For the past eight weeks, I have been completing Annelyn Veal’s 8 week workout plans combined with her nutrition guide and I’m OBSESSED with it. Annelyn is a certified personal trainer as well a NPC Bikini competitor & I have absolutely loved this 8 week plan of hers. I truly don’t have enough great things to say about her programs!!!! They are challenging while still attainable and I have definitely seen results not only physically, but most importantly mentally in the way I view food and working out. I’ve come to really love going to the gym and have found lifting (and as much as I don’t want to admit it… cardio) to be so stress relieving. Because I love Annelyn’s program so much, I wanted to go behind the scenes ask her some questions regarding health and fitness that many of us wonder about. Everything from her best advice, what it’s like to be a body builder, and those common myths we all tend to believe about our health—I’ll be sharing her Q+A below, I hope y’all enjoy!
Photo by Yung CEO Photography
What made you decide to pursue making fitness and nutrition a focus in your life?
Growing up, I was on one hand always playing sports and on the other, eating my weight in cheese (I LOVED IT). I had a lot of digestive issues I believe due to this. Several different doctors told me I had Crohn’s, celiac, and IBS. I was in and out of the doctor for some unknown digestive issues, and digestive issues tend to lead to skin problems, weight gain or loss, sleep issues, etc. I knew in the back of my head that exercise and proper nutrition really is the best cure to any of these issues. I told myself it takes 21 days to form a habit, I cleaned out my fridge, followed a bunch of fitness accounts, went to the grocery store, got a gym membership, and committed. I would reward myself with something yummy at the end of the 3 weeks. I did just that, but I felt sick after. I wanted to get back in the gym and I never wanted to eat awful again. My results were already coming through. It was an instant hook and I never had the desire to want to learn more and more. It’s a passion for me, but for some they can still feel how amazing the benefits that I get from it with whatever they are passionate about in life. It’s taking care of yourself and you’ll feel so accomplished from it.
What is your biggest motivation/ advice to people searching for motivation to get fit?
My best advice for anyone trying to find motivation or to commit is to first look at yourself and ask how you feel. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. Where do you want to improve in your life? Write it down or say it to yourself, and make a plan. When we have a plan of action we can follow through better. Remind yourself that the desire for bad food or drinks are momentary and don’t last that long, you’re left with feeling groggy and just gross. Why feel that way all the time? Give yourself 6 days of eating good and one meal to enjoy. MODERATION. That’s no every day or every other, it’s every few days. Work on growing your mental strength because good foods will make you feel physically and emotionally way better. You’ll grow as a person when you do this for YOURSELF! No one else.
What advice do you have for people wanting to develop a workout routine + healthy eating?
As I’ve mentioned, a plan is crucial. Map out what two weeks <normally> looks like for you. See how you can fit a time to either go to a gym or perform the exercise at home. (Trust me, you’re not missing anything by pushing that Netflix episode one hour back). Meal prep your food. It takes 1-2 hours to do a weeks worth of food. Buy some containers, go get the food, and turn on some jams in the kitchen. If you have time at night to cook, get creative and look up healthy options on Pinterest or Instagram. Routine will occur if you make yourself stick to it for 21 days plus in my opinion. Just be strong and willing, because it’s so much easier than you think.
What are the common myths out there that aren’t true about working out/healthy eating?
Oh my, there is several. 1) Eating low calorie, low carb is the way to go. 2) Cardio is how you burn fat. 3) Hitting super low calories is how to burn fat 4) “diets” 5) You can spot reduce fat ...etc. These are the common ones I hear a lot. There is so much scientific information behind how the body works and what sounds “right” doesn’t scientifically make sense once you get technical. Having a trainer or someone with the knowledge to explain it like a teacher is why there is people out there doing this for a living. Everyone has different genetics, preferences, lifestyles, experiences, etc and therefore these myths don’t apply correctly to everyone or for long term results.
What have you learned from competing as a body builder?
Wow so much to be honest. It has furthered my knowledge beyond just physical training and nutrition, but I’ve learned so much more about myself, my mental abilities, true friendships, and so much more. It’s a sport that is growing, but people are so quick to judge it. It’s so much more than just lifting heavy and meal prepping all the time. You get stronger, your mentality and perseverance is challenged and helps you grow as a person, you’re sculpting your body like an art. It’s not any different than a painter or an artist. It’s just in another form. I’ve learned more about myself, my independence, and my drive in life from competing and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
What is the most difficult part of body building + what are your goals?
The most difficult part for me personally has been the post show blues, and that’s not even really difficult. I don’t struggle with bringing my meals and eating them in front of friends at a restaurant or getting to the gym any day of the week. However to overcome coming off prep, I remind myself that off season is a time to grow and develop to become EVEN STRONGER of a person physically and mentally. (to those who don’t know this sport they may not get this—but in other words it’s a season of change in my life that I have to be able to accept change and struggle and work with it.) The weight gain after being so lean was tough, but I love my body in both forms :) My overall goal and dream is Ms. Bikini Olympia and to own a gym one day, so that’s what I’m working for right now.
Clearly, this girl is full of knowledge and has so many incredible tips to start working out and beginning a healthy lifestyle. I can’t wait to continue my health and fitness journey with her plans + to watch her continue to shine and continue to reach her goals in NPC Bikini. Annelyn, there’s no doubt you’re doing big things + it’s such an honor to watch you accomplish so much! Thank you for your time + for sharing your passion!
Friends— if any of this interested you or you would like to try one of her plans check out her website here and follow her journey/get even more tips and tricks on instagram here! I can’t recommend it enough.
