Maya Nassar

Growing up, I had always been fairly active, from horse riding professionally to competing in school sports. One thing I was not familiar with though is eating a healthy, balanced diet and training with weights.

Since I always had a good metabolism, I could usually eat whatever I wanted and get away with it.

My unhealthy diet soon caught up with me as I got older, exercised less and increasing ate unlimited portions of junk. I reached my heaviest during the beginning of last year and had to buy new clothes because nothing fit me anymore.

My self confidence plummeted, my energy level was non-existent and I was unable to control my portions.

 I never wanted to take photos and would feel insecure walking around on the beach. I suddenly decided I had enough and something had to change. I did my own research online and started reading books in order to train myself.

I became fascinated and addicted to the subject of fitness, and started implementing it into my lifestyle. I never used to eat protein whatsoever, and started eating it three times a day and working out 6 days a week.

I cut out junk food, measured portions and discovered I enjoyed eating healthily. Along with cardio, I also introduced strength training into my routine. I enjoyed it so much I ended up getting certified as a personal trainer.

Suddenly everything changed, I had more energy than ever, felt utterly confident and felt like I could achieve anything. It is not just your body that changes, but your whole life too.

Taking care of your health makes you feel like you can do anything in the world, and achieve things in other aspects of your life too.

Of course it’s not easy, and one of the challenges I’ve faced is being overly strict, sometimes going weeks without any sugar and eventually bingeing and eating everything in sight.

I still have more goals and eventually want to try and compete in a bikini competition over the next few months. The women that enter such competitions have the most amazing figures ever and I would love the challenge. I would advise others to give it their all, believe in themselves and consistently never give up.

One thing I always tell myself is nothing will ever taste as good as being lean feels.