I had always lifted weights as part of conditioning for volleyball. I played throughout high school and college. In college I had the lifting part down, but my diet was a mess. I either ate nothing but junk or I would get frustrated and eat as few calories as possible. My weight went up and down through college.

Once volleyball and college were over things started to improve. I got a good job and was on a regular schedule. I moved in with my boyfriend (now husband) and was finally able to control what I ate and what foods were in the house. The spring following my college graduation my boyfriend and I decided to try p90x. This was the first time I saw the true potential of my body. I realized that nutrition was important for the first time. Cutting calories wasn't working.

I was doing really well and then after our wedding we decided to try for a baby. Unfortunately we lost that baby at 14 weeks. Emotional eating took over for a few months and a gained some weight. I decided to get back into shape for summer and I did. Through clean eating and lifting alone! I was thrilled that I didn't have to run.

We got pregnant again in June '11, but lost that baby at 10 weeks. We were pregnant again right away in September '11- and I was still holding on to a few extra pounds from the previous pregnancy. I was depressed and anxious. I didn't workout or eat right... I didn't care. In January we lost our baby at 19 weeks. At that point I didn't care about anything besides having a baby. I was still holding on to about 25 extra pounds. I tried to lose a little before trying again, but we were pregnant again in April '12.

The pregnancy was very hard on me emotionally and physically. I gained way more weight than I should have. Finally our son was born happy and healthy in December '12. He was a big boy weighing 10 oz and measuring 22 in.

Recovering from the C-section was not as difficult as I thought it would be and I'm lucky to have been able to start lifting again so soon (3 weeks pp.) I began eating clean again right away. A huge weight has been lifted and I don't feel the need to punish myself with unhealthy habits any longer.

Really looking forward to getting back in shape.

I always ran because I wanted to lose weight. I would run and pop diet pills and starve myself if that's what it took.

I love bodybuilding because I actually enjoy it. There's no sacrifice involved. I don't have to go hungry and I don't have to spend all my money on fat burners. I've never had a problem shedding fat while eating clean and lifting. I usually only do moderate cardio if any at all.

I love the shape that lifting gives my body. I don't want to be skinny I want to be fit.