Let me make one thing very clear: I don?t wear a bikini. In fact, I've never worn a bikini in public until last weekend.
So people may be a little confused as to why I got into a tiny two-piece and paraded around a stage to be judged at a figure competition in Denver.
Well, I had something to prove ? to myself.
Since May 2008, I have lost 130 pounds, and I am incredibly proud of myself.
The turning point was returning to Omaha after my freshman year of college at Saint Louis University and realizing that I needed to change. I met with a trainer and a nutritionist and began my journey.
In January, I was featured in People Magazine?s Half Their Size Issue. My social media sites blew up with girls looking for inspiration, and I realized that there was a need for a positive role model among young women.
To stay on track with a healthy lifestyle, I'm the kind of person that needs a goal to work toward. A lot of times I get complacent, and I like pushing myself further than even I thought I could go.
So when I heard in April that the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion show decided to add a transformation makeover division to its figure competitions, I knew I had to do it. This meant upping the level of my dedication to my workouts and my clean-eating lifestyle.
The decision to compete in a fitness competition was a huge milestone for me. My body does not look like the typical bikini competitor. As proud as I am of my weight loss, I have scars and stretch marks that most of my competitors don't have. But those marks are a physical reminder every day of the battle I've won.
It was definitely emotional being on stage at the competition. Before I went on, my picture was showcased on the large projection screen, so when I walked out, I was staring into the face of the old me. In that moment I realized that I am still the same person on the inside. I still have the same smile. The only difference is that I choose to live a healthy life and inspire others to do the same.
Omaha woman loses 130 pounds, wins figure competition first time she wears bikini in public - Live Well Nebraska: Health And Fitness News