In May this year I realised just how long I had been struggling to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.  I had gained 20kg throughout pregnancy in 2004, 10kg of which was ‘greedy fat’.  Nearly five years later I still had 5kg of that ‘greedy fat’ to loose!  I also felt ashamed of the unhealthy examples I was setting for my Son.  I knew that I had to do something about it before it started to influence his health too.

I had been inspired by many of the WF&H Body Blitz Winners and noticed that some of my favourites had enlisted the support of Sue Heintze and Ideal Bodies Online to help them through the challenge.  After looking through the Ideal Bodies Online website I decided that this was it.  I committed to a 12 Week program and promised myself that this time I was going to see the challenge through regardless of what obstacles I had to tackle along the way.

I received my program and loved that the nutrition plan was simple to follow and the training program was great.  However, I knew that if I was to follow the plan properly, I would have to be really organised.  Finding the time to fit everything thing into an already busy schedule, was going to be a challenge.  I remained focused and tried to remain organised.  I wrote down my weekly exercise and menu plans to keep me on track and prepared many meals in advance to save time and to help avoid temptations.

One of the biggest obstacles I faced throughout the challenge was dealing with my addiction to Coca Cola and unhealthy take away meals.  Before I started the challenge I would often drink at least 6 cans of coke in one day.  It was no wonder I felt terrible! 

I managed to stick with the nutrition plan perfectly throughout the day, but in the evenings I often reverted back to old habits, giving into temptation and ending up with take away or chocolates and Coca Cola after dinner.  The support of my feedback coach, Sharna, as well as the support of Kristin and Sue throughout the program (in particular while tackling these issues) was invaluable.  Rather than giving up at every mistake I got straight back on track next meal determined to see this challenge through to the end. 

It wasn’t until Week 8 that everything really started to fall into place for me.  I started to really notice my body changing as well as my energy levels increasing.  I was finally beating those temptations and in a way it all started to feel a little easier, like it was just my new way of life. 

By the end of Week 12 I was amazed to see that I had actually exceeded my initial weight loss goals.  I can finally fit into my old clothes again, my fitness levels have increased and I have so much more energy.  I feel great!  I can’t put into words how happy I am feeling right now – it really is an amazing experience. 

I have learnt so much in the past 12 weeks – lessons that will not only help me to continue with this healthy lifestyle forever, but will also carry over to other areas of my life.  This is just the beginning of the new me.  I am now working towards a range of new goals – health & fitness goals and some exciting personal goals and I am looking forward to some exciting challenges ahead.

Supplementation

To assist my body and immune system throughout the challenge I took the following supplements: 

A daily Multivitamin and calcium supplement, Melrose flaxseed oil capsules (Fat loss/general wellbeing), MRM Protein Powders and MRM L-Glutamine (to assist muscle recovery), MRM MetaMeal (Meal replacement shake – convenient for emergencies and when on the run) and Durathon (non stimulant fat burner/energy enhancer). 

Mel’s Success Tips

1. Commit to the full twelve (12) weeks and rule out restarts regardless of what happens in between.  Don’t expect to have the perfect 12 weeks, you will have days where you may fall off track, just make sure you get back on track and keep going.  Never give up.
2. Be Organised – prepare meals in advance when you can, plan your Exercise and Menu in advance, and always have a back up plan just incase.
3. Surround yourself with Inspiration.  Keep an inspiration book full of inspiring quotes, photos, your goals, motivational articles etc and ensure that you refer to it daily and update it regularly.  Follow the blogs of other women who have made transformations that you find inspiring.  Read fitness magazines, books, check out some Health & Fitness websites.
4. Keep a food and exercise diary to ensure you stay on track with your diet and to monitor your progress.
5. Get lost in the music – Keep your ipod updated with inspiring music.  I look forward to my 5am cardio sessions as it gives me a chance to switch off from the world and get lost in my favourite music.

Mel’s Favourite Recipe

Strawberry Crepes

Make up a crepe with egg whites adding a touch of splenda to taste.  Cook in a non stick pan until lightly coloured on both sides.  Add some fresh strawberries and fold up while still in the pan to heat the berries slightly.  Serve with some sugar free maple syrup and enjoy!