Ms. Namita Nayyar: What is your diet? Do you take a particular fixed regulated diet comprising of nutrients and vitamins to keep you in perfect health?
Ms. Brandy Segura: My diet in the off-season is still mainly comprised of non-processed foods although I do allow myself two meals a week that are higher in calories and carbohydrates. I also listen to my body and for signals that are telling me that it needs more. My daily diet is not stringently regulated and I follow more of an “if it fits your macros” type of diet. I do typically prefer the same food every day, which makes it easier but when I do want some variety, I allow myself that and adjust as needed. I aim for a colorful variety of proteins and vegetables to not only keep my diet interesting but also to ensure that I am getting the full complement of nutrients and vitamins. I also supplement with a quality multivitamin and fruit and greens formula.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: What is your motivation to take a multi-faceted personality of a Fitness Model, National Fitness Competitor, Doctor, Personal Trainer, NPC Judge, and a Mother?
Ms. Brandy Segura: My main motivation for being whom and what I am now is that I am interested in many things, both mental and physical. I enjoy pushing myself to my limits both physically and intellectually. I’ve never placed constraints upon what I could be or do and enjoy the fact that I could be two, very different things all within the span of 24 hours. The variety and ever changing nature of this industry holds my interest and the fact that I can continue to improve only fuels my fire even more.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You have glowing skin and gorgeous hairs. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hairs to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Brandy Segura: I wish I could give you some wonderful secret treatment but the truth is, I don’t do that much and am still surprised whenever I’m told that I have great skin! I have always been diligent about putting on sunscreen on my face and didn’t wear much facial make up when growing up. I never wear excessive, heavy make-up but when I do for an event, I always wash the make-up off before going to bed. Otherwise, eating a healthy, more natural and varied diet definitely helps my skin and hair.
My hair, being naturally curly, is also naturally dry and over the years I’ve experimented with conditioners and products. A quality conditioner and hair mask can do wonders and I find that my hair responds well to the Redken All-Soft brand. I often leave a bit in overnight to keep it moisturized. But I do have one secret regarding my hair…I use extensions for competitions and photo-shoots for added length and volume. Add in some shine-spray or gloss and anyone can have gorgeous looking hair!
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Fitness modeling is about bold photo shoots. What advice you wish to give to the women of today to be body confident in order to do such bold modeling?
Ms. Brandy Segura: My first photo shoot was difficult because of that very reason and the fact that I was in a bit of shock regarding that fact that I was actually having a fitness photo shoot. Me? Preparation by looking at the photos and poses that other models used and trying to imitate those and see how I looked helped calm my nerves and gave me some confidence. During the photoshoot, the best piece of advice I could give is to try not to think too much, to relax, and to be in the moment. We all have that alter-ego side so, go ahead and let her out! A great photographer can also lead you if needed and a relaxed, natural state will let your personality out and that leads to great photos.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: How did you feel before and after standing 2nd position in Bikini 35+ Class D at 2013 IFBB North America?
Ms. Brandy Segura: Before the competition, I felt confident that I was bringing in a good physique and that I had a great look but I never expected much more than first call-outs.
You never know who will show up and what condition they will be in so I never allow myself to get too excited and just let my physique show and see where it lands me. However, after placing 2nd I had to take a step back because I came so close to earning my Pro Card. I think there was at that time, a doubt that I could actually be the top spot and because of that I had those moments during my prep when I took that nibble of food that wasn’t on my plan and when I didn’t give 100% during a training session.
That was hard to swallow because what if I had done things differently? I was fine with the standings because I knew that I hadn’t given 100% to everything and didn’t deserve first place. The fact that I came so close was a bit of a reality check and I now know that when everything falls into place and I am able to stand up there having given 100%, it could be enough, and I could be successful. I have what it takes and my moment will come.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
