Life Is Never Boring

10353289_10202786714921210_2569317334354210816_o

Any time I hear someone complain about how predictable, steady and boring life is, I chuckle, because I have never been able to make that statement about my own life. This doesn’t mean that my life is unstable, but that I have always had so much going on that there hasn’t been time for boredom to set in. I truly am CONSTANTLY doing something, and I have a habit of packing a lot into each day. I understand that some people are stuck in boring jobs, so I am thankful that I love being a physician, and love the environments in which I work. I am fortunate to be involved in pursuits which I am passionate about, and which give me an incredible sense of fulfillment. Whether I am doctoring, writing articles, modeling, doing booth work, creating nutrition and workout regimens, or working on business strategies or branding, so much is going on inside my head that I couldn’t possibly get bored.

I will admit that aspects of my regular daily routine could be seen by others as a bit dull, since I head to the gym around the same time, and I usually spend weeknights writing. However, I typically cram so much stuff in between those activities that I spend the entire day rushing around, trying to get it ALL done. The overachiever in me can’t seem to let go of the notion that the best days are the ones in which all the important items on the to do list are checked off. Even on the weekends, I spend the majority of my time trying to catch up on articles and plans which I wasn’t able to get to during the week.

Another feature of my life is that I wear so many hats that I have to constantly shift gears. Though it puts a lot of pressure on me, I prefer to have a lot of variety in my day, talking about medicine, fitness, skincare, nutrition, and business. My nerves can get pretty frazzled from the endless list of things to do, but I know I wouldn’t be able to deal with sitting around all day with nothing to do. I think partially because I have chosen a number of very interesting fields to pursue, and partially because I seem to attract a lot of movement and energy, circumstances also seem to keep me on my toes, and also keep boredom at bay. About 25 years ago, I remember someone telling me that I moved at a high “burn rate”, that my spirit had a lot of karmic energy which would attract lots of activity and movement. Despite its mystical tone, the statement struck me, and I can honestly say that it fits the cadence of my entire life.

If you find that you are bored with your life, it’s time to examine what might be holding you in a rut. Maybe you watch a lot of television. If so, turn off the television and read a good book. If it has been months or even years since you exercised, join a gym and commit to a regular workout schedule. Go out with friends. If you have pockets of time in which you are looking for things to do, try exploring your city or town by visiting other neighborhood stores, parks and restaurants. Cultivate a new hobby. Volunteer.

You can turn a boring life into a fulfilling, fun, exciting one by doing new things. Have fun!

Who’s Going To Nationals? Ravish Sands Suit For Sale!

10376310_753735527990219_6365900929766300417_n
I have an absolutely GORGEOUS gold/yellow Ravish Sands competition bikini up for sale. The reason why I am selling this suit is because I just don’t need three suits. I will never get rid of the tangerine suit in which I won my Pro Card, and I have one other suit I am hanging onto, but which I may sell as well, since I think my competing days may be over. This suit is in excellent condition, and has only been worn at two Pro contests.

The top can fit a small D cup, but I think a B or C cup would be better for this suit. The bottoms fit a 34 inch hip measurement. For reference, I am 5’5″, 119 pounds. The top and the front of the suit bottoms feature dense crystallization with Swarovski bubble crystals in gold, which looks amazing onstage! Originally paid $500 for this beauty.

PRICE: $275
(Does not include shipping)

Please message me if you are interested. This would look STUNNING on the National stage!

Stress And Your Skin

stressed out woman

Did you know that stress can do a number on your skin? You are probably familiar with the stress-induced breakout, but prolonged, chronic stress can also prematurely age the skin. Stressful situations trigger the release of cortisol, adrenaline, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and angiotensin, all of which rob your skin of collagen and weaken its cellular repairing capabilities. Circulation is diverted away from the skin during stressful situations, which explains the dull, pale appearance of the skin in people who deal with constant stress.

