A woman who suffered from a crippling eating disorder has spoken of how she was freed from the clutches of bulimia and went from a 110-pound girl to a bodybuilding champion.
In 2001, 39-year-old Pennsylvania native Teresa Ivanchik felt her life falling apart. She was mired in an eating disorder and was under house arrest for a DUI.
However, she did not let any obstacles stand in her way. I broke through the barrier and became a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
Now, the athletic superstar has revealed how she pulled herself from the depths of an eating disorder to bodybuilding glory.
Teresa Evancic of Penn State used the power of true determination and grit to free herself from the grip of bulimia, becoming a champion bodybuilder.
She went from a 110-pound girl with an eating disorder (pictured left) to a bodybuilder star (pictured right)
In 2001, Pennsylvania native Teresa Evancic felt her life falling apart. She was mired in an eating disorder and was under house arrest for a DUI
Throughout her life, Teresa has struggled to form a good relationship with food.
Every day she would push herself to the brink of exhaustion, working out four hours a day, doing cardio and lifting weights and sweating through tai bo.
In 2001, it hit rock bottom. Teresa is placed under house arrest for 155 days for a DUI.
At this time, she found an old Joe Weider bodybuilding regimen in her parents’ basement.
While browsing Oxygen magazine, she saw the chiseled bodies of female bodybuilders and pictured herself on one of the pages.
When she got a job at a local gym, she started dipping her toes into bodybuilding and eventually decided to compete.
Despite warnings from her coach, Jeff Harlan—who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder and how it would affect her in the highly competitive world of bodybuilding—she persevered, determined to make a name for herself.
While still under house arrest, she skimped on every resource she could find and trained relentlessly for her number one competition.
‘I felt like I had nothing to lose,’ Teresa recalls.
However, she did not let any obstacles stand in her way. I broke through the barrier and became a member of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness
Now, the athletic superstar (who was pictured when she was suffering from bulimia) has revealed how she wrenched herself from the depths of an eating disorder to bodybuilding glory.
While browsing Oxygen magazine, she saw the chiseled bodies of female bodybuilders and pictured herself on one of the pages
She added, “It was a difficult period in my life, but I knew that if I didn’t take control and do something positive with my time, I would never forgive myself.”
Theresa began training relentlessly six days a week and prioritized eating more.
In addition to training six days a week, I also focused on gaining weight – eating more carbohydrates and protein. I’ve gained 59 pounds, and my weight is from 120 to 180 pounds, she explained.
Although her first show was a success, it wasn’t until the moment she won her first major title that she felt the adrenaline rush for more success.
When she got a major, her 83-year-old grandfather was by her side.
Watching his face light up with pride and admiration was a moment Teresa would never forget, and it fueled her quest to reach bodybuilding stardom.
“That day profoundly changed his life, and showed a different side of his personality that I hadn’t seen before,” she said.
She got a job at a local gym and began dabbling in bodybuilding, eventually deciding to compete
Despite warnings from her coach, Jeff Harlan – who was concerned about Theresa’s eating disorder – she persevered, determined to make a name for herself.
Teresa (pictured as a child) started training six days a week and prioritized eating more
We were able to share the stage for our first bodybuilding competition. My grandfather kept pumping and weight training for the rest of his life.
Despite the death of her beloved grandfather, Teresa continued to follow her dreams and eventually teamed up with Jeff again.
With Geoff’s help, Teresa achieves her ultimate goal of becoming a professional bodybuilder in the IFBB, winning numerous titles, and competing at the highest levels of the sport.
And the long days spent training eventually lead to romance.
“Jeff is still my coach, but now my boyfriend and fiancé too,” Teresa revealed, laughing.
I got a personal training job with him after he helped me get my certification, which then led to us having our own gym.
My next journey begins here, now with a new goal: to be the best in the world one day.
With Geoff’s help, Teresa achieves her ultimate goal of becoming an IFBB professional bodybuilder
Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Teresa has continued to push herself to new heights
Teresa hopes her success story and determination can help others who are struggling to build a healthy relationship with food
Teresa hopes her success story and determination can help others who are struggling to build a healthy relationship with food.
“Passion is a fuel like no other… add happiness to that, and you have a wonderful formula for good health,” she said.
Since becoming a professional bodybuilder, Teresa has continued to push herself to new heights.
“Every day is a new opportunity to push yourself and see what you can do,” she gushed.
There are always new challenges to be overcome and new goals to be achieved. This is what keeps me excited and hungry for more.
Now, the female bodybuilder is proud to say that her story of dedication to her craft has inspired others to take control of their health.
