2007 NEW YOU Grand Champion - Kellie Robins

I decided to become involved in the Ideal Bodies Online NEW YOU 12 week challenge after realizing that all my clothes were feeling tight and that I was walking around with a jumper tied around my waist to hide the muffins that were hanging over the top of my pants. Somehow I thought that nobody would think that it was weird having a jumper tied around my waist in 28 degree heat!  I just knew that I wasn’t going to get away with it as summer approached.

I had always been a comfort eater, but things got worse when my relationship of 15 years fell apart.  I had 4 kids to raise on my own and running around after them all day was very tiring and stressful.  Most times I was too tired to be bothered cooking a healthy meal. By the time I sat down at night after cooking, cleaning up, bathing and doing uniforms and lunches for the next day I was exhausted!   At night when the kids were in bed I would get very lonely and bored sitting there by myself, so the perfect companion was my cuppa and block of chocky.  Steadily my weight increased and everything in my wardrobe was getting tight - I felt so disgusting.  I was really tired most of the time and just looked and felt unhealthy.  I had really low self esteem and couldn’t accept the simplest compliments from people because I felt so bad about how I thought I looked and felt.  Nobody ever commented about my weight because I wasn’t really THAT overweight and I think I must have hid it well under my clothing.  Apart from that I knew that all of this bad food was not doing my body or health any good.  Something had to change.  Every Monday I would tell myself that I would start eating healthier, but 2 days later I would cave in for those “feel good” BAD foods.

I had been reading Women’s Fitness and Health magazine for years and that’s where I saw an article written by Sue at Ideal Bodies Online.  I decided to send her an email and get some info about her programs.  Upon receiving Sue’s detailed response, I decided this program was for me.

The worst part was then having to ask my 13 year old son to take my before photos. Here I was in my bikini in front of my son having my photo taken. There were a few laughs and smirks from behind the camera as he took the photos.

The first few weeks were the hardest as I still had to do all the stuff with the kids but then I also had to find the time to schedule in my workouts and eat properly as well.  Sometimes I wasn’t getting my workouts in until 10pm!  Instead of making excuses I’d get on the treadmill when the kids were in bed and put on my Ipod.  I would get so caught up in the music that I wouldn’t even know I was exercising.  I actually found it very relaxing and certainly took my mind off chocolate!

The next few weeks the weight loss slowed down but I always kept in the back of my mind that muscle weighs more than fat and that now I would be adding some shape to my body, which kept me motivated.

I hardly ever used to eat vegetables or salads but now they are a regular part of my diet. People started asking if I had lost some weight, but I only told my two closest friends about the challenge.  I used to go walking with my good friend once a week and then stop afterwards and reward ourselves with coffee and caramel cheesecake.  She could get away with it as she was tiny and very active.

I didn’t have a perfect 12 weeks.  My diet allowed for the occasional treat which I really looked forward to.  Instead of having them on a daily basis I learnt to enjoy it more and savour every mouthful.  Even my kids are eating better.

I really enjoyed emailing my feedback coach regularly to let her know how I was progressing or if I had any problems or questions she could help with or answer, which really helped keep me on track.

I have reached my goal weight and now want to concentrate now on getting a bit more definition and lowering my body fat % a bit more.  People are saying how healthy and fit I am looking, and I am now accepting the compliments with a big smile!

SUCCESS TIPS:

*All those busy mums out there that think they have no time or energy to exercise…make the time for yourself when the kids are asleep during the day or at school.

*Become selfish and make yourself a priority even if its just for 30-40 mins a day.  It’s amazing how we can find the time when we get ourselves into a routine.  The kids will thank you as they will have a happier and less stressed mum that will have lots more energy to do the fun stuff with them.

*Exercise with a friend - it is very motivating and something to really look forward to.

*Write down everything… from the exercise you do each day to the food you eat. It’s amazing to know how much we actually DO eat!

FAVOURITE RECIPE:

Barbequed Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegies and Tomato and Onion Salsa

Just coat the chicken in Moroccan seasoning and barbecue on the grill plate.

Steam the veggies (I used broccoli, zucchini, squash and carrots).  In a pan, spray a little olive oil spray and lightly cook the tomato and onion until softened.  Serve with tomato and onion poured over the top of the veggies and chicken.

*Kellie was also named an Australian Women's Health & Fitness Body Blitz monthly winner in 2007 - read her article here