“Pau” emailed me last year when I was whining talking about my thighs.  She commented and then sent me a sweet email telling me that she thought my thighs looked really good.  Like any normal girl who receives a compliment, I immediately asked her to be my BFF even though she lives in Ecuador where she works as a marketing assistant and competes in figure competitions.

We started emailing back and forth and over the next few months I learned some things about Pau.  Pau wasn’t like me.  She had not lost weight to look how she looked she had gained.  “WTH.  People like that really do exist?” I thought.  Pau sent me some some before pictures and as a woman, who has worked really hard for the muscle I have, I was amazed by her transformation.  Regardless, as to whether muscles are your thing Pau’s transformation shows a commitment that is not often celebrated, she went from very thin to athletic and strong…by choice.  How did she do it?  Most people in her situation might choose to gain by eating junk and all sorts of other crap.  Not Pau she chose to eat mostly real food and lift.  It took her years to literally BUILD UP her physique. I very much admire her dedication, discipline, and personal conviction to build muscle in a world where stick thin is considered the ultimate mark of beauty.

What sparked your lifestyle change?
Actually, I was sooooo skinny, probably not very healthy, and wasn’t happy with my body, so I wanted to workout to gain some weight. I started at about 90 pounds and now off season I’m around 127 more less.

How did you eat before compared to now?
Ohh no.. I used to eat junk like Burger King and nothing happened to my body. Now I have learn to FEED my body in a healthy way.  I need carbs OR I will desintegrate myself but don’t eat sugar or saturated fats.

Do you consider your journey “hard” or “easy”?
The easier part is working out.  I just love it.  I have been doing it for 9 years and I can’t stop.  When I travel I must find a gym near the place I’m going to be. It only gets hard right before my shows when my carbs are temporarily low.  Like I said, I need carbs but the week before my show they are low for water reasons which sometimes makes me very tired.  But overall everything about my changes have been so positive in many aspects of my life.

Is PMS a struggle for you?  If so, how do you reduce hormonal cravings?
Yes, I try to eat less salt and no sodas on those days.  Chocolate protein shakes also help.

What are you most proud of?
Inner – My discipline and strength of mind not to give into cravings.
Outer –  I guess my back……. All of my back.  

Practicing….

…for the stage.

Do you think you just have “good genes”?
I don´t think so.  I didn’t used to look the way I do now.

I worked very hard.   It´s all about what you do for your body and your soul.

Does your significant other share your lifestyle?
I live with my BF and yes he supports me. He doesn’t compete but he has been working out since he was 14.  So when I am leaning out for a show he understands I can’t go out with him every Saturday to eat pizza.

How have your friends reacted to your transformation?
Some people think I have no life because I prefer to eat healthy or carrying food with me everywhere I go but other just say they would like to be like me.  I find woman to be more open to muscles.   Men…well if they don’t have muscles obviously they won’t admire a woman who does!! Ha!

What are your favorite or staple foods?
I love meat and eggs!!! Mmmmmm there’s something very popular here in Ecuador made with black beans, rice, and meat!! MMMMM delicious.  I also like making omelettes with eggs white, mushrooms, spinach, and ham.

What is your favorite fun food?
Italian food or hot dogs!!!  And chocolate! Ha!!!

If you were stuck on a desert island what one food would you want with you?
Optimus nutrición Protein Bars.

How often do you exercise and what’s your favorite move?
I workout Monday – Friday.  My favorite exercise is the squat.  I love to workout my legs.

What is your favorite form of cardio?
Swimming.

What motivates you?
How I feel.  The mirror. How clothes fit.  Monica Brant!!

What goals have you reached?
I went to nationals for figure as a novice…but I went!!!!

What goals are you working towards?
My first competition with professional competitors! Uhhh scary..

Are you a scale addict?
Nooo!!!  I rarely  know my exact my weight.

What Disney princess do you most relate to?
Fiona! She´s from Dreamworks… but a princess!

Thanks Pau for sharing a part of your life and  being an example that strong women are  beautiful women!!!  Wishing you the best on your journey.  You are a Girl Hero!!!!

Giveaway Alert!
Don’t forget to enter Lara’s (from Thinspired) food scale give away!   You have until Saturday to enter!!

If you or someone you know would be willing to share your story as a Girl Hero send me an email.  All types of “heroes” are welcome!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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