How Lydia Lost 80lbs and Transformed from Overweight to Athlete

Lydia has undergone an impressive transformation: From overweight to an athlete.

She grew up being bullied because of her weight and now she inspires people from all around the world. She motivates people to transform their lives for the better.

Having overcome an eating disorder, and now battling further health issues, Lydia remains positive and reminds us that:

“It’s not what happens to us in life, it’s how we deal with it.”

Lydia’s taken the time to answer some of our questions, which are below.

Why did you decide to transform your body?

I was fed up with the way I looked, fed up with being unhappy and others giving me a hard time about my weight.

I knew it would have to be up to me to change my life and not wait for others.

What was the diet plan or strategy that guided your transformation?

My diet and training changed, I don’t know how many times! It HAS to.

My goals went from leaning out, to just putting on muscle and vice versa. Things need to change to make a change. At first I focused on just losing the fat and after I got to my goal weight, I eventually implemented weights.

Every single time I made a significant change, I saw results. My diet had to change as well, depending on whether I wanted to lose fat or gain muscle.

Did exercise play any role in your transformation? If so, What?

At first I was a “cardio queen”, as most girls become. I did mostly cardio to get rid of the weight but then got to a plateau and didn’t know how to get the body I wanted from there.

That was when I hired a personal trainer who introduced me weight training and helped me to start making the right diet adjustments.

Eventually my training was mostly weight training and almost NO cardio. However, during contest preparation, there is a lot more cardio involved.

Did you find you became obsessed with food?

Like most people say, the diet is the hardest part. For awhile, I did feel like I was “obsessed” over controlling my food intake (types, amounts, etc), but in a way, you have to be.

However, it shouldn’t be RUNNING your life.

You can enjoy everything like going out to eat, parties, and so on, but by making the right choices.

(Read More about Flexible Dieting.)

Over time I learned the more I sacrificed the foods I THOUGHT I wanted, the better I looked, and eventually it got easier to give up the “naughty” foods. In fact, today I don’t even want them anymore. I enjoy eating a clean balanced diet all the time.

Bodybuilding actually helped clear up all of the eating disorders I had developed and rescued me from becoming anorexic or bulimic.

Of course, others will think I’m “obsessed” but it’s dedication they are getting that confused with.

What’s one mistake you made during your transformation?

I have made COUNTLESS mistakes during my transformation and STILL make mistakes.

Some I do not want to mention because of giving others bad ideas, but one mistake I would like to point out, is something A LOT of people deal with. The mistake of worrying about what others think of you. If I had dropped all that sooner, I would have gotten on track sooner.

Most people get scared, intimidated, and run away before even asking questions or getting help. That mistake of waiting and letting others intimidate you, will only hold you back.

I Know NOW, that in order to succeed, I must STAND OUT from the average.

Which aspect of your journey has challenged you the most?

One thing I have a hard time with, even now, is the scale.

It becomes a disease where people obsess over the scale and weigh themselves EVERY day or MULTIPLE times a day when, most of the time, it is irrelevant.

Consistent weigh ins once a week is what people should be doing. Especially after competing, even though my coach screams at me to stop weighing myself, I find it hard not to.

(Read more about the most important Tool for weight loss)

What are your future plans with health and fitness?

I have actually just been diagnosed with hypoglycemia so unfortunately I am on hiatus from training.. But health is always number 1.

Weights will not be going anywhere, but after two consecutive years of bodybuilding shows, I am taking some time off from the stage, training up, then compete again in 2-3 years.

I also want to get sponsored by my favorite supplement company and become part of fitness events and expos. I go to the Arnold Classic every year and I want to participate and inspire as many people as I can with my story.

After a broken leg, and now being diagnosed with a serious condition, I certainly am being put to the test right now. However, my friends, family, and followers are helping me keep my spirits up. I just have to remember that there will be easy and hard times, which are part of life.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to change their body?

My first word of advice, don’t wait. Start today, right now.

Start figuring out how to fit it into your schedule because it won’t fit unless you MAKE time.

Don’t make a “resolution”, make a COMMITMENT and I can guarantee if you stick to it 100%, you will move forward. And know as long as you ARE making mistakes and are hitting sticking points, you are going in the right direction.

Just keep hustling. There is no break in the path to success!

Disclaimer: Your results may vary and Lydia’s were largely due to her dedication and adherence to her calorie/macro protocols.