Felicia Romero - April 2012

Back in 2004, Felicia spotted a poster for a fitness competition in her gym and jumped at the opportunity to take on a new challenge. Clueless about the sport, she prepped for the show on her own using fitness magazines and online resources. “I didn’t even know how to pose,” she recalls. “Before going onstage, I tapped the girl in front of me and said ‘So what do we do when we get out there?’” Newbie or not, she placed third, and a year later, claimed her Pro status.

Today, Felicia holds a number of impressive placings, including five Pro wins, as well as a Top Five finish at the Arnold Figure International three years in a row. But she admits the competition gets fiercer every year. “I’ve had to evolve with the sport over the years. There are so many amazing girls and it’s gotten a lot more competitive. I have to do what’s best for me and not compare myself to anyone else.”

Cover Model Menu

Take a page from our cover girl’s off-season menu, loaded with healthy fats and complete proteins.

• Meal 1: 1/3 cup oatmeal + 1/2 cup berries, 4 egg whites
• Meal 2: 1 scoop Gaspari Nutrition MyoFusion Probiotic Series in Pro Cinnamon Roll + 1 tbsp almond butter + water
• Meal 3: 4 oz ground turkey + 1/3 cup quinoa + 1/4 cup walnuts
• Meal 4: 1/2 apple + 1 tbsp almond butter
• Meal 5: 4 oz tilapia + 1 cup spinach + balsamic vinaigrette + cucumbers

Quick Q&A

Sign: Gemini

Favorite hobbies? “I got into writing last year and I love it. I write a blog for gasparinutrition.com about how I’m feeling. I’m 100 percent honest and put it all out there.”

What items could you not live without? “My iPhone, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Asics sneakers, black lululemon workout pants, and my two dogs, Cosmo and Lulu.”

Favorite quote? “I try to live by the words, ‘To change the future, change your choices. Keep giving the same, you will keep getting the same.’”

What’s in your fridge right now? “Tilapia, eggs, avocado, veggies like green beans and salad, chicken, apples, green tea and quinoa.”

Love/hate move? “I’ve never been a fan of squats, but I love the results you get from them.”

Gym pet peeve? “I hate it when others don’t re-rack the weights and when people are talking on their cell phones!”

What’s your go-to clean snack? “My repeat snack is ground turkey mixed with quinoa and walnuts. Such a yummy combination!”

My Favorite Recipe: Oatmeal-Crusted Chicken Breasts

Ready in 40 minutes • Makes 4 servings

• 4 4-oz chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 crushed almonds
• 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash, flavor of your choice
• 1/2 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Put dry ingredients into a 1-gallon Ziploc bag. Dip chicken in egg whites, then drop into the bag to coat with the oatmeal mixture. Once all chicken breasts are coated, place on baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cooked.