FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers (i.e. your name, occupation, hobbies, etc.).

SH:  Hello, my name is Shaylen Harris I’m 28 years old. I’m married and we have a 19 months old son. My hobbies obviously included working out but I also love to cook I would love to go to culinary arts school one day.

FFFC:  What sparked your weight-loss transformation journey?

SH:  Well I was in shape before but I had a pretty rough pregnancy where I gained 70+ lbs so this transformation journey was all about getting my body back and better than it was before.

FFFC:  What was your beginning and current weight or measurements?

SH:  My beginning weight was 230 lbs the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life in when I was out of shape in my early twenties I never went over 175. I’m also 5’9” almost 5”10. Today I am 152 and my measurements are 33-26.5-38. I have a very athletic build my passion is weight training so I love adding lean muscle!

FFFC:  How long did it take for your weight-loss transformation from beginning to end?

SH:  My weight loss journey started almost immediately after giving birth I knew I had to clean up my diet and get back in the gym. I took things slowly with the training and waited until after my 6 wks to really get back in the gym. I would take my son on walks or jog on the track near my home.  After he was 3 months I began taking him to the kids club at the gym and that’s when the real training and weight loss started. From July 11-May 12 I lost 60 lbs then in Jun 12 I started my prep for my first bikini competition Oct 12. I lost another 37 lbs and was on stage at 142 lbs. So in all it took me 15 months.

FFFC:  What physical activities did you participate in during your journey?

SH:  I did it all running, stairmaster, track drills and sprints, and most importantly weight training! I love to lift and adding lean muscle not only helps burn more calories but your body looks so much better with lean muscle as opposed to the “skinny fat” look.

FFFC:  How did your eating habits change? 

SH:  I limited my junk to only when my body needed a refeed meal or mentally I was going insane. My husband CJ Harris is my nutritionist/trainer. His business Body Management Group specializes in custom nutrition plans, cardio plans and competition prep. To contact him please check out his Facebook page www.facebook.com/cj.bmg or [email protected] . My diet consists of lean meats, veggies, healthy fats and complex carbs. Everything is portion out custom for what my body needs and what my goals are.

FFFC:  What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

SH:  Breakfast – Egg whited and oatmeal maybe some berries

Lunch- Lean protein like chicken or ground turkey, green veggies and a carb depending on the day

Dinner Lean protein like a sirloin steak or grilled chicken and veggies

However I eat 6-7 times a day!

FFFC:  What is your favorite fitness activity?

SH:  Weight training for sure!

FFFC:  What do you do now to maintain your physique?

SH:  I continue to train every day I eat pretty clean all the time outside of competition prep. I may allow more splurges when I’m not getting ready for a show. Training and cardio are a part of my daily life not because I have to but because I love it!

FFFC:  How did you develop and sustain the willpower to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. junk food, bad drinks, lack of activity, etc.)?

SH:  I don’t really I’m human. I know when and when not to indulge but I do get my occasionally burger and some fries every once in a while. The key is learning moderation and know when you can’t have something.

FFFC:  What advice do you have for someone starting out on their weight-loss journey but unsure of how to begin?

SH:  Please be patient! One good meal won’t make you fit just like one bad meal won’t make you fat! It is a process and it takes patience. Research web site like www.muscleandfitnesshers.com and www.bodybuilding.com for info on training, programs and nutrition. The best answer if you can commit to it financially. Hire a nutritionist or nutrition consultant. Having a customized plan for you will give you the best results and also take the stress of not knowing what to do. Let them think and create a plan for you. You just execute it and the results will come. Again here is email [email protected] www.facebook.com/cj.bmg

FFFC:  What do you think is the biggest misconception about this journey?

SH:  That it is not possible to tighten up a post baby belly! It was my biggest concern that I wouldn’t get rid of the extra belly fat.

FFFC:  Do you have any fitness idols?  Who are they?

SH:  Yes I do I follow quite a few. My top two favorites are IFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona and IFBB Bikini Pro Nathalia Melo.

FFFC:  How can readers learn more about your transformation and journey online (i.e. Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)?

SH:  Please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shaylen.harris

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