fitnessfreak: Hey amanda!! you have such a great body, i admire you. :) i read that pre workout and post workout nutrition is important if you want to get the best results. is there anything specific you always do or eat before and after a workout? Thanks!!

AC: sorry for the late response. it got overlooked. I make sure ive eaten enough protein that day or morning to fuel my workout and then right after i drink a protein shake and some starchy carbs to get the protein to my muscle quicker (ex.-rice cakes or a cookie) and then continue the day with lean protein and veggies n fruits n grains and beans.

Itsy Bitsy: Hi Amanda, You've mentioned that you were once not so fit. I was wondering how long it took you to go from that "skinny-fat girl" to the body we see in your photo shoots.

AC: It took Me 2yrs. It shouldn't take the average person this long tho. It's not in my genetics to build muscle easily so it takes me a while. Some people could acheive this in 2-3months. I never worked with a trainer so I prob didn't push myself as hard as they wouldve. But I just started this week with a trainer so I'm hoping for better gains. I just had my first session n could barely keep up so I see why it took me so long the way I trained lol. She is just pushing me past the burn where I would usually stop. So FYI..... Keep pushing n work thru the burn.

Moni: Amanda! You have no idea how much we all apprecciate your advice and help!! A question that I would like to ask is if you have found that certain foods keep you away from gettin lean. Do you avoid any type of foods (for example milk)?

Thanks again!!!

AC: Sorry for my delay on getting back to u. My son sucks every free minute out of my day LOL. I dont eat red meat but other than that i don't avoid any foods. I think that just leads to cravings then binges. I just keep everything in moderation n keep my fat intake low as well. I don't compete so I don't have to be as strict in my diet as they do. I even eat alot of sugar n snacks but I eat low fat low lean clean meals so I can afford to have my snacks that I love everyday. For some people, cutting out dairy helps them shed pounds so in that case I would suggest switching to rice milk n other products that use rice milk n other non dairy ingredients n u can easily find that at whole foods type stores. I find rice milk to be better than soy products. Hope that helps in some way.

Moni: Hi Amanda!! I have a question, do you count the % of carbs, protein and fats you eat? How many calories do you eat each day? What have you found to be the best method for mantaining muscle mass and being lean all year long?

I know these are a lot of questions, but I would really appreciate your help!

Cant wait to see you on more magazines!!

Thanks!

AC: I guess its 40%protein 40%carbs 20%fats i usually stay around there. I eat 1900-2700 cals a day depending on my training level. best advice for maintaining muscle mass is train at least 3x a week when ur not in the mood but regularly train 6x a week. ur body will hold on to what u have if u do the minimum and keep ur protein up. to gain more u have to push harder but once u get those gains u just have to maintain and thats easy. as far as staying lean....first get urself to that point n then u can have ur cheat meals and when u dont feel as tight just get more strict on ur diet. im to the point now that most of my intake is snacks and treats and i can still maintain my physique. be dedicated and 110% then u can slack a little

Wonder Woman: Hello Amanda!

First of all let me begin by telling you how much of an inspiration you are to all of us. I wanted to hear your advice on what is the best way of getting yourself known in the fitness industry as a fitness model. What steps do I have to follow? What persons or agencies should I contact? I really wish you and your little one the best. Thanks for your advice!

AC: I would say to get urself known in the industry u would have to compete. win titles....contact fitness photographers and see if they have any projects they can use u on. (Always get paid for ur work!) Find agents that specialize in the fit industry. and also join body building forums and get to know others and go to events where photographers are scouting and looking for models to shoot next. hope that helps.

Mony: Hi Amanda!!!

I was wondering if you could give me an especific example of what you eat in a day to look so great! Like you, I have trouble gaining muscle myself and it would be great if you could help me by telling me what you eat in a day.

You look absolutely great and you baby is GORGEOUS!!!

Thanks!

AC: MEAL 1 1 CUP OF OATMEAL WITH BERRIES AND SPLENDA OR 1 CUP OF QUINOA FLAKES WITH SPOON OF PEANUT BUTTER

MEAL 2 5 EGG WHITES AND 1 WHOLE EGG SCRAMBLED WITH A LITTLE FETA CHEESE AND A SLICE OF WHEAT TOAST

MEAL 3 1 CUP OF LOWFAT COTTAGE CHEESE N RED GRAPES SMALL SNACK SIZE BAG OF POPCORN

MEAL 4 PORK CHOP AND A SWEET POTATOE

MEAL 5 APPLE OR CELERY WITH PEANUT BUTTER

MEAL 6 CHOCOLATE PROTEIN SHAKE BLENDED WITH ICE AND PEANUT BUTTER

HOPE U LIKE MY FOOD CHOICES

EARTHANGEL: Hi Amanda!

