Alicia Roman's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, balance, and self-acceptance in achieving and maintaining weight loss. Her story encompasses not only physical transformation but also a profound shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of consistency, self-compassion, and a holistic approach to health.
Alicia's Early Life and Fitness Beginnings
Alicia Marie was born on December 15, 1975. From a young age, Alicia was drawn to the powerful women she saw in comic books, inspiring her to pursue a strong and capable physique. Throughout her childhood and early teens, she excelled in various sports, including track and field, softball, martial arts (Kali, weapons), and gymnastics. By the time she entered high school, Alicia had already started working out with intensity in the gym, impressing those around her with her strength.
Transition to Fitness Career
Alicia later graduated from college and started pursuing her fitness career full-time. After moving to Los Angeles, it didn’t take Alicia long to get recognized for her potential, and she soon found herself modeling for several reputable modeling agencies. After several months of preparations, Alicia’s first local show came in 2003. She continued competing locally and regionally for a few years, winning numerous figure and bikini shows. Eventually, she took part in her first big competition, the 2007 NPC Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding competition. After placing 2nd at the Arnold Amateur, Alicia took some time off the stage to look back on what she could have done differently and to further improve her physique. Alicia fought hard and competed at the 2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding & Figure Championships, but she was “disappointed“ after placing 2nd . After the New York Pro Show, Alicia said how she started to feel both mentally and physically exhausted from all the competitions and decided to take a longer break. Alicia made a comeback 5 years later, taking home 11th place at the 2015 IFBB Legends Pro Bikini. That same year, she participated at the IFBB Muscle Contest Pro Bikini, this time, winning the show and impressing everyone with her success. When asked about her plans for the future, Alicia said she is working on her E-book, and plans on growing her clothing business. Lastly, this is Alicia’s message to all of her fans; “I can talk all day about being yourself and doing what makes you happy in the long run. No one is going to give you what you want. If you want something go get it, dang it. Stop waiting for opportunities to drop in your lap. Bring the life you want to yourself. That goes for every single little thing that you want for yourself in this life. It is not about the destination, it’s the journey. You grow by challenging yourself to get it, whatever it is. And then, just taking the bull by its proverbial horns. Everything you want - you have to go out and get yourself.
Weight Loss Journey After Childbirth
Alicia's weight loss journey took on a new dimension after giving birth to her baby girl. Starting at 262 pounds, she successfully lost 63 pounds, bringing her weight down to 199 pounds. She restarted her weight loss journey in August 2019 after she had her baby girl. Her motivation stemmed from a doctor's visit in her mid-20s, where she was warned about the risk of high blood pressure if she didn't lose weight. As she began to shed the pounds, she not only improved her health but also felt better about herself.
Key Strategies and Habits
Exercise Routine
Alicia's workout routine consisted of two workouts a day, five days a week. She would do cardio in the morning and strength train in the evening. She loves doing cardio up to 5 days a week, usually performing it on a treadmill, stepmill, and runner. Jumping Rope - This exercise works everything, Alicia claims. It’s both a HIIT and workout in one.
Read also: Dismantling Diet Culture with Alicia McCarvell
Dietary Adjustments
Alicia made significant changes to her eating habits. She started with Herbalife because it helped her lose weight the first time she tried, but eventually, she wanted to eat. She took supplements, including CLA (something she think everyone should take if they are trying to burn fat). She switched over to products from a company called 1UP Nutrition, and the community is fantastic. It’s like a one-stop-shop. She cut out foods she loved, like bread and sweets, and did research on carbs and starches. She allows herself to cheat occasionally, but prefers to eat clean most of the time. Alicia is a big fan of carb-cycling, especially when preparing for a competition. There is no dairy in Alicia’s diet because she can’t tolerate lactose. “If you have too much sugar in your diet - you’ll never be able to get the results you really want. Save it as treat only. Cut back wherever you can.
Intermittent Fasting
More recently, Alicia has found success with intermittent fasting, specifically the OMAD (one meal a day) approach. She typically eats her OMAD by about 6 o’clock after getting off work. This strategy allows her to enjoy the foods she loves in moderation while still staying on track with her goals.
Supplements
When she isn’t competing, Alicia doesn’t use many supplements.
The Importance of Mindset and Balance
Alicia's journey emphasizes the importance of mindset and balance in achieving sustainable weight loss. She acknowledges the challenges and setbacks that can occur along the way, but stresses the importance of staying the course and not comparing oneself to others. She also recognizes the reality of postpartum depression and encourages women to seek support and remember their strength.
Avoiding Extremes
Alicia's approach to food is all-inclusive, allowing her to maintain a level head about her body and what goes into it. She believes in the beauty of balance and doesn't advocate for extreme dietary restrictions. While she prioritizes whole, nutritious foods, she also allows herself to indulge in occasional treats, recognizing that deprivation can lead to unsustainable habits.
Read also: A Weight Loss Story
Self-Acceptance
Alicia's story is a reminder that health is not just about physical appearance but also about mental and emotional well-being. She embraces her cravings and indulgences without guilt, understanding that they are part of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Surgical Intervention
On Wednesday Alicia had surgery, you can read more about that here. Things could not have gone better! She did a lot of research and decided to go with one of the best plastic surgeons in his field, Dr. Grant Stevens. He’s known for his laser bra and drainless skin removal surgery technique. The drainless technique is a newer method but surgeons are finding that it lowers your risk of infection, your risk of seromas, and has a quicker recovery process. Surgery lasted about three hours. After spending about an hour in the recovery room, she was escorted to an aftercare facility for overnight monitoring. Everyone was incredibly hospitable. They even had a gluten and dairy free menu for their allergy sensitive guests. She was up and walking a couple hours after surgery. She haven’t experienced any real pain yet, just a little bit of discomfort here and there. At her post operation visit, she was able to see her tummy for the first time and am so pleased with the way everything turned out. The best part is that she haven’t had a single ounce of back pain since the surgery.
Advice for Women Seeking Weight Loss
Alicia offers valuable advice for women who want to lose weight:
- Stay the course: Consistency is key, and it's okay to have setbacks. Just get back up and start again.
- Don't compare yourself to others: Focus on your own journey and progress.
- Give intermittent fasting a chance: It has been life-changing for her.
- Remember your strength: Never forget how far you've come and the challenges you've overcome.
Read also: The Alicia Silverstone Diet Plan