Cortisol in particular inhibits the growth of fibroblasts which are responsible for making collagen, so they can’t keep up with the constant breakdown of old tissue. The result is skin which is collagen deficient, resulting in thinner, more wrinkled skin. Free radicals are formed in response to stress, which then damages skin cells and adversely affects the condition of the skin.

beautiful-look-without-makeup
So how can you fight the effects of stress on the skin? There are three keys:

1. Exercise:

Every cell in the body benefits from exercise, including skin cells The pores of the skin dilate during exercise, and when you work up a sweat, trapped dirt particles are released. In addition, the increased circulation which results from exercise delivers more oxygen and other nutrients to skin cells, as well as carries away waste products and free radicals.

2. Relax:

We all know how frustrating it can be to have a big event looming, only to have an acne breakout right before the big day. The fact is that the stress associated with preparing for the event can trigger excess oil production in the skin, which clogs pores and sets up the perfect environment for an acne flareup. Even other skin issues, like psoriasis, are linked to stress. However, by practicing relaxation techniques, you can increase blood flow to the skin and offset any triggering factors (such as buildup of oil or free radicals) which contribute to skin maladies.

3. Use topicals:

Some of the best friends for your skin are topical agents such as antioxidants and retinoids. I am a big fan of vitamin C, not only because of its general antioxidant benefits, but also because it has a tendency to lighten up brown spots and impart a brighter appearance to the complexion. Retinoids are great for increasing cell turnover, and are potent anti-aging compounds.

Uncompromised

Breaking stereotypes!

Breaking stereotypes!

I am always being challenged to pick one career that defines me, and it drives me nuts. When people find out that I am a medical doctor, they struggle with the stereotype of what they expect doctors to be like, in other words, very conservative in dress and demeanor, and without any flavor or personality. Well, I’ve got news for you. I will NEVER be a typical doctor. And please don’t doubt my credentials or schooling. I am NOT a nurse (not that there is anything wrong with this highly respected profession), I am a fully licensed and board certified physician.

A huge project came my way recently, and I was selected for it, only to have the decision-maker flip out over my fitness and modeling images and reverse the decision. I was stunned and dejected, but after reflecting on the whole incident, I began to get angry. Part of the problem was that the decision-maker was a complete hypocrite, pretending to be squeaky clean, but who openly praised one of the dirtiest human beings to ever alight on the entertainment scene. To coin an analogy, at the root of this was a case of the bride being upstaged by another lady wearing white. Mind you, I never intentionally wore white, but hey, my doctor’s coat is white.

I am every bit as much about fitness as I am about medicine, and I shouldn’t have to choose one over the other. I am damned proud of what I have accomplished in fitness, especially because I took things to the next level in my forties, not when I was a young whipper-snapper. If people are confused by the sampler plate philosophy by which I live, too bad. Yes, I am a board certified physician AND a degreed fitness professional, IFBB Pro, certified nutrition coach, writer, sponsored athlete and contest prep coach. I know it’s unusual, but why is that so hard for people to grasp? I mean, here I am, doing all of that, sending a message to the world that no one should have to be one-dimensional and boring.
1538624_10202090935769442_1829315007_n
I don’t hide from myself. I am honest. I have sass, and I speak my mind. I am proud of what I have achieved in my life, and I will NOT hide parts of myself which some overly judgmental people may have a problem with. I am NOT going to apologize for having a sense of humor, for using cuss words here and there (though I don’t use them while seeing patients). I am not going to paint a false picture of who I am. If you don’t like what I am doing, no worries. Move on.

If you find that you are compromising your own vision, dreams, or goals, perhaps you need to re-examine why you are allowing that to occur. If you subscribe to the no limits philosophy, then you would never even consider pulling the reins back. I will always encourage driven people to go for whatever they want, and if it doesn’t fit in with the conventions of one of their chosen careers or hobbies, even better. Break stereotypes and show people what you are made of! Don’t hide all the facets which make you who you are!

