Body Transformation: Amber Jerome Body Transformation
What Was Your Turning Point?
I have always been an active individual but as I got older my habits changed and the relationship I was in at the time was definitely making me fat! I decided to do something about it and joined a boot camp class. I was hooked. I started seeing nice results and wanted more than just 3 times a week, so I started designing my own workouts and going to the gym right after boot camp and on my off days from the class. I then hired a trainer who knew a bit more about nutrition because I was not aware at that time that nutrition is 80% of any fitness plan. I always heard people say eat several small meals a day, but just felt that I would not be able to eat that much.
After seeing even more results with the trainer, I wanted something to look forward to, to have something to work for in the gym. I then decided I wanted to compete. I set a date and was off to training and eating clean. I did quite well for my first show. I was using my first show as an experience because I had minimal amount of time to train. I gave it my all and ended up placing 2nd in figure open short. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to compete again.
What Is Your Exercise And Diet Plan?
As of today, I am gearing up for another show in June. I am currently working out 6 times a week and eating a cycled diet. I do cardio 6 times a week as of now and every 2-3 weeks I will up my cardio. I drink a gallon of water a day. This was very challenging for me the first time around. Now I’ve learned to keep my water close by. “Out of sight, out of mind.” And I bought this really cool water bottle that lets me know how much water I consumed, how long it took and the average ounces I drink per hour. My carbohydrates consist of brown rice, red potatoes, oatmeal and I eat a lot of veggies on my low carb days. Protein consists of whey, chicken, lean meat, fish, turkey and egg whites. I get my healthy fats from Udo’s oil, natural peanut butter, fish oil, and nuts.
What Supplements Do You Use?
I currently take several different supplements, but my fave has to be Xtend, which I drink throughout my workouts. I am hardly ever sore and recover fast. I also like Gaspari fat burners. I cycle between Mitotropin and CytoLean. Plus a multivitamin and a slow digesting protein before bed.
What Is Your Life Like Now?
My life is a lot less hectic than when I started my journey. Prior and during my transformation I was juggling work and school. Now being a graduate I have a bit more time to focus on fitness which is my ultimate passion in life.
Any Advice For Others?
As for advice, I would just like to tell others that it’s not easy trying to stay in shape. Society makes it way to easy to NOT stay in shape by offering cheap take out/drive thru meals but I know when I leave the grocery store my bill is not cheap. Society complains about too many people being obese, but when were in difficult economic times like now it makes it hard for people to eat well when they can go to a fast food place and get a ton of garbage for cheap. Just do the best that you can with the resources that you have. If you put bad gas in your car it’s not going to run as well as its capable of, same goes for your body.
Always listen to your body, if you’re hurting then stop! Work through fatigue, not pain! Make sure to do your research. Just because it works for me or the guy next to you on the treadmill doesn’t mean it will work for you. Be patient! Rome wasn’t built overnight and you won’t transform overnight either. Any type of clean diet, workout etc. needs time for your body to adjust before it “gives in”.
I hear a lot of times how people talk about “I’m doing this and that and nothing! Why bother?” This is why you need to be patient; people tend to stop right before their body gives in. A good three months before results can be seen. Also, keep a food journal, less likely to cheat when you have to write it down, keep a workout journal so you can track how you progress in your workouts, and take progress pictures weekly so you can see the changes. Never mind the scale so much as how your clothes fit. Muscle weighs more than fat, therefore the scale might go up but you might have just put on some muscle not gained weight.
More From Amber Jerome
In conclusion, I knew nothing about fitness a year ago! I researched and listened and researched and listened. If something’s not worth fighting for it’s not worth having. I have become so interested in fitness that I am studying to get my personal training certification and am hoping to get accepted into grad school to get my masters in Nutrition. This is a lifestyle for me.
