Alicia Rancier Decided To Take Real Control Of Her Health

Alicia Rancier worked hard to eliminate her health problems – and went beyond.

TRAIN for HER: What was your catalyst for modifying your lifestyle?

Days before graduating college, I was gobbling up an egg, bacon and cheese croissant sandwich. Within moments of finishing the sandwich, I felt a painful constriction in my chest – indicative of heartburn. I thought was I was having a heart attack, and in response to this realization, it was made worse by an anxiety attack. I visited the doctor, at which point I learned my weight hovered around 170 pounds and I clocked in at 29 per cent body fat. The doctor diagnosed me with gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and several existing ulcers in my stomach.

What was the single most influential thing you changed?

Right after, I spiraled into depression and could not eat anything without feeling sick. As a result, I dropped 30 pounds in a very unhealthy manner. In an effort to regain control of my health and life, I decided I needed to kick my depression, my GERD, and my junk-food habits, and then get a gym membership, burn fat and build muscle.

How do you stay the course?

I looked to my idol, my inspiration, and my superhero, Nicole Wilkins, for motivation to keep going. Every time I didn’t want to do cardio or lift weights, I would always think of her and all the dedication she had put into her own physique.

Were you surprised by your accomplishments?

As of now, I am an NPC nationally qualified figure competitor and an ANBF pro figure competitor. I placed sixth in my first-ever show and it was at the third that I placed first at my first natural drug-tested show, which gave me my pro card. That was the best thing that had ever happened to me and the biggest achievement in my life, next to kicking the bulk of my health problems.

What advice would you give to others in a similar situation to yours?

The most important thing is to keep track of your diet, even if you have a cheat meal (which is OK—it’s not the end of the world). Above all, be patient and don’t rush the process. I have been exercising patience myself, as I hope to get my IFBB pro card as a figure competitor and become a personal trainer to help others with their fitness goals.

Find transformation stories and more in every issue of TRAIN for HER magazine.