Why I decided to transform
In high school, I ran cross-country, was a sprinter on the track and field team, and was a cheerleader during football season. During that time, I ate lots of chocolate chip waffles swamped in maple syrup for breakfast and indulged in several late-night frozen pizza feasts.
During summer 2011, I got sick of feeling self-conscious about my body and decided to change. With a few quick-fix fad diets, I dropped 20 pounds and maintained that weight by being extremely conscious of my eating habits and incorporating cardiovascular exercise. The more I researched about health and fitness, the more I became eager to transform.
After losing weight, I wanted to build muscle and fell in love with the weight room. Six months ago, I found a trainer who could help me compete in my first NPC bikini contest. My family and friends were very supportive throughout my weight loss and fitness journey. I couldn't be happier with my new lifestyle.
How I accomplished my goals
Huge thanks goes to my amazing trainer Guy Delcorso for guiding my nutrition and workouts. It's important to remember where you came from. The lifestyle can be tough, but you can achieve the body you want. There are days in the gym when I look in the mirror and think my arms aren't big enough or my legs should be more defined. When this happens, I step back and realize how I used to look.
I went from fat, to too skinny, to continually gaining muscle. Each body change was scary and challenging. I found many inspiring fitness accounts on Instagram that offered tips and advice, but in the long run I was my own inspiration.
What aspect challenged me the most
The most challenging part is meal prep and maintaining a social life. I'm a full-time college student, so there are days when I miss workouts because of exams. It's also easy to get bummed out from watching your friends eat junk food.
These challenges can be tough, but you can overcome them if you are truly committed and passionate.
My future fitness plans
I will compete in bikini again in summer 2014. I will also continue my education at West Virginia University in hopes of graduating and becoming a registered dietitian.
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
- Great accomplishments take time. You might fall down and want to quit, but you can't.
- The scale doesn't mark progress. I weighed the same pre- and post-transformation!
- Do your research and ask questions.
- Realize that everybody is different. Figure out what works best for you.
- Have fun and find balance.
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
Bodybuilding.com is a huge help. I constantly read through the forums for diet and workout tips. Most people have the same questions as you. The Bodybuilding.com Store saves my life when I need to refill my favorite supplements.
Dina's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Till I Collapse" by Eminem
- "Crazy Bitch" by Buck Cherry
- "Pour Some Sugar On Me" by Def Leppard
- "E" by Drunkenmunky
- "Roman's Revenge" by Nicki Minaj ft Eminem