Jamie Eason: Secrets of a Fitness Model

Bodybuilder and fitness model Jamie Eason has graced the covers of countless magazines including Oxygen, Muscle & Development, and Fitness. But her road to fitness fame wasn't easy.

Her early career as an NFL cheerleader came crashing down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She battled back, but found herself riding a desk and out of shape.

Now, after completely reshaping her body and her lifestyle she is one of the world's most sought after fitness models.

CBS News asked Eason how she does it.

What's Your Exercise Regimen?

I love lifting weights because I know that building muscle is what gives me shape and definition. Cardio is my least favorite, though I do it anyway. To get away with doing as little as possible, I eat clean, wholesome food.

Do You Eat Differently When Preparing for a Photo Shoot?

jamie-eason_(2).jpg — Lovate Health Sciences

Not so much. My plan looks like this before a shoot:

6 a.m. - 5 egg whites and 1/3 cup oatmeal
9 a.m. - 5 egg whites and avocado scramble with 1/2 grapefruit
12 p.m. - 4 oz. to 5 oz. of homemade turkey meatloaf and a cup of greens
3 p.m. - 1 cup fat-free cottage cheese topped with wheat germ and a few almonds with 1/2 grapefruit
6 p.m. - Homemade turkey chili with beans over a cup of spaghetti squash and green beans
9 p.m. - 5 egg whites with 1/2 cup chopped zucchini and 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

What Do You Normally Eat?

I usually eat six times a day, at even intervals. This keeps my blood sugar steady and my food choices are so "clean" that they do not contain heavy calories.

My daily meal plan looks like this:

6 a.m. - Half a cup of oatmeal and five egg whites with chopped bell peppers and onions
9 a.m. - 4 to 5 ounces of homemade turkey meatloaf with a side salad and cherry tomatoes
12 p.m. - Five ounces of stir-fried chicken with half a cup of brown rice and steamed veggies
3 p.m. - Two corn tortillas topped with black beans, pepper, onions and five ounces of grilled chicken.
6 p.m. - Homemade Italian turkey zucchini burger with pita, lettuce and tomato
9 p.m. - 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese with cinnamon, Truvia and a few almonds.

Would You Date Someone Who Was Out of Shape?

I honestly prefer someone who takes care of their body and their health. Not necessarily for the aesthetic reason, though that's nice, but more for longevity. I want someone who will be around for a long time so that we can cross items off of our bucket list together.

What Would You Do If You Had an Overweight Child?

I believe kids learn through example, so hopefully that won't be the case. I believe it is important to educate and empower children to make better choices by letting them choose and prepare their food or pick their own form of exercise/sport. I would also encourage regular sit-down meals with the family and minimize eating out.

Are Men Intimidated by You?

I don't know that they are intimidated, though a few little birdies have told me that some men I would have enjoyed going out with chickened out (on asking) because they felt they needed to be in better shape.

Do You Ever Feel Like "Hiding Out" in Baggy Sweats?

I am quite sure that I have never spent any sort of time at home in baggy sweats from feeling TOO attractive. However, a gnarly breakout or a hair color mishap has certainly induced a few days of hiding out at home.

What Are Your Secret Vices?

I'd have to say online shopping, chicken tacos, the Food Network and HGTV.

How Are You Handling Fame?

I have a fair amount of popularity, but I have hardly reached the status of fame. The best part of the notoriety has been that it gives me a platform to reach people who are interested in a fit lifestyle. The worst is that, though I would love to help and guide everyone, it can be overwhelming to try to do so.

Living in the Now

Jaime Eason, 34, is living in the now. "This is your life. If you are not who you want to be, change it! It won't be easy and it may take some time, but surround yourself with people who love and support you and go for it!"

Supersede the Physical

To look at Jaime today, it's hard to believe that she was ever out of shape with extra pounds, isn't it? If you want to get healthy, Eason says to remember that "adopting a healthy lifestyle far supersedes anything physical."

Find out more about Jamie Eason at her site.