As you already know, I love my reality shows. One of my guilty pleasures is MTV. I don’t care how old I get; I’ll never give it up. Wednesday nights I pop my bowl of popcorn and plop on the couch to watch the Real World or The Challenge.
As I was watching the Challenge this season, I couldn’t help but notice the transformation Jessica had made. I thought she looked amazing before, but now she’s even more solid! This princess hulk isn’t someone to mess with!I follow her on her social media accounts and I love her positive attitude towards health and fitness.
I wanted to pick her brain and find out everything she’s doing to get results. I had the opportunity to interview her. Her journey is super inspiring and I hope it helps motivate you on your own journey!
Taralynn: First off, you look amazing! Your transformation has inspired so many people, including myself. What inspired you to change your life and create a healthier lifestyle?
Jessica: Pre Real World I was 129 lbs and what we call “skinny fat”. I was thin with no muscles. I gained about 20 pounds during the Real World process and hated it. I have always been into fitness. And nutrition is my passion. So I found myself in a funk and when I got home, I knew I needed to get the old me back! This time, I was going to make a total turn around!
Taralynn: That is true determination. But I’m dying to know. What does your workout routine consist of? Your princess hulk abs are to die for!
Jessica: I have a trainer that I see three times a week. We do anything from weight lifting to calisthenics (body weight work outs).
Taralynn: Working out is a big part of getting fit but making smart choices in the kitchen also plays a role. What kind of diet changes did you make to get results.
Jessica: I would say diet is 70% of our body composition. Then you have to factor in stress levels and activity levels. I eat a lot of lean meats, green vegetables, and complex carbs. I make sure to not skip my meals and hold cheat days until the weekend. I don’t drink a lot or eat when I am bored. If I’m hungry, I drink 8 oz of water first!
Taralynn: That is smart! I hear a lot of people (including myself) confuse the feeling of thirst with hunger. I’ve always had a hard time getting my water in. Just like you, I make room for cheat meals. What is your favorite go-to cheat meal?
Jessica: My favorite cheat meal is anything from a big black and bleu burger with a coke to a big chocolate brownie! I never know what I am going to eat on a cheat day until it arrives!
Taralynn: What is your favorite hairstyle/outfit you like to rock at the gym?
Jessica: Honestly, I don’t want to be hit on or spoken to at the gym, so typically I make it a point to not match and to grab a tank and pants lol.
Taralynn: Haha, You mean business at the gym! Do you have any awkward gym moments?
Jessica: I farted during a training session once and my trainer and I just died laughing.
Taralynn: What is your favorite pre/post workout snack?
Jessica: Pre workout I eat lunch like fish and vegetables before I go. Post workout, I have a protein shake!
Taralynn: Sometimes life is busy. How do you manage to fit in workouts and eating healthy on those days?
Jessica: Busy life is a cop out. Workouts take 30 minutes! And if you meal prep over the weekend, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem. It’s sheer will and determination. You have to be dedicated!
Taralynn: Well said! Meal prepping has helped me out a lot. Some people have a hard time finding balance with a healthy lifestyle and keeping a social one. What are some of your tips for staying social and being healthy?
Jessica: Don’t go to social gatherings to eat! Date night, go on a scenic romantic walk or do something active! Join a color run team and get friends involved. Fit friends are the best support system.
Taralynn: Peanut butter is my weakness. I can’t even keep it in the house or I’ll eat spoonfuls right out of the jar. How do you deal with temptations?
Jessica: I am a total fat kid. I LOVE sweets, but I am also the master at finding healthier recipes that I like. From protein ice ream, protein pancakes, and peanut butter protein cookies! You name it and I can find a way to make it healthy!
Taralynn: You sound just like me! Finding healthier alternatives to my favorite recipes is actually pretty fun. Speaking of healthy recipes; What is your favorite healthy recipe to make?
Jessica: I can be pretty basic. I love fish! Poached, baked, or grilled! I just love it!
Taralynn: I don’t blame you. The south has the best fish! What are some of your current fitness goals?
Jessica: I want to lose 6% body fat by the end of the year and be able to do pull ups!
Taralynn: With your determination, you’ll reach that by the end of the month! Goals are hard to reach when you’re not driven. What keeps you motivated to get up and hit the gym on days where you feel like just laying around?
Jessica: Sometimes old photos of myself help, or some Cellucor C4 pre workout!
Taralynn: I follow you on Instagram and you have so many motivating quotes. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Jessica: I have so many! Just watch “Facing the Giants: Your Very Best” and that sums it up! Also, “Your attitude is like the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, that means your heart’s not right”. -Coach
Taralynn. What are some song’s we’d find on your workout playlist?
Jessica: I listen to a lot of inspiration speakers, quotes from Rocky movies, and facing the giants movie.
Taralynn: I really appreciate you taking the time to do this interview with me! My last question; What is the best advice you could give someone who is just starting their fitness journey?
Jessica: Don’t rush it. Progress comes slowly but don’t be discouraged! Give it your best, your very best, and you’ll be satisfied!
Want more from Jessica! You can follow her on twitter, instagram, and facebook!