Transformation Tuesday | From Average, to Athlete

My entire life, I’ve always struggled with weight issues. I hung out with naturally skinny girls, so it didn’t make me feel any better about myself. My weight was a rollercoaster ride that seemed never-ending. I’d lose ten pounds, gain five, and back up to ten. Not only was it demotivating, it was unhealthy. I was completely aware of the fact that I would never be 120 pounds – it just was realistic for my body type. I’m 6 foot with a medium size frame. I was always an athlete, but a fat one, and it was a shame because I was a good athlete. I even played basketball my freshman year of college, but like everything I ever did, I quit that too. I not only gave up on myself, but I gave up on my team.

When I spoke to my parents about quitting, I remember my Dad telling me I was going to regret it for the rest of my life. Well luckily, I didn’t. At that point, I promised myself that I was going to feel confident in a bathing suit this summer. No more t-shirts at the beach.

To put it in blunt terms, I worked my a** off. I went to the gym everyday, I changed my nutrition habits completely. Come summertime, I was finally okay with being in a bathing suit. I mean, I wasn’t 100% there – but I was a lot closer than I ever was. My hard work was definitely paying off. At this time, I would typically fall off and go back to my old ways… but this time, I signed up for the NYC half marathon instead. I decided if I signed up, I’d have to run it. I trained. Every single day.

Come the half-marathon, I finished. It was literally the best feeling to cross the finish line because all I could think about was where I’ve been and that at that very moment; I was crossing the finish line of finishing 13.1 miles.

But my journey wasn’t over yet. At this point, I was literally stick skinny. While half of me was happy, the other half said this isn’t who you are. It’s not ideal.

At this time, I started Crossfit. I was weak, I could barely squat the 45 pound bar. But a week later, I was addicted. I went every single day and continue to go everyday. Here I am today, able to back squat 220 pounds, hang clean 160 pounds, able to do pull-ups and much more. I hope to one day be able to compete in the Crossfit Games and really show everybody who ever doubted themselves that it’s possible to turn yourself from obese to an athlete.

Although I’m extremely happy with my body now, I will never be satisfied. I’m always striving to be better. Not in a bad way of course, I just want to be the best that I can possibly be, and I know that that’s light years away from where I am now because I have so much potential. I am now going to school to become a Dietitian – preferably a Sports Dietitian, but also a private practice where I can help people who are struggling as I once was. I’m also a Personal Trainer now!

I’m so blessed that I can take the knowledge that I applied to myself to change my life and do it all over again for other people. It’s probably the most rewarding thing when somebody tells me that they see a difference in their body and that they feel good about themselves.

For everybody who reads this I just want you to know that it is possible to change your life. You can’t just expect it to happen. You need a fire inside of you and you have to want to make the change. Don’t get me wrong – I love cheat meals and I definitely have my fair share of them (even though with Quest Bars I feel like that is a cheat meal because of how good they are) but I limit them to once a week. When you’re about to make a poor decision take a second to think if you actually NEED that, not if you want it and try to save it for that cheat day.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is a little twist on a famous Socrates quote that I live by everyday. The quote is, “No woman has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a woman to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which her body is capable.”

So please, go out and explore what you’re made of and what your body can do.

Team Quest – We are here for you! Share your transformations and triumphs with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email them to us at [email protected]. Remember that these transformations took hard work, discipline and a plan. Quest products are a delicious component of, and not a substitute for, an exercise regimen and effective diet. The Quest Community is always there for you if you need help, inspiration or motivation!