Lifestyle Change...

In 2008, when I won Miss Portugal of Montreal I was 20 lbs thinner than I am now.
To my surprise my winning dress still fits well but my lower body including stomach has gotten larger. I was one of those people that knew the day would come when I couldn't eat all I wanted and not workout and it worked for a while, I cannot lie.

So here I am, 3 years later at 134 pounds, 4 pounds lighter than I was when I recently started really going hard in the gym. But I still have a long way to go. My goal is 117-120 lbs. I'm in the gym 3-4 x a week working on Cardio primarily. (I know I'm doing something right when I'm sweating and out of breath!)

Now the eating is definitely my weakness, my toughest challenge! I love food, all kinds of food and my mother keeps the fridge and pantry well stocked so its all about self-control. I must take control of my own weight and eating habits. I try to make healthy choices and now do not eat after 11:00 pm and although that is still late before I always snacked or ate at inappropriate times. So it's a positive start. I want to be my ideal weight by June and have checked that for my height and age 117-120 is a healthy goal. This is important to keep in mind when placing a weight loss goal.

So here are a few things I'm trying to incorporate into my new lifestyle which includes going to the gym on a regular basis.

1. Drink water. A LOT of water.
While you're working out, before and after meals and when you're not sure if your hungry or not.

2. Reduce your consumption of soft drinks.
For lent I gave up soft drinks and my skin has cleared up and I feel good about my sense of control as I am a Cola lover. I will try to continue this beyond Easter this year as it does positively impact my health.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Hungry? Reach for some baby carrots, an apple, a banana. Quick and easy on the go snacks that are guilt-free.

4. Lower your sugar-intake.
For someone with a sweet tooth like me this can be very difficult. The first step is recognizing how much sugar you add to your diet and again limiting it and making healthier choices.

I am in no way a nutritionist or specialist but I know the above do help in creating a lifestyle change for a healthier you.
I will keep track of my progress on this blog as it is a key part in my preparation for the pageant. Putting it out there will also keep me highly motivated as I am taking responsibility for my actions.

Time to get ready for summer...
Here is a picture of my goal. This is me during the Miss Portugal of Montreal competition in 2008.
LETS DO IT TOGETHER! I know I'm not alone in this... <3

Beauty with a Purpose...

Miss World Portugal 2011.

It is with great pleasure and pride that I will be competing in the Miss World Portugal competition to take place at the end of August of this year in Lisbon, Portugal.

Here's my story: In 2008 I entered into a local competition run by the portuguese newspaper (A Voz de Portugal) for the Miss Portugal of Montreal title. After months of practices, appearances at a variety of portuguese events and shopping for the perfect dress the event took place in November of 2008. Myself and 7 other ladies participated and after showing off our casual attire, answering a question in 2 languages and our evening gown a winner was chosen, me. I was shocked, happy and overwhelmed! Not only did I win the crown and title of Miss Portugal of Montreal 2008 but I was also named Miss Congeniality by my wonderful fellow competitors.
What a great and wonderful experience it was, I met new people and could now really claim the love of my heritage more than ever.

Now, this new opportunity has been brought to me, 3 years later and although I am scared, this is without a doubt the chance of a lifetime, there's no way I can let it pass me by! I have to at least try. This is a larger scale competition with 26 beautiful ladies from portuguese communities worldwide and larger responsibilities that come with the role, all of which I am willing to take part in. The bathing suit portion, the talent section and the scariest part the all important question! A question I'll have to answer in portuguese, a language where words often fail me and ideas are hard to express. However, this will not stop me, I shall persevere...

Ok, now a little description of the Miss World Portugal competition:


The title of Miss World Portugal creates many opportunities both professional and personal. Not only paving the way for the winner to express herself on diverse and important topics through interviews on TV programs, newspapers and websites but also culturally enriching the knowledge of other countries and regions of Portugal making them a model for future generations.
All this, providing them with the privilege and responsibility of representing Portugal in the MISS WORLD competition, today the largest beauty contest on the planet.

I won't bore you with all the rules and regulations however, there are many and I shall follow them all.
Some of them being:
1. The candidate must be single. Never married nor divorced and cannot have children or be pregnant.
2. The candidates must not be seen smoking, drinking or dating in public for the whole period of the competition.
3. The winner promises to not change weight or measurements from the night of the gala.
etc..
Basically, this is a much bigger, must stricter competition, but why step down from a challenge!!

I hope I have and can receive Montreal's support in this as I venture to Portugal.

Sponsors are needed!! Please contact me at tracyrodrigues@hotmail.com if you or anyone you know is interested.
Your help is sincerely and greatly appreciated. I can't do this alone.

Thank-You
Miss Portugal of Montreal, 2008.


I will continue to post updates on the struggles I'll be facing as train to be my ideal weight for the competition, learn a dance routine for the talent portion, find sponsors, and work with the portuguese community of Montreal to be the best competitor I can be for this August in Portugal!
-xox