Michelle Battistta-McDonald
After reading Michelle Battistta's story you will no longer have any excuse for not getting into the best possible shape. Despite the many obstacles she has faced, including, but not limited to self-doubt, pain, depression and 2 herniated disks in her back, Michelle found the strength to reach all of her weight loss goals and turn her physique completely around. As you will read in the following transformation, Michelle credits many factors for her success, not the least being a total will to better herself and an ability to have never taken her eyes off her goals. Thanks to the help of Jack and Ann Titone and The Jacked Up Divas, Michelle achieved the dream so many of us have. What Michelle has achieved takes considerable dedication and a remarkable winning attitude. Seeing the merit in getting into shape, which was reinforced daily by those who supported her on her quest, Michelle proved the power of positive thought and the changing of attitude that comes as one's body image improves.
What got you started?
Over 5 years ago, I was about 80lbs over weight. I had herniated two disks in my back from
competitive horseback riding and according to the surgeons, surgery was my only option. After 15 years of miserable pain and depression (plus countless different types of treatment), I knew that I could not continue down this path. I knew that I had to dig deep within to find the courage to get back to the gym and strengthen my back the right way (and not always look for the easy way out).
How you did it?
I turned to Max Muscle Sports Nutrition for advice and help in 2006. Along with a change in diet, exercising, and quality supplements, I lost about 45lbs within about 5 months. I traded indulging in Mexican food for consuming lean turkey, oatmeal, sweet potatoes and fish. I switched from sitting on a couch to training on a recumbent bike. I gradually transformed from buying size 16 clothes to proudly wearing a size 2.
After losing the excess weight, I found myself needing to challenge myself to a whole new level. After a lot of thought and self-doubt, I decided to go for it and compete in my first show. After a few years of competing, I started working with Jack and Anne Titone and the Jacked Up Divas Team. They helped me to make the necessary adjustments and take my physique to a whole new level. I wind up winning my IFBB pro card at the 2010 Team Universe and just competed March 19th at the IFBB St. Louis Pro, in which I finished in 5th place.
What your diet was like?
My diet was horrible. I loved fast food, pizza, soda and anything that was not healthy for you to consume. While losing weight is a mental challenge and sometimes a lofty goal, the one thing I encourage is for you to look at your journey in terms of baby steps. I started with first taking off the top bun to my sandwich, then eventually loving rice cakes and peanut butter. As a competitor now, I approach the mental challenges of disciplining my food intake with determination and tenacity. I continuously ask myself, "Can I push my body to the best it has ever been?"
What your training/cardio was like?
When I started gaining weight, I couldn't work out due to the injury in my back (so I thought...but part of it was state of mind). So training and cardio were not part of the equation. I eventually started doing little things like walking outside and watching DVD's at home for exercise, because I was so intimidated of the gym. I currently lift weights 5-6 days a week and perform cardio about 45 mins in the am with Sundays as a rest day. My training program changes during contest prep.
What suggestions you have for others?
Strive to be the best you can, continuously seek to challenge yourself, be courageous and deliberate and always approach your dreams with optimism, focus and passion! A positive mental attitude goes hand in hand with success and happiness and keeping your mind free of negative clutter will help get you to your dreams. Believe you can do it and that anything is possible ... and once you do that, you will realize that you are already halfway there.
My motto is: "My body is my trophy, my placing doesn't define me"
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