your story! I am excited to keep reading about your journey and see all your great recipes and workouts!
Thank you Mattie!!
Wow!! Love the way you eat. You’ve inspired me. Found your site via Julie Go Lean and can’t seem to stop reading. I’m amazed that you are able to bring health and sound nutrition to EVERY meal. I definitely intend to begin trying your POWERCAKES. Keep on blogging.
Thank you!!
ka
Thank you so much Kim! I appreciate this message!! <3
Hey girl! I just found your blog from Julie’s page, and DANG! We have a lot in common. Seriously, I would LOVE to talk to you more about lifting, competing, gluten-free-ing, and so many other shenanigans! Please email me when you get a chance
Hi girl! So sorry I am just responding!! I would love to chat – e-mail me Kasey@powercakes.net :]
I love all your healthy recipes and tips on instagram!! I’m so glad I found your website!!
Thank you Ashley!! I’m glad you stopped by! ;]
This is a really inspirational story Kasey… I really enjoyed reading your story, and browsing through your amazing website. I wish you all the best and hope you will continue to overcome and be an inspiration to other!!!
Thank you so much John!!
Dear Kasey -ehemm- Miss Arena,
. You’re an awesome athlete and a super cool person, and I’m glad to have you as my gym teacher!!
Your amazing story is an inspiration to me! Plus, you’ve gotten me into zumba, and, well, I’ve been doing the grapevine to “3″ ever since
awe Christian, you are the BEST! So lucky to have students like you!!!
i’m such a fan! amazing story and site. keep the recipes coming!
thank you so much!! <3
Loved reading your story and about page
I suffer from quite bad eczema myself and since cleaning up my diet my skin looks so much more better, thank you for being an inspiration!
thank you!! Isn’t it crazy what eating clean can help solve? :]
Hey, I was in the gym class where you were a student teacher. You were a wonderful teacher and you have gotten me hooked on fitness haha. You are such an inspiration and I plan on improving my health as much as I can because of you.
awe, thank you so much!!! <3 you all inspired me so much too!!
Kasey, I enjoyed reading this so much! I’ve only recently become aware of figure competitions and the work that goes into them. It’s not something I want to pursue, but I really admire the dedication. I have a feeling you’re going to teach me a lot about clean eating and fuelling! I’m looking forward to following along.
x Kate
thank you for following along!! <3 I am now just focusing on my healthy lifestyle and I love sharing the stories!!
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing your life and your recipes as a bodybuilder they look great. after my contest I am going to try the power carrot cake! Keep up the sharing!
ahh thank you!! GOOD LUCK & I can’t wait to see how you like the POWERCAKE! ;]
Hi Kasey I enjoyed reading your story and am now even more motivated to keep on eating clean and making it a lifestyle, NOT a diet. I also suffer from eczema and for the past 4 months I’ve noticed fewer breakouts due to my clean eating. I also don’t ever use my medicated cream that my dermatologist prescribed me. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful recipes and inspiring stories.. I’m already writing down a few recipes to try out and planning to start your new Sunday challenges. Good luck with everything and thanks again!!
- Raquel
awe, thank yo SO much!! I’m so happy to hear that you are seeing differences from clean eating when it comes to your skin! It’s amazing what clean eating can do!!
Reading your story exhale of relief . I too have a Gluten allergy and all Nut allergy. I have been a NPC & National Bikini Competitor for the last two years. This being said the struggle with diet. I’m going to take a break and listen to my body. (1yr) I have troubles with meal ideas, I stick to the same thing all the time. I don’t mind because then I don’t get sick. Although I’m ready to venture out. That being said you have inspired me to the fullest and your food looks BEAUTIFUL!
You and your recipes will be a HUGE part of my GF,NF healthy life style.
Thank you so much,
Nichol M. Heltmach
Awe, thank you so much!! I’ve found that listening to my body is so much more important to me than having a what I think is “pefect” body on the outside. My insides are way more important and I realized I just wanted to live my life happy and be able to enjoy the clean eating with a fitness lifestyle! It’s been a while to find a balance, and I still work on it every day, but my insides are thanking me for listening to them! <3 good luck with everything!!!
Kasey, Your web site and story are both AMAZING! You probably don’t remember me but i remember you as that chubby cheeked little girl at my sister Susie’s picnics. Your mom told me about your website and i am so glad she did. For the last 6 months i have been turning my life around going from a sloppy 255lbs down to a leaner 199lbs. It’s been a lot of hard work. But it all boils down to eating right and exercise. Just like you i dont like the word “diet” they are fads and dont last. Its all about the right mind set and motivation. Last year i was 44 years old with bad knees and a bad back and all the excuses in the world not to exercise. As of January that all changed. In 2 weeks i will be 45 and in the best shape i’ve been in since i was in my 20′s. My friends and family support has been incredible and much of my driving force. I feed of other peoples stories and journeys that got them on the right track. I also post my accomplishments on my facebook page and have had a lot of people thank me for motivating them to start getting healthy. I woluld love to post your website on my facebook page for their benefit. (if it’s o/k with you). look forward to hearing from you. Keep up all that positive energy!!
