I got to my maximum weight at the very end of 2012. At 216 pounds and 45% body fat at age 23, I knew something needed to change. I spent my college life partying, drinking too much, and binge-eating fast food. By a year and a half out of school, my body started to really feel the repercussions of my bad habits. I joined a boot camp/HIIT program and really started focusing on my nutrition in June 2013 when my trainer gave me a meal plan. The pounds started falling off, my muscles started growing, and all aspects of my daily life started to improve. Now, I'm closing out 2013 at 170 pounds and 22% body fat.

Workouts are my daily escape. I love lifting and working out because it's the only time of day that I know I can't be interrupted or distracted from taking care of me. Once I started working out regularly and eating well, both my physical AND mental well being became better than they've ever been. Working out helps keep me centered, focused, and happy.