A tomboy and athlete her entire life, Amber Elizabeth put that part of herself aside two years ago to pursue commercial modeling. “I was worried I would get too muscular if I trained,” she tells us.

It wasn’t until some monumental people in her career encouraged her to “put the ‘me’ back into modeling” that she discovered her calling. “The fitness industry is like home for me,” she says.

But how’d she land our cover? It didn’t hurt that her passion for fitness radiates in photos. But it’s her hard work and drive that won her the coveted spot.

Check out her weekly schedule, and take some pointers to get yourself on the right path!

MONDAY
Pilates, instruct kickboxing

Breakfast: 2 eggs, whole wheat toast
Snack: Yogurt
Lunch: Tuna on whole wheat pita and an orange
Dinner: Chicken salad

TUESDAY
Kickboxing, weight training

Breakfast: Raisin bran cereal
Snack: Yogurt
Lunch: Greek salad and an apple
Dinner: Veggie stir-fry

WEDNESDAY
No workouts: “It’s family night!”

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs
Snack: Pita bread and hummus
Lunch: Tuna, whole wheat Ritz crackers and an orange
Dinner: “My whole family goes to my mom’s house for dinner,” she says. “It keeps us connected when life gets busy.”

THURSDAY
Kickboxing and abs

Breakfast: Oatmeal
Snack: Yogurt
Lunch: Garden salad
Dinner: Grilled chicken, spinach and rice

FRIDAY
Kickboxing

Breakfast: Whole wheat toast with peanut butter
Snack: Celery and hummus
Lunch: Greek chicken salad
Dinner: Tilapia, broccoli and sweet potato

“I love going for a healthy lunch with my best friends!”

SATURDAY
Trail running with her dogs

Breakfast: Blueberry pancakes and eggs
Lunch: Light salad
Dinner: Chicken kabobs

“On Saturdays, my husband and I cook breakfast for a few of our friends,” she says. “Breakfast is a great time to chat and catch up!”

SUNDAY
CrossFit

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with ketchup
Late lunch/early dinner: Grilled steaks, salad and baked potatoes