Thank you so much for checking out my website!!! I’m so sorry I just saw this but I appreciate that comment so much! How are things going with you?! I Would love it if you posted my page to your FB – what is your link to yours!?!?
Hi Kasey, I have been following you on instagram and love all the fitness and meal pics you post. Today is my first time visiting your website and I am so inspired by your story.
Keep up the amazing work.
Hi April! Thank you so much for this kind message :] I totally appreciate it!! <3
Inspiring story and I love all stories about the love and impact of mothers and their daughters. Your family must certainly be proud!
Best wishes for continued success.
Thank you so much! My family is very proud :] I appreciate your comment!
I just found your blog and I am so glad I did. I love visiting blogs that inspire through clean, balanced eating. You have a great story and your recipes look awesome!
Thank you so much Kelli! I totally love how you spell your name because my Aunt spells it with an “i” too! ;]
Hey there! Your story has hit the spot for me. I am a recovering anorexic and moving toward a life of “body building”/”CrossFit.” Right now though I have hit a snag because my anorexia is coming back due to my FREAKING SCARED-NESS OF CARBS!!! Anything that resembles a CARB I will not touch because I immediately think I will gain everything back! I need all the help I can! Any tips that you can offer that allowed you to get over your “Fat” Fear?
Thanks so much!
Morgan
Hi Morgan! Thank you so much for being so honest. I totally appreciate that! I’d like to share with you a VLOG that I did about not fearing the fat – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI5m06Xcy5Q&feature=plcp
I used to fear the fat but realized our bodies need it! I’ve upped my healthy fat intake throughout the day and feel so much better – it gives us energy! If you want to chat more feel free to e-mail me kasey@powercakes.net!
good luck with everything <3
Great story! I can’t wait to try out some of your power cake recipes. I became a vegan about five or six months ago in order to cure my addiction to dairy. Now I’m vegan-lite (read more here: http://paltrymeanderings.com/2012/10/30/the-church-of-vegan-lite/) and I’m happy to say that I’ve lost 11 pounds so far. Of course, I work out several times a week and I cut back on the booze, but I feel really good about the food that I’m putting in my body now. I couldn’t say that before. Oh, and I laugh a lot. I think that helps a little.
It’s great to see a role model like yourself eating a healthy and reasonable diet. I wish you success with your fitness competitions. I don’t think you need ripped abs to look fantastic – and you do look fantastic. I’d love to have your figure someday…and I will. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing all your hard-earned knowledge with the rest of us.
If u dont mind me asking, what macronutrient %/grams and cals do u shoot for to support your active lifestyle and bodybuilding? Ive had a host of tummy issues too and recently adopted a vegan diet,which has helped resolve a lot of tummy issues…but i find it harder to gain muscle. Any tips would rock!
Hi Bee! E-mail me Kasey@powercakes.net with your questions and we can chat easier that way! :]
I started following you on Instagram recently and this is my first time visiting your site and just wanted to say that you are really awesome and such an inspiration to anyone who’s looking to lead a healthy lifestyle. keep doing what you are doing..
Thank you SO much Cassandre!!! <3
You are SO SO SO beautiful Kasey! I’m a recent reader of your blog, when I saw what you and Heather are doing together. You should be so proud of everything you have accomplished already, and everything you are sure to in the years to come! I too am starting my own business, and while it can be scary at times it’s Oh So Rewarding. I look forward to staying in touch & continuing to read!
I am so glad I found your blog! You are an inspiration. My goal is to compete this year. I may hit you up for more advice. Thank you
so glad i came across your site i look forward to reading !!
Thank you so much for sharing! I relate to almost every aspect of your story. Can’t to follow your blog : )
Kasey,
loved reading your story! I’ve been trying to eat healthier the past few months, but I’ve had nothing but stomach issues. Every day it seems I have a stomach ache and have gas pains and feel blaoted. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. I think maybe I might be over doing it and like you said, eating too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing. I’ve heard so many people tell me so many different things from “don’t eat fruit with other foods because it will make you gassy and bloated” to “stop eating wheat products and start eating whole grains only.” I thought I was doing well and eating right, but I feel like I’ve actually gained weight instead of losing it. It’s so frustrating!