Lost 8.7kgs in Beat the Winter Blues 2022 12 week Transformation
It was a culmination of events that triggered my decision to start the Healthy Inspirations program. I use to live a healthy lifestyle and would make daily exercise and healthy eating a priority.
Over time I began to work longer hours in a mentally demanding job which ultimately began to impact on my lifestyle. With the pressure of work and long hours I began to feel overwhelmed with trying to fit everything in (exercise, meal planning and preparation) and ‘something had to give’ and unfortunately that was my exercise, meal planning and meal preparation. The weight crept on over a couple of years as well as increasingly feeling exhausted, increase in injuries and surviving on 5-6 hours sleep a night. Initially my main focus was to get back into a regular sleep routine as well as early morning exercise. I also knew I would need somewhere easily accessible and Healthy Inspirations is literally a 3 minute walk from my home, so really it was a ‘no brainer’ to join Healthy Inspirations and start their program.
I think I buried my head in the sand in regards to my weight/weight gain. I kept thinking “I’ll start to exercise more, eat healthier, get to bed earlier next week.” But of course “next week” would never come! Growing up I never really had any problems with my weight, however once I hit my mid 30’s I found I was getting more injuries from high impact exercise (so would have to stop exercising to recover), along with having hypothyroidism and experiencing a major personal loss meant the weight quickly piled on. I knew I wanted to get back into a gym for the motivation but felt intimidated by entering the bigger commercial gyms. I also knew it needed to be as close as possible to my home. The moment I stepped into the Frewville Healthy Inspirations door and being greeted by Ally’s big beautiful smile I felt welcomed and comfortable. I remember attending my first class and being amazed at how friendly everyone was. All the staff and members are so friendly and offer encouragement and notice all the small (and big) gains everyone makes. I am so grateful of the welcoming and positive environment of the Healthy Inspirations environment as it has certainly impacted on my motivation and continuing with my healthy lifestyle changes.
I am less tired and fatigued. I am back into a regular sleep routine which means I have the energy to attend the 6am classes and get my exercise done before my work day starts. It also means I have more motivation and energy to meal plan and prep. I have been making and eating the Healthy Inspiration meals/recipes in the book or within the online portal. I have found the recipes quick and easy to make as well as delicious. I have also noticed I don’t get injuries and am experiencing less knee/joint pain. Overall I feel more energised as well as fitter and stronger.
The weekly coaching has provided me with accountability but more importantly the knowledge and encouragement to keep going. It provides an opportunity to discuss meal/food options as well as talk thorough any challenges and strategies to implement for the week ahead. Writing down and recording what I plan to eat as well as what I actually eat in my diary makes you more aware of possible incidental food that you may eat and it helps to keep you on track and to remind you of your goals.
I feel more comfortable in my clothes but the main benefit I love is that I feel stronger, have more energy, more motivated and I’m less tired.
Just do it! You will be supported. It’s a non-threatening, friendly environment and you always feel welcomed and encouraged. Trust in the program and just commit to it.
My 3 top tips:
- Trust the program – it works. Use the recipes/meals in the book or within the online portal. They are quick and easy to make and takes the ‘guess work’ out of your meal planning and what to cook.
- Book into your classes as it will help you to commit to attending. The sessions are only 45 minutes, so nice and quick and your exercise is done for the day.
- Get adequate sleep. Work out how much sleep you need and stick to your bedtimes. For me, waking up not feeling tired meant everything else was so much easier to do.