Alissa Parker Overcame An Eating Disorder And Got Fit

Food became more important to Alissa Parker than her family and friends, until she learnt the art of eating.

Strength > Struggle

I am an IFBB pro figure competitor, mom of two and sports nutrition specialist. My transformation is really about overcoming disordered eating. Growing up, I struggled a bit with anorexia. At 20 years old I weighed 100lb. I worked out most of my life, but when I had my first daughter I used it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted.

I gained over 60lb, weighing 180lb at my heaviest. It took me a year to get it off. It was then that I started competing. My first show was in 2007. I was eating often and healthy, but it turned into a new set of problems.

Wanting it

Food was more important to me than my family, friends, and it really caused problems in my relationship with my husband. I was doing up to 2½ hours of cardio at times; eating under 1200 calories and still struggling.  For many years, I was on a weight gain/loss cycle and later began to develop thyroid disease. Things needed to change.

Reset your brain

I worked with Layne Norton to reverse diet for years to get on track. I needed accountability, and a coach is so beneficial. I started out tracking macros, which I needed to do to reset my brain and learn better habits.

Eating mindfully and not feeling restricted is the key to success. My latest book, Fit Starts in the Kitchen, is available now; it has 100 healthy recipes and a guide to flexible dieting.

Do what you enjoy

Classes are a great way to try new things. Working out in a group can be so fun; you feed off each others’ energy, and it’s a great way to make friends.

You have to find one that works for you that you can maintain forever. Slow and steady wins the race. Make it as easy as possible then you don’t need
to flex that willpower.

Meal 1 (pre workout)

1 scoop MHP Super Premium Whey Protein, 1 cup almond milk, 1-2 cups rice cereal.

Meal 2 (post)

4oz chicken breast, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup green salsa, shredded lettuce, 1 cup cantaloupe.

Meal 3

1 bell pepper raw, cucumber, 4oz chicken breast, 1/4 Greek yogurt for dipping, 1 tsp of ranch or French onion seasoning, 1 cup fruit.

Meal 4

2-3 cups veggies, 5oz ground turkey, coconut aminos, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce.

Meal 5

Protein Angel Food cake or protein ice-cream.

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