Body Transformation: This Chef Brings The Heat!

Why I decided to transform

I'd been a ballerina since I was 3 years old. Being skinny was necessary for the sport. People constantly commented on my thinness. Although many would consider this a compliment, it was downright annoying for me and made me insecure. I hated being underweight.

I decided I wanted to gain muscle mass. The fitness models that adorn magazine covers inspired me with their beautiful physiques—I wanted that.

As the months went by, I had trouble balancing school, friendships, dance, and working out, as well as combating negativity from other people. Plus, I honestly had no idea what I was supposed to do in the gym. There were times when I wanted to give up. I came to realize that not everything in life is easy. There are things that can come easily, but others things could takes months or even years to accomplish. My beacon of light and strength came from my amazing family.

When my aunt successfully fought against cancer, she became one of my inspirations. This is when I became more determined to finish what I had started. If my aunt could become healthy again and accomplish something so great, I could at least put forth the effort as well. I needed to stop making excuses for myself and prove that I could achieve whatever I wanted in this world.

Before 95 LBS.

After 110 LBS.

Age: 17
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 95 lbs.
Body Fat: 10%

Age: 21
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 110 lbs.
Body Fat: 8%

How I accomplished my goals

My aunt really inspired me with her strength of resolve and will. I started to write down my goals and my own motivational quotes.

I made it my goal to overcome the body I'd thought I wanted. Instead, I just went for a body that would make me look and feel better. I realized that I would never look like any of the top fitness models simply because, well, I am not them. Once I realized that, it was easier for me to set a realistic goal for myself.

I made a rash decision and entered my first competition with the WBFF. My first show was at Worlds in Las Vegas. I transformed my body with the help of two coaches. It was the time of my life, and I was proud I'd accomplished my goal by staying true to myself and to others. I'm finally happy in my own skin.

What aspect challenged me the most

Dieting was and still is hard for me. It's very hard to keep up due to the fact that I'm a chef. I am always surrounded by food, and I am constantly tasting things at work. Willpower was definitely challenging. At first, I wasn't sure how to measure my food out properly or what works better for my metabolism. I'm still learning.

My future fitness plans

As of right now, I'm in the middle of writing a cookbook for NVIE Nutrition. It is going to be written for all body types. I would love to write a book for teens and college students, teaching them how to live a healthier life and how to prepare meals for themselves while being on a budget!

"I want to show people who don't exactly know how to cook that being on a diet isn't boring or bland."

I see myself combining my passion for the culinary industry as well as the fitness industry. I would love to have my own business one day. I want to show people who don't exactly know how to cook that being on a diet isn't boring or bland.

Suggestions for aspiring transformers

My best advice is to always keep love in your heart. The point is that you must do something you have passion for. Without love, there is no happiness or passion—you're just a robot!

How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals

Bodybuilding.com was very helpful to me in my beginning stages. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. This website was very useful. I would suggest it to other individuals who don't know a lot of gym exercises. I think it's great that each exercise has photos, a description, the level of difficulty, and sometimes a short video!