Pageant Preparation

Pageants are very demanding on the contestants both physically and mentally. It takes strength and preparation to compete at the top of your game for the entire pageant. If you have ever competed in a pageant, you know exactly what I am talking about. I am going to give you some tips on getting into good physical shape as well as the importance of nutrition to your success.

Many times in a pageant the contestants are getting little to no sleep. The first tip I will give you is to sleep when you get a chance! I know it is fun to stay up late with your roommate talking about what happened during the day, but it will benefit you in the long run if you take advantage of the time you get to sleep. This will also lower your chance of getting sick while at the pageant. Another way to stay healthy is to eat. Nutrition is essential before and during the pageant. You want to look your best while you compete so having a balanced diet will keep you at a consistent weight and body build. The way your clothes fit is definitely part of the judging process, so you want them to flatter your build and look professional. Having clothes way too tight or hanging baggy are both unflattering.

Tips on Eating Healthy before the pageant:

Drink plenty of water everyday to stay hydrated and keep your skin glowing.
Eat 6 small, balanced meals everyday. This will help keep your metabolism up to speed.
Try to eat whole grain breads and pastas. The enriched flour contains no fiber which is necessary in American diets.
Protein is good for you and contains necessary minerals such as iron and zinc.
Remember, BALANCED. Be careful with the hi-protein diets.
Try not to make yourself stay away from anything, for example sugar. This causes you to crave sweets. If you want something sweet, just eat a little bit to satisfy your craving. For example, if you want a candy bar, eat a bite size instead of a regular size candy bar. You will feel satisfied because you got something sweet but you did not overload.

Tips on Eating Healthy during the Pageant:

Keep drinking that water and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
When you get a chance to eat make sure you take it. Don’t worry about your dress not fitting the next day. You need food to keep up your energy level.
Make wise food choices. Don’t just order the cheesecake and think that is going to get you through the whole day. You need the vitamins and nutrients in a balanced meal.
Keep healthy snacks such as cheese sticks, jerky, granola bars, crackers, trail mix, raisins, fruit, etc., in your purse just in case your schedule does not allow you to sit down and eat.
When ordering water at a restaurant, ask for a lemon as well. Sometimes water as restaurants does not taste very good. If you have a lemon it will disguise the taste.

Exercising BEFORE the pageant is what is going to help you keep your energy level up. The long hours and the vigorous schedule will demand high energy. The only way you can keep up with the activities and still feel like you are ready to go, is to prepare your body months before the pageant. Doing moderate exercise for 30 minutes everyday is the recommended time for the average American. You want to be tone and in shape for the pageant. Each individual has different goals and wants to reach a different fitness level.

I would start about six months before the pageant. If you have never exercised before, I would advise you to talk to a professional trainer about setting up a program for you to follow and allow them to show you how to properly lift weights and what are the best exercises for you.

Example of Exercises:

Push-Ups
Situps/crunches
Body weight Lunges
Body weight squats
Calve raises
Dips (sit down on the floor with legs straight in front of you and with your back facing the couch. Put your hands on the edge of the couch. Your arm should form a 90 degree angle. Lift up off of the floor. Lower yourself down and then back up. Do this to work your triceps.)

There are numerous exercises you can do without having to join a gym. To find more look online or in a fitness magazine. If you do have a gym, you have even more options of great exercises. Remember to always perform the exercise correctly or else you could cause more harm than good.

I hope you will be able to apply some of this information to your pageant experiences. It is very important to not only be mentally prepared but physically prepared as well.