Body Transformation: Powerful Performer!

AGE 20 HEIGHT 5'1" WEIGHT 145 lbs BODY FAT 25%	AGE 30 HEIGHT 5'1" WEIGHT 110 lbs BODY FAT 9%

Hip hop dance and performance has been in my blood since I can remember. I danced throughout middle and high school, but was never considered fit or thin. I was a strong and "curvy" dancer. In my 20s, I auditioned for several professional dance teams and advanced to tryouts, but never made it because I wasn't in shape.

By age 28, I overcame three years of a chronic pain and was diagnosed with celiac disease. My body reacted to gluten and wheat and it had a horrible effect on my overall heath. Within two weeks of eliminating gluten from my diet, I was a new person. My new life came with a fresh understanding of what it means to eat clean. Performing a fitness routine as a competitor was my chance to fulfill a dream and have my "rock star" moment.

I want be a strong example of a healthy life, especially to young girls who can adapt to this lifestyle much earlier than I did.

I discovered my gluten allergy during the Master Cleanse, which helped my body reset from prolonged sickness. I dropped 10 pounds with the cleanse in 10 days. When I started training for my first competition, I had 15 percent body fat and hired a personal trainer and nutrition coach to guide my journey.

When I was 13 weeks out from the show, I started carb-cycling, trained five days per week, and documented my steps. I built new lean muscle and whittled down to a size my body had never been before. I was about nine percent body fat on stage and won the beginner figure overall title at the natural show. Performing my fitness routine was icing on the cake and I experienced my first "rock star" moment.

It took a complete mind-shift to prove to myself that I can accomplish my dreams with hard work and dedication. Fitness and competing blessed me with a new life, new friends, and amazing new opportunities. I love that my journey continues to influence and inspire others to take care of themselves and follow their dreams too.

I plan to compete as long as I can. There's no better rush than strutting your hard work on stage and trying to reach a new level each time.

I want to be a strong example of a healthy life, especially to young girls who can adapt to this lifestyle much earlier than I. I'd love the opportunity to be the face for a health and fitness brand that could elevate my platform and story.

Bodybuilding.com has been an excellent resource and motivational tool as I venture in my fitness journey. I loved reading articles from athletes who inspire me. When I was in a training rut, I visited the site for new exercises and supplement ideas.