I came across an interview you did with Answer Fitness and I thought it was great. I was amazed at how hard you worked and how determined you were to get to the point you're at now. I may not want to become a fitness model but achieving that type of physic is my goal. You inspired me to push towards my goal and to believe that it can actually happen. You also said that you pretty much did your own research online and you didnt consult a dietition or personal trainer for help, but I was just wondering, how do you suggest I get started. I dont really have big bucks for a personal trainer and I'm ok with doing my own research, but I'm just afraid of making uneccessary mistakes, I tend to work better with guidance. I just invested in a Bowflex(got a great deal on that lol) and I have free weights, should I still go to a gym? I hope you can answer my questions, because I am really serious about this and I'd love any advice from a successful fitness model/anything else you put your mind to lol such as yourself. Thank you so much for your precious time and congrats on the baby!!! :)

AC: Congratz on ur Bowflex purchase. im sure that should be enough with the right amount of effort and shouldnt need a gym membership. unless there is a focus on a specific muscle group and that there arent enough exercise options for instance i have small calves n need several machines to bulk them up and for glute exercises as well. im not familiar with all the bowflex exercise options. It all depends on ur fitness level u are starting at now and what ur end goal is to make a routine for urself. its 100% ur effort. As u progress u will learn ur body and what works best on u. Everyones body is built differently and responds differently. good luck and if u have and specific questions and u havent been able to find the answer id be happy to help you. thanks for stopping by.

Mony: Hi Amanda!

What supplements would you recommend me in order to gain some curves.

PS: Hope you and your future baby feel great!

AC: My Fav supplements:

*Atro-Phex by BSN= Fat burner

*Cuts II by prolab=Fat burner, lean mass builder ALL NATURAL!!! gets rid of water weight

*Carbolin 19 by Biotest= androgen that builds and keeps muscle

*Glutamine- any brand

*protien powder- (Champion nutrition or muscle milk light)blended with ice n water n sometimes Penut butter or bannana

thats all i keep in stock.

bigman: Hey Amanda, I saw some of your fighting photos, very cool, you're the next Bruce Lee, with sports bras and workout shorts, you are cool! send some youtube videos of your moves, and your abs!

Jason & Lauren: We saw you on the cover of MF Hers, great shot by the way. I have a question and it doesn't have to be to in depth but what is your workout routine.

Amanda Carrier: for me personally i have to do very heavy weight because my body doesnt respond or grow muscle well but i do 3 sets per exercise of 12-15 reps. I usually do a 4day split - Back/Bi's/abs Legs/abs/calves Shoulder/Chest/tri's Legs/abs/calves and then 2 other days i do 30min cardio. i do a minimum of 3 different exercises per body group. for example on back days ill do lat pulldowns at 90lbs and then bent over dumbell row at 35lbs and then id do a cable row at 70lbs. then follow up with two bi exercises and then 3 ab exercises. i change my routine every 2 or 3 weeks.

mony: Hi Amanda,

I love working out and being healthy. I wanted your help about dieting. I wanted to know how your daily menu looks like. Thanks so much

Amanda Carrier: i eat pretty clean. i eat natural healthy food that is valuable to my body and i also indulge here and there on sweets. I dont like to poison myself with fake sugars n proccess foods. i read everything i buy n make sure its the best option available in that product. I eat whole grains...oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa flakes, grits and wheat toast along with my veggies and lean meats. i try to keep the sense of if i cant recognize it in its origianl natural form from the earth then i dont eat it. i stay away from canned food, fast food and most things from a box thats overly processed. if u look and explore there are some really cool healthy food places that have the most interesting and healthy treats. Im not talking about these atkins and low carb gimmicks. Im talking about whole natural foods.

Michael C.S.: Wow i just looked at your videos and you are so sexy. I especially loved the Surfillustrated video. So naturally seductive. Goodluck on your trips and have a safe flight.

P.S I have most of your magazine issues but where do i get a copy of AXL?

AC: Thank you. That is always great to hear.

AXL Magazine is a fitness mag. and can be purchased at Vitamin World. I will have the tearsheet up straight out of the magazine as soon as i get it scanned so you can see it right here. I try my best to get all my articles and videos from the work i do.

Thanks for your support! Amanda Carrier