Wow!

My personal fitness journey started some 12 months ago. My weight had increased to an all time high, and my confidence and self esteem was rock bottom. I had begun a cycle of eating out regularly, enjoying my new relationship, drinking far too much, and using food as medication for a stressful and busy lifestyle. Working 24 hour shifts in a children's home was taking its toll and I was constantly feeling tired and exhausted.

"He asked me the question every woman dreads....."

I remember going on a holiday with my new boyfriend to Hawaii, a time which should be full of fun experiences; instead it was overshadowed by my fear of my own figure and how people would perceive me. I had let myself go and was completely ashamed. A hotel attendant asked the question every woman dreads ‘When is the baby due?' while on the beach, and I have never been so humiliated. This was my turning point. Never again did I want to be repulsed by my body!

On the return from my holidays I embarked on 12 week challenge using an online trainer. I felt due to the time pressures of my job this would allow me some flexibility. I worked hard and achieved some success, however was still looking at my figure thinking that I should have had better results considering the work that I had put in.

I felt the program lacked the tailoring or support I needed, and diet wise provided very little clarity and variety around what I could eat. Although I lost weight, my body wasn't the defined, toned picture I visualised!

Research Led Me To Sue At Ideal Bodies

This is where my research lead me to Sue at Ideal Bodies. I had heard a great deal about her success in Women's Health magazine, and felt that her programs were more tailored to the individual. The proof was in pictures as far as I was concerned and her website had some amazing transformations. I did not have that much to loose, however I needed the tools and know how to lower my body fat and get the more defined look that I was after.

I also felt I needed the support, as giving up alcohol for the 12 weeks was something that I was incredibly nervous about. I had used this as a coping mechanism for so long, that I worried my life would fall apart without my little crutch.

The First Month Was Incredible

The first month was incredible, I remember losing weight and inches really fast, and loving the program that was set for me. I grew confidence in lifting heavier weights, something that I have shied away from in the past. It was amazing how much I had limited my own progression in the past through negative and stereotyped thoughts around what women can do. I was loving it, and giving the blokes at the gym something to moan about (no women in my gym lift weights in the blokes area, it's considered a no go area!). Also I was amazed at how much food I could eat, and the recipes were amazing. People at work couldn't believe how much I was eating and still loosing weight.

The second month was a completely different story. A change in job to a busy Child Protection team, which required travelling every day and longer hours, meant I totally freaked out. I worried about how to get my 6 meals a day fit in my workouts and generally underestimated myself. This was when I learned the art of ORGANISATION, and the online support of my mentor Hilary really helped. She continued to push me to think outside the box, and reminded me of what is possible when you continue to believe in yourself.

Stopped Noticing Changes

It was around this time that the weight loss slowed down, and I stopped noticing changes in my body. I became obsessed with my old patterns of thinking, thinking that the scales were the only measure of my success and that for some reason the number on it was your ticket to greater happiness. I remember having a week where I actually went up on the scales, and broke down in tears. I had eaten and exercised and followed everything perfectly, I couldn't understand it. Hilary reminded me about the changes that happen on the inside. 

I think this became my biggest challenge to overcome, forgetting about my weight and focusing on the end goal, and trusting that the program would work. Again my mentor and the online forum was invaluable at this point, without it I would have fallen trap to giving up, or at least drinking myself silly in an attempt cope with the emerging feelings of hopelessness.

All Fell Into Place

The final month was where it all fell into place for me, on a mental and emotional level. Never before have I felt so strong, and able to cope with what life throws at me.

Not only was a seeing the fruits of my hard work, but I had overcome so much, around my eating habits, motivation, self belief, consistency, patience, and not touching a drop of alcohol, which I had never dreamed of being able to do. Funnily enough that was the easy part! I loved the way my body looked and felt a completely new person.

Two weeks before the end of the challenge I remember weighing myself and had reached my goal weight. A happy moment, however this time I was aware that this was not the only reward. What I have gained throughout this process has been much more than a number on the scale. I am so grateful to Sue, Hilary, Kristin and all those on the client forum @ Ideal bodies for the support and guidance. Never before did I ever expect to achieve the results I have.

Success Tips:

PLAN - Making my meals up for the week at work and planning my exercise for the week was the best way to make sure things got done. Organisation is essential.

Be kind to yourself once a week, and make time to have a nice meal with your partner or spend some time doing something you enjoy. It is these moments where you realize how far you have come.

Don't focus on what you can't have. This was a great piece of advice from Sue, and it works. There is so much you can have that there is no need to feel deprived.

 Nikki' favourite recipes:

Banana Cheesecake

• Serving of cottage cheese
• 1 banana mashed and frozen, then blended in with cottage cheese
• Small amount of Splenda if sweeter taste is required.
• Can add small amount of Chocolate protein powder if prefer chocolate taste.

Satay Chicken - Chicken portion, stir fried with favorite veg, 1 Serving of Natural Peanut Butter, splash of Soy Sauce, Curry powder and a little water all mixed to a paste. Add this at the end. Delicious!