Today I speak with IFBB Pro Shantal Barros, who turned Pro in 2017 at USAs. After winning her Pro card, she took 5 years off and made her Pro debut in 2022, where she placed as high as second. She lives in New York City and is a marine and owns her own business. Her passion for bodybuilding started when she lived in California and needed to lose weight to join the Marines. She started competing in 2015 after leaving her ex-husband.    Shantal talks about the long break she took away from the stage and why she eventually decided to make her Pro debut. We hear how Shantal truly lived the lifestyle because she enjoys it. I think all competitors can relate to this conversation!   TOPICS COVERED -relationships in prep -dealing with suicidal thoughts -how bodybuilding saved her life -evolving as an athlete -being a Marine -having family support -being a business owner   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH SHANTAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkywonkymonkey/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 3:30 wanting to compete after 5 years off 13:05 how bodybuilding saved her life 18:15 her time in the Marines 25:12 adapting to being on prep after her break 30:15 dealing with unsupportive relationships 44:40 expectations returning to stage 51:20 life during 5 years off 55:17 owning her own business 64:40 relationship with her mom 68:23 relationship with her coach 79:35 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE