Jessica: I pretty much always ate healthy until my senior year in high school, when a lot of my friends got into the whole not-eating thing, trying to look stick-skinny and over-exercising. So I did the same. Then, I began dieting before spring break, so when I got back from Cancun, I was really sick. My mom sat me down and said, "Look, you're going to have to start eating better and taking care of yourself." That's when she hooked me up with a trainer at the gym and I became more aware of what I was putting into my body. I really started to notice how my body was changing just by eating the right foods.
M&F Hers: What made you decide to pursue fitness as a career? When did that interest begin?
Jessica: I was always very active. I was a gymnast and a cheerleader. In college, a girlfriend of mine was training for a figure competition in Ohio. I had just gone through a bad breakup and my friend thought it would be a good way to keep me busy and get my mind off things. She set me up with her diet and exercise plan, and I met with my friend's trainer. Later, I enrolled in a boot camp course with Mike Davies. He told me I had the genetics and the body for fitness and should consider figure competition. At age 20, I won 10th place at the Pittsburgh Pro-Am, and at 21, I won first place in the Mike Francois Classic.
M&F Hers: What were the reactions of the people in your life when you decided fitness was what you were going to pursue?
Jessica: I'm very blessed. My family and both my parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. My mom travels with me everywhere and helps me prepare for competitions. It's a different lifestyle and not "normal," so it's difficult for many people to understand it.
M&F Hers: What do your diet and exercise routines consist of during competition?
Jessica: I eat five to six small meals a day: lean meats, egg whites, Optimum Nutrition supplements, oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes and lots of green veggies. I weight train for 45 minutes a day and do 30 minutes of cardio four mornings and three evenings a week on an empty stomach.
M&F Hers: How often do you cheat onyour diet?
Jessica: I really try to stick to my diet. Some girls can manage having one cheat meal a week, without it affecting them during competition, but my body reacts more slowly than some, so there's no room to cheat.
M&F Hers: If there was one sinful food you could eat as much as you desired without it affecting your health or weight, what would it be?
Jessica: Mexican food! I love burritos and chips and salsa, and a glass of cabernet. I'm a wine girl.
M&F Hers: What about sweets?
Jessica: You know, people always ask me, 'Don't you miss chocolate?' But I've never really been big on sweets. I'm more of the salty, chips and salsa type.
M&F Hers: Does having your husband in the same industry help you stay motivated and focused?
Jessica: I don't know what I would do if I didn't have [Peter]. He helps me to stay on track. We make our food together, do cardio together and keep each other motivated.
M&F Hers: What have you learned from each other?
Jessica: I don't know if he's learned anything from me (laughs). We're good together. I think I help him chill out a little. We balance each other out. But I'm more likely to be the one to say, 'Let's go out to dinner tonight,' but he tells me, 'Jessica, we have to stick to our diets.' He's a positive influence, and he never cheats on his diet. Ever.
M&F Hers: How do you stay motivated?
Jessica: This is our career. It's what we do, and it's important.
M&F Hers: What is something you feel you've learned about yourself since your start in the industry?
Jessica: I used to be insecure, even when I've gone on stage in my bathing suit. Now, I've seen my confidence has grown. You have to be freakin' strong to be in this industry. It has definitely boosted my self-confidence.
M&F Hers: What is your favorite part about being a figure pro, sponsored athlete and model?
Jessica: The best thing about this is that I get to live out my passion and purpose. I'm blessed that I get to do what I love. Not too many people can say that. What I love about this is that we've met so many great people in the industry, and it's good to be around people who understand and love this lifestyle. It's not that I can't have friends outside of the industry, but [Peter and I] can't go out for dinner and drinks whenever we want, because we have our careers to think about.
M&F Hers: Who inspires you?
Jessica: Anyone in the industry inspires me. I admire Monica Brant - she's a strong Christian woman, and Kim Lyons.
M&F Hers: What do you love to do on your free time?
Jessica: It's nice just hanging out and being with Peter. We like being with our dogs - we have three Boxers: Puncher, Piston and Pixie. We love to take them out and play fetch. We relax, watch movies and like just being around family and friends. Traveling takes a lot out of you, so it's nice to be home and to sleep in my own bed.
M&F Hers: Besides your three Boxers, any kids in the future?
Jessica: I'm excited to raise children and to teach them the right way to eat. The other day, I saw a mom with her two-year-old and he had a coke in his hands, and I'm thinking, 'What are you doing?!' There are so many parents who don't give their kids the proper nutrition.
M&F Hers: I understand that you and Peter are the first married couple to have a contract with Weider. That's a huge honor. What doors has that opened for you and your husband?
Jessica: I can't believe it. I was shocked. I'm hoping it will bring more opportunities to us.
M&F Hers: What do you think it takes to become successful in this business?
Jessica: Definitely, number one, you need passion to make it. Also drive, determination and faith. We pray a lot, and Peter and I know that this is our purpose in life.
M&F Hers: What are your future goals, professionally and personally?
Jessica: My future goals are to be a mom and have a family. That's the most important thing. Something Peter and I talk about is that we pray we have longevity in the industry. I would love to have mainstream opportunities in the future, such as endorsements, photo shoots or TV. I'd love to continue a relationship with Weider and with American Bodybuilding.
M&F Hers: Anything else you'd like to add?
Jessica: Fans can contact me through my website at jessfit.com or at myspace.com/jessfit.
