Fawnia Mondey

Transformations
written in 2000

Standing at the Starbucks counter, I ordered an orange juice and turned to my friend Geoff, asking if he wanted one. "No, I've already had enough carbs today. I'll just have a coffee."

His reply shocked me; it was like an alarm going off. Thinking to myself, "Of course, orange juice has carbohydrates; that means calories right? So if I'm trying to slim down, then I'll want to limit my calorie intake."

Just then, for the first time, it clicked; like learning a new language, everything regarding calories, proteins, carbs and fats started to make complete sense. No longer was I thirsty for my orange juice, but for the knowledge on what exactly my friend Geoff was taking about.

One week later, Geoff gave me his copy of The Nutritional Almanac, Third Edition, by Lavon J. Dunne. Within days, I had read this "bible" from cover to cover and had started a food journal. Knowing exactly what was in the foods I ate gave me the power to create the physique of my dreams!

During that same summer of 1997, I stepped on stage for 14 different swimsuit contests (Miss Hawaiian Tropic, Miss Venus Swimwear, other local club/beach contests) and placed first, second, or third every time!

Date: August, 1997

Needless to say, I was quickly getting tired and decided to hang up the bikini for a while. During my "break," I turned up the notch in my weight training and learned all I could surrounding the sport of bodybuilding.

That fall, Geoff and I attended our first bodybuilding contest, "The Gator's Classic," in Burnaby, BC, Canada. Watching from the audience, admiring the level these athletes had taken their physiques to, I turned to him and said teasingly, "I could do that. I should compete."

Without any doubt in me, Geoff nodded with a smile, and at that moment, the vicious cycle of "bulking up" and "cutting up" was born.

Knowing that I needed to gain more muscle, almost over night (six weeks), I had gained 28 pounds, turning my 100-pound "Hawaiian Tropic" frame into a more complete 128 pounds.

Date: November, 30, 1997

Creatine, food, weight training and sleeping became my life.

Date: June, 8, 1998

It was through trial and error over several 12-week sessions that I became confident enough to slip into a posing suit.

My time did arrive and on May 8, 1999, I won the women's lightweight class at the 1999 Muscle & Fitness Mania weighing 104.5 pounds.

Date: May 8, 1999
Fawnia (middle), Nadia Alterio (3rd from L, runner-up), Erin Wright (2nd from L, 3rd place)

Date: May 8, 1999

Date: May 8, 1999

Looking back on that day in Starbucks, I now realize just how far I have come.

Date: May 9, 1999

I've certainly gotten what I asked for. Some of you may know what I am talking about. Ever wish you could simply eat food without thinking about how many carbohydrates it contained, or if you were eating enough protein? You're not alone.

Am I blessed, or cursed with the endless power struggle of mentally tracking my food intake? Some days are worse than others, though I think I'm gaining control.

"Can't you just eat like a normal person and have a bowel of cereal for breakfast, a sandwich or some pizza for lunch, and some pasta for dinner?" my frustrated roommate asked one day.

Right now I am at the point (and I've been here before), where I want to maintain control of eating normally, not spoonfuls of peanut butter or two Dairy Queen blizzards. Today I am working out with weights, and doing cardio, to feel good. "The look" will come; of course, not to the extreme I was at these last three years, but one that is natural and healthy.

When you're into bodybuilding, you can reach a point where you stop and ask yourself, "How far can I go? Is looking like a fitness warrior 365 days a year going to pay my rent? What do I plan on gaining by going to the gym two times a day, six days a week, all the while secluding myself away from my friends because, I have to eat or train the next day?"

Looking back, I have no regrets, but now I can see how truly obsessed I had become over my physique. Sure, I knew how much work was required in order to win a bodybuilding contest, and I play to win!

This year, I'll be 25. Yes, I'm young, so before the years catch up with me (like at 60), I'm going to enjoy my youth, with my new appreciation for life. Gone are the days where I feel the pressure to maintain a certain degree of strength at the gym, or a perfect tan all year long.

Today, I accept the knowledge I have acquired through my own experimentation as a bodybuilder, and owe it to myself to enjoy training, enjoy eating, and enjoy time with my friends.

Date: Sept, 1999

Denisa (kinesiology major, certified fitness trainer, model), Fawnia Mondey, Susan Mitchell (women's overall champion, 1999 BC Provincials), Kirk Oberg (men's overall champion, 1999 BC Provincials)