A Hampton Roads woman became a tough fitness competitor after giving birth to three children.
"I was like, I need to change my whole lifestyle," said Nakeia Hopkins.
She tipped the scales at more than 200 pounds after giving birth to her third son.
"That's the heaviest I've ever been," said Hopkins. "My self esteem was very low. I was always sad."
Two years ago, Hopkins took action for better health and fitness. She has lost more than 60 pounds, and now competes in bodybuilding and exercise competitions.
"It started at working out. Cross fit," said Hopkins. "My first workout, I was scarred. My body was aching all over. I thought I was sick!"
She pushed past her comfort zone, and tackled what she was eating, too.
"String beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes. The good carbs," Hopkins said of her go-to favorites. "You could workout six days out the week, but if your nutrition is not where it`s supposed to be, you won`t see the right results. You won`t see your body changing "
Last year, Hopkins' efforts earned her the top spot at the first Miss Fit 757 Competition. She has also won other fitness physique competitions.
"A year before that she never could see herself winning a competition like this," said Norris Coburn, the creator of the Miss Fit 757 Competition. "This is about bringing women together, empowering them and showing them that fitness can be fun."
Hopkins said her biggest accomplishment over the last two years has been setting a healthy example for her family.
"Once you introduce your kids to healthy foods, you start buying them, and you bring it to the house and everybody is able to eat it," said Hopkins. "You only get one body. You gotta take care of it!"
The second annual Miss Fit 757 Competition kicks of Saturday, May 16 at Dre Bly Field in Virginia Beach.
