Maria Hintog Gave Up Alcohol And Gets Stronger Everyday

Maria Hintog sustained herself on an unhealthy diet of booze but it was a dare that changed her life and physique.

Vital stats:

Before: 116lb

After: 120lb

Body by bourbon

Being a bartender in my early 20s made me susceptible to daily drinking habits that took a toll on my body. My whole life I was active and played practically every sport under the sun. I also did martial arts for several years. When I entered my early 20s, I naïvely thought my body would hold up, despite barely working out and eating copious amounts of cheap, processed foods on a regular basis.

A new lifestyle

One measly dare from my best friend that would spark my passion and my life calling. “I dare you to go up on stage in a tiny bikini and do a bikini fitness show,” said my best friend. “Psssh, that’s dumb. But screw you, I’ll do it,” said the 23-year-old me.

At first I had no idea what to expect. Fast forward through my bikini fitness years to when I found what I was best at: lifting really heavy things. Bikini fitness was an incredible experience, but I didn’t feel like aesthetics was my niche. When I picked up the heavy barbell, it was like a wave of ecstasy flew through my body. The feeling remains today.

Dietary successes

I eat clean during the week and eat often (five or six meals per day) because of how demanding my training is, and because I’m always hungry, all the time.

I focus on lean proteins (chicken, lean ground beef, turkey, eggs), complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes), and plenty of veggies. On the weekends, I allow myself one or two cheat meals depending on if I have had a successful training week or not.

My biggest challenge has to be finding a committed workout partner who can keep up with my intensity and high demand of my training. Many have fallen off the block so I have gone through most of my strength journey alone.

Maria Hintog’s workout

Day one

Day two

Day three

Day four (recovery)

Day five

Day six

Day seven (rest)