She gazed in the mirror with disdain trying to find an angle that covered up her swollen abdomen. “What was I thinking”, she thought to herself and groaned barely able to keep looking at the reflection before her…

That’s me in front of the mirror on most days until I try to kick my own ass and tell myself how far I have come and that I am not willing to stop anytime soon.  

Having celiac disease, a ton of additional food intolerances and chronic inflammation and digestive issues in my body, I’m here to share how I decided to take my sour bag of lemons and turn it into lemonade.  I am a person that needs purpose and something tangible. I set goals because they keep me motivated and fire my passions and spark for life. This series of blog writing is to share my journey, funny tales and maybe even to share some words of inspiration on how a simple girl like me decided to launch myself into two conflicting projects: bodybuilding and biscotti!

Not too long ago had you told me I’d be prepping for my first bodybuilding competition and launching a gluten free cookie business I would have looked at you like you had three heads. Here I am now doing just that and I’m only getting warmed up.  Both these projects have allowed me to discover different passions and facets of myself and have propelled me towards one of the most important challenges of my life: self acceptance, self love and confidence. This journey is helping me transform physically and mentally and while the road is long and arduous, I know I can get there. As the saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race”.

So how did this all start anyway?  Not intentionally at first. A lot of variables and life circumstances have gradually shifted things into where they are at now. In fact a lot of these things were weaved together unexpectedly.  Starting with a diagnosis of celiac disease five years ago, there was no way I was going to not indulge in another cookie or homemade treat again.  In fact when it comes to sugary indulgences, homemade Italian cookies with a coffee are one of my favourites. I did have a biscotti and cannoli bar at my wedding! Also, no offense to anyone out there either, but I also got fed up of the store gluten free items and many “extra” unnecessary or “unhealthy” ingredients they were full of, not to mention the price to pay to have things stamped “gluten free” So I spent a lot of my maternity time experimenting and trying out different recipes. There have been many “tests” and “failures” in my kitchen and moments where I put Gordon Ramsay to shame with my own Hell’s Kitchen swearing. Gluten free baking is highly sensitive and the smallest variable can throw off your whole batch. With practice and a lot of love, there has been many successful recipes created.  When eating gluten free foods, family and friends have often commented, “Your goodies are so much better” So my little thankful laugh at their comments eventually turned to, “Why not?” and with some guidance and support from good people “Biscotti Diana” was born.

As for the fitness journey, I think I always had some idea of what I wanted to look like and never thought I was capable or understood where to even begin. I’ve always found muscles on a woman sexy but I always categorized myself as being a woman that couldn’t achieve that. Until I got fed up of thinking that way and started asking, “Why not me?”

I work in a very stressful environment and juggle a lot of things in my life so the gym became my sanctuary. It’s my “me time”. In the gym, I can shut out the noise.  I’m no one’s teacher, mother or wife. It’s just me against me pushing to do my best. And this is exactly what I need right now in my life. So stay tuned for updates on my booty growing and biscotti adventures. I’m hoping some of you will be able to connect, laugh or be inspired to push yourself past your own limitations. Now get offline and go grow your booty!