Acrylic Nails

full-set-of-full-acrylic-french-tips-997602-regular

I never thought I would be the type of woman who would resort to the regular application of acrylic nails. However, I have spent the past six years living a lifestyle which requires that my nails look perfect all the time, so I truly have no choice but to cover them in acrylic. Though I was blessed with great hair and skin, my nails are paper thin and very weak, and getting them to grow evenly without major peeling and breakage is almost impossible. Besides, I kind of enjoy going in every two weeks and getting a pampering treatment. I say pampering lightly, though, since my nail technician almost always inflicts pain on me when I go to visit her. Grooming can be torture!

For those of you who don’t know how acrylic nails are applied, here is how it’s done. A nail technician mixes a liquid with a powder and brushes the mixture onto the nails, then allows the product to harden. Over time, the acrylic material grows out with your natural nails, requiring application of more acrylic substance in the empty area between the nail bed and the existing acrylic overlay. If you want to have acrylic nails removed, the technician usually soaks your nails in nail polish remover for easy removal, but my nail technician tugs and pries them off me with so much force that I often wince from the pain.

I also get gel overlay because my nails are truly that weak. Once acrylic is applied and is fully dry, the technician brushes on the gel, then the nails are placed
under ultraviolet (UV) light for a minute or two to harden the product. Though there has been some controversy over the UV exposure, the amount of exposure is so brief that it is almost negligible. But then again, there are risks associated with the application of acrylic to the nails, such as fungal infections and damage to the nail bed from trauma. If you have ever had acrylic nails and have had your entire nail lifted off the nail bed from trauma, or a break within the nail bed, you know how wickedly painful that can be!

Despite the fact that I believe the healthiest way to care for one’s nails is to leave them completely unadorned, I am forced to go to the other extreme with the interventions mentioned above, getting my nails covered in harsh chemicals every two weeks. Some ladies will take breaks from acrylics, but sadly, I am unable to do this. Even going for one or two days without acrylic on my nails is torturous, because my thin nails don’t allow me to navigate comfortably through my day to day tasks. It is literally painful for me to go sans acrylics.

Usually I will opt for a basic French tip look, but I wish I could do something more exotic! I have to make sure my nails are practical in length and shape, and they can’t look wild or garish when I have to see patients or do a basic fitness or swimsuit photo shoot. Check out these cool nail looks which I found online:

Acrylic-Nails-Tumblr1

IMG_8888 2011_07_03 Purley Nails Edited (2)

Who Is THAT In The Mirror?

young-vs-old

This post is dedicated to every single patient and client who has admitted to me that at some point after they began their descent into middle age, they looked in the mirror and no longer recognized the reflection staring back. The aging process can be terribly cruel, and when hormonal levels plummet, the physical changes can appear almost overnight. Taut, supple skin is replaced with saggy skin. A full, thick head of hair is reduced to a thin, lifeless mass. Joints begin to creak and resist natural movement. Brilliant white teeth begin to look dingy. Once full cheeks and lips become deflated. Grey and white hairs sprout and take over the scalp. Back fat and belly fat obliterate a once trim waistline. I could go on, but you get the idea.

wrinkled face

None of the changes associated with aging are fun, especially the physical changes which end up making us feel frustrated by a rapidly changing physical landscape. While some folks begrudgingly accept the aging process without considering any interventions, a growing segment of the aging population has turned to everything from adrenal support supplements, to hair dye, to dermal injectable fillers, to surgery, in an effort to fight the aging process every step of the way.

The good news is that there are more anti-aging options than ever before. In addition, there is a greater awareness of the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise in fighting the aging process. But let’s face it. Many people still want a magic pill or an instant fix, and that is where cosmetic interventions such as fillers and surgery come into play.

Is it cheating to have treatments which make you feel more like yourself? I certainly don’t think so, nor do my patients. Unless you are on a mission to pump your face so full of fillers that you look like a Barbie doll, you can turn to fillers to restore volume which has been lost over the years and STILL LOOK LIKE YOU.

