Her Facebook page has skyrocketed, her pictures/posts are constantly being shared, and she's inspiring thousands across America. Becky Fulton is a 20-something superwoman who shares her journey through various kinds of social media (Instagram, Facebook, personal blog) on becoming a healthier and happier person -- she has so far lost over 75 lbs. I was fortunate enough to interview this incredible athletic lady and discover what it is that drives her to get up every morning and take on the world.
1). When starting this journey, did you have any idea that so many people were going to be looking up to you? You are an inspiration to many and your support is incredible.
Never in a million years could I have expected this type of growth just by me wanting to change my life. I was in a bad place when I started after just getting divorced. I have vowed to myself I would change my life and gave myself a year to work on me. Originally I just wanted to lose 50 lbs, but then I passed that number and just kept on going. Between Instagram, Facebook and the blog; I love meeting new people and inspiring them to change their lives and all the wonderful fitness people who push me to want to be better and one day compete!
2). Although most of your comments are nothing but praise and admiration, how do you react to the rude criticism? Do you ever let it bring you down?
The first day my photo went viral I got the "she must be photo shopped", "That's fake.", "Why do women always change after they get divorced." It was so hard. I cried, a lot. But then I had my best friends and boyfriend tell me that people only hate on others success. That what I did was something not many people are willing to do and that they are just unhappy. My best friend told me, "Well I guess you are finally official because you aren't unless you have some haters" and it's so true. Now that things have died down I sometimes get a few comments, but mostly it is all about how I inspire them! Also many people on Facebook who I didn't even know attacked them and supported me and that meant the world to me!
3). So, what's your secret? What drives you every single morning to get up and push yourself through a workout?
Knowing that if I don't do it no one else will. I am the only one in control of myself. If I don't make it to the gym, if I don't prepare my food for the 12+ hours I am away from home for school/work no one else is going to do it for me. There are some days I don't want to do it and some days I literally don't, but that makes me human. I'm not perfect, but I like beating new personal times on the treadmill, previous calorie burns, or seeing the amount of weight go up on my squats, bicep curls, etc. I am constantly a work in progress - I have no end game. This is my lifestyle now!
4). Walk us through your daily meal consumption. Is it easy for you to eat clean? Do you allow yourself cheat meals?
Oh, boy! I get to cheat once a week. Sometimes it is more than that but it's only if I meet a personal goal that week. Shaun (my boyfriend) helps with the urges though! It is easier for me to eat clean. Once you eat clean and go back- you realize how much it hurts your stomach and fast food? Forget it! Right now, I am currently carb cycling (a low-carbohydrate diet with intermittent periods of high or moderate carbohydrate consumption, according to Wikipedia) but that changes in 2 weeks. Ideally I like to change up my meals every 3-4 weeks because just like my workouts my body gets used to doing the same thing. I eat lots of chicken, tilapia and salmon. Lots of vegetables and my go to fruits are apples, oranges and strawberries. I have two protein shakes a day 1 one in the AM after my workouts and one mid-day as a filler since I am always on the go. Quest Protein bars are my new fave. They do NOT taste like cardboard and are literally AMAZING!!!! Lots of eggs and peanut butter. I've been trying new clean snacks and meals too which has been fun. I follow some amazing women on IG (Instagram) who have great recipes. IG is a fit girls dream!
5). I know you're also a student, how do you manage your time to make sure you can squeeze in your workouts? We're all busy, but there's no excuses, right?
I do it first thing in the morning. I'm a morning person so I find it easier to do it then. I found that if I waited until the end of the day I didn't have as much energy and would skimp out on my exercises. My gym is on the way to school so I really have no excuse now. I have class at 9am. Shaun calls and wakes me up on his drive to work and then I start my day around 6:15/6:30am. I pack my gym bag and work clothes the night before, too. I prep my meals on Sundays for the school/work week so I just have to throw that into my 6 pack bag, get dressed for the gym, and head out the door. I am usually working out from 7-8:30 and at class at 9. I then work 12-6:15 during the week.
6). How has this new lifestyle affected you emotionally? Does it truly feel like a new you besides the physical changes?
I could tell immediately pending my divorce I was back to myself. This lifestyle just allows me to embrace my outgoing, loud, obnoxious, OCD color coordinating self. I am really a huge dork so most of the time I just do my own thing. I love to make people laugh and at the gym is no exception. My Mom tells me I take too many pictures of myself but most of the time it's to benefit someone else and to either get them to go workout, laugh at my expense or show them it is possible! This journey allowed me to sort through some of my personal struggles that I have had inner termoil about and I do believe the physical release of hitting heavy weights and pavement allows me a way to control it.
7). What kind of music pumps you up for your workouts?
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I range from everthing. I like country, rock, pop, r&b and everything. On runs I like pop music because it's good to run to the beat, lifting arms, back and chest. I like country because it gets my mind off it. But legs is a whole different story. For those of you who don't know I recently have been introduced to Flag nor Fail and the Rob Bailey and the Hustle Standard 5 song release is the only thing I listen to on leg day. Drowns out the entire world and keeps my heart pumping.8). Rest days are so important. Do you spend your resting days icing certain muscle groups?
Only if I need to. I spent the first year of the past 18 months training to strengthen my weaker parts (back, ankles, wrists) to avoid injury because I was prone to them. Now icy-hot does stay in my gym back but I am lucky to not have bad knees to have to rest on certain days.
9). How do you avoid temptation of laying in bed and eating junk food, rather than working out and eating clean?
It's simple- I don't buy it. If I don't bring it into my apartment, I don't eat it! :) Now cravings do come and when they do they are with a vengence but because I only work 32 hours a week and live alone I don't have extra money to run to the store for those things, so it's been easy to avoid.
-When you're out with girlfriend's and they order nachos is it hard for you to resist?
-When you're out with girlfriend's and they order nachos is it hard for you to resist?
Without a doubt. Especially when your boyfriend is a bodybuilder and can eat the whole world :X
10). Do you still allow yourself a drink or two every now and then? What drink of choice do you opt for, for a "healthier" drink?
Not often, maybe for special occasions. I've never been a drinker so this has never been an issue for me. I usually just stick to water, even at resturants. I will sometimes go for a Dr. Pepper, but even that is maybe once a month.
11). How much water are you drinking daily?
I try to stick to a gallon. I have one I carry with me everywhere, and I still get made fun of daily at work. If I succeed in drinking the whole thing in a day I know it was a good day!12). Any other advice/tips for men and women who are trying to start a new, healthy lifestyle?
Do it for YOU. No one else can want it for you, but yourself. Take small steps and find the exercise that you enjoy. Have a positive attitude about it. Don't dread going to the gym! Think of it as personal you time and you are not in competition with anyone but yourself.
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