Stacey Johnsen, who was this year named Ms Southland Physique at a Southland bodybuilding championships, is now vying for the title of the country's best amateur baker on TVNZ's The Great Kiwi Bake Off.
The bodybuilder and powerlifter, who is the only contestant from the deep South, agreed most people did not associate a strict exercise regime with baked goods.
However, baking was something she had always known.
''I've always loved baking. I've always done it as a kid. I always had recipe books and everything.''
But far from succumbing to a baked goods addiction, Ms Johnsen in fact lost 68kg to reach a health goal.
She was born with a condition known as congenital clicky hips, for which hip surgeries were required from an early age.
When her surgeon told her she needed to lose around 50kg for her last surgery, she kicked things into high gear.
She hit the gym in a wheelchair, training just a single leg and her upper body.
Ms Johnsen heard a passing comment from someone about bodybuilding and thought ''why not; let's give it a go'', she said.
It was the same attitude which led to her role in the baking competition.
A nudge from a few friends and Ms Johnsen thought she would ''just apply''.
Being surrounded by food while on a strict diet could be ''really difficult'', though a powerlifter's diet allowed for more calories, which meant she could eat some of the baking.
''I'm pretty sure they'll have me licking the spoon a few times on camera ... just snacking away.''
''I don't eat a lot of baking. I mainly enjoy baking and giving it to other people.''
The competition was an ''amazing opportunity''.
''Meeting everyone, just even seeing what goes on back stage ... It was just a really good experience.''
The show premieres on October 16.
