Why I decided to transform
I weighed 168 pounds and was very unhealthy when I started my journey. After college, I became comfortable cooking very unhealthy and wasn't active anymore. I come from a family which loves to cook huge dinners in butter. I always planned my day around my next meal and ate everything I piled on my plate.
Last year, I decided to transform my life and started doing lots of research about food and nutrition and how it correlated to my well-being. I started using food as fuel for my body instead of a reason to be social or feel satisfied.
My new diet transformed my physical appearance. I ate more throughout the day but lost inches around my waist and built a powerful physique.
How I accomplished my goals
In June 2012, I switched from eating very little to eating 6-7 times per day. The change in nutrition, along with the help of supplements and weight training, helped me win my height class at my first competition in September 2012. I went into the competition weighing the same as I did in June, but my body fat percentage was far lower. This showed how unimportant the scale is when you eat clean, train hard, and utilize supplements to build a beautiful body.
Cool Fact
Terra is passionate about hunting and fishing. She's a champion
turkey caller and specializes in bow hunting!
After my first show, I placed third in two regional shows and first in the short class at another show to gain pro status in the NANBF. Sometimes I look at photos and still can't believe the judges chose me. I feel blessed to stand on stage with such beautiful people.
It's important to have a team of friends, family, and teammates to reach out to when you need it. There are times when I feel doubt and wonder how I won Ms. Natural Minnesota 2013. I want to continue growing and getting better for myself and the fitness industry.
What aspect challenged me the most
Nutrition is the most challenging aspect. I always look for new ways to incorporate healthy eating into my daily routine. My dad's family is excellent at cooking but doesn't use the healthiest ingredients.
It has been a challenge to utilize what I've learned to transform their recipes into ones I can eat that still taste good.
My future fitness plans
I'm competing in Las Vegas, Nevada, this winter and hope to inspire others with my weight-loss success.
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
- Utilize the people you trust most.
- Share your goals with others to hold you accountable.
- Be prepared and have a plan in place.
- Treat yourself with new workout clothes and celebrate your successes.
- Be patient with your mind and body.
- Write down your goals and revisit them often.
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
Bodybuilding.com helped me stay motivated and on track. I love reading about the fitness successes of others. I also enjoy the recipes for new ways to cook food.
Terra's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "White Trash Millionaire" by Blackstone Cherry
- "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback
- "Hate My Life" by Theory Of A Deadman
- "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down
- "Down With The Sickness" by Disturbed