For those of you in the Los Angeles area who are interested in injectable filler treatments, Botox, chemical peels, or bioidentical hormone replacement, please check out my medical site: http://www.drstaceynaito.com/#!procedures/c1pna

IFBB Bikini Ranks

2014Arnold-IFBB-Bikini-FEATURE

In my last seven posts, I provided lists of all the ladies who earned IFBB Professional Status by competing onstage in the Bikini Division in NPC events and at the IFBB North American. Here are the totals for each year:

2009: 36
2010: 34
2011: 35
2012: 54
2013: 72
2014: 79
2015: 72 *NOTE: There will be 12 more ladies joining this group in late November after NPC Nationals takes place.
IFBB-pro_FitX-2014-FitXproBikini-468

That’s a total of 382 IFBB Bikini Pros who won their status on a bodybuilding stage in the seven years since the Bikini Division was established. However, there are plenty of IFBB Bikini Pros who got their Pro Cards in another division, then crossed over after they went pro. Sonia Gonzalez, who holds the esteemed title of the first Miss Bikini Olympia, won her Pro Card as a figure competitor, and even competed on the Olympia stage in 2009 as a Figure Pro. The following year, she returned to the Olympia stage and made history. Natalia Melo is another very prominent Bikini Pro who attained her Pro Status by a different means. Let’s also not forget the international IFBB Bikini Pros who have competed in Pro events.

Nor Cal 2014
The IFBB Bikini Pro Ranks have grown dramatically as a result of the increase in the number of Pro Cards offered at national events. There are now twice as many cards handed out as there were in the early days of this division. However, the sheer number of competitors who funnel through national amateur events each year continues to make the designation of IFBB Bikini Pro a highly desirable and honorable title to have.

It truly is an honor to be part of this incredible group of top bodybuilding athletes!

IFBB Bikini Pros List 2015

I found myself pondering the numbers of IFBB Bikini Pros since the inception of the division, and decided to tally up the competitors who won IFBB Pro Status in the Bikini division. The lists which I have compiled do NOT include competitors who went pro in another division and crossed over, nor does it factor in the competitors who were awarded IFBB Pro Status through petition.

So far, 72 Ladies have won their IFBB Pro Cards at NPC/IFBB events in the Bikini Division this year:

Jayde Taylor
Ashley Evertz
Maranda Davis
Karene Gonzalez
Tayler Jordan
Kerryne Brown
Chanan Siglock
Cassandra Marshall
Katrina Freds
Marites Miller
Dianet Pereda
Tiffany Heugly
Osiris Prieto
Liz Benda
Maybelline Cordero-Higa
Geri Berger
Raquel Long-Merlini
Stella Roberts
Pamela John
Marjorie Proffitt
Jancie Murphy
Dana Tracy
Sharon Bondurant
LUCY HUANG
CARLY SHERRY KUBANYI
ROBYN MAHER
JULIANA HALLORAN
TRINA SIMONE
JAZZMEN CANALES
ADRIENNE OCHOA DODOBARA
CAROLINE COSTA
JULIE LIPORACE
BETH QUICK
PAULINA TRAN
RACHEAL TUCK
CORI BAKER
ASHLEY GAINES
LORIE FORMAN
HEIDI CARLSEN
THAIS SERRANO
ANH SOUZA
LORIE FORMAN
JESSICA SCHIEFER
LAUREN IRICK
SARAH STORRS
LEXA MENDENHALL
JESSICA WILSON
AMBER CALLAHAN
ASHLEY KIYONAGA
SAMANTHA GRIMES
HEATHER QUINN
TAYLOR RHODENBAUGH
ELIZABETH MARTINEZ
ASHLEY PUIDA
TIFANNY URREA
KATHERINE ALCANTARA
YORKANIS FRANCIS
SHINDA OBEY
VENESSA SANTANA
ASHLEY WIENS
LORI ALEX
ELISANGELA ANGELL
ELISA TAVARA
AMARYLIS DELGADO
DEBORAH WRIGHT
ANA ACEVEDO
BARBARA LUDWIG
CORY OTT
NANCY MCKOUREN
IDIANETTE ORTIZ
ANGELICA QUINN
PAIGE HABERMEHL