LEAH JACKSON Blog

A Life Changing Experience

The decision for me to take on a 12 week challenge turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only have I totally transformed my body, but I have changed my life forever.

Since giving up smoking 6 years ago, I made a commitment to turn my focus to the gym. I go to the gym to do group fitness classes at 6am each weekday morning and sometimes even head back in the afternoon when time permits. But my body has got into such a routine over the years I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted from the effort I was putting in. I would think that because I was exercising my butt off that my body would see the changes it deserved. I was also getting a little bored with the same thing every week. But I knew ultimately what was letting me down. It was what I was putting in my mouth and how much of it. Portion size was something I had no idea about.
I knew I had to make some serious changes if I wanted the body I always dreamed of. I’ve tried several weight loss tricks like the ‘Heart Foundation Soup Diet’ and ‘Tony Ferguson milkshakes’ but as soon as I stopped these, the weight would come back to haunt me again. I was like a yo-yo with my weight going up and down all the time.

That’s when I took the plunge and got the advice from an expert – Hilde. I couldn’t believe that the food I was going to be eating from now on was so yummy. Having such a variety of foods to choose from also made it very exciting and planning my meals everyday became something I looked forward to.

I was a little afraid initially though as I thought I would fail. I didn’t think I would have the will power to say no to the sweets or that extra sausage at the BBQ because it looks so good. But that thought of failure made me even more determined to do this and succeed. So if it wasn’t on Hilde’s list of foods, I tried my best not to eat or drink it. There were occasions though when I gave in and had that piece of chocolate or couple of beers, but I soon got back on track. !!!

I also set myself a goal before every workout – to finish that workout. If I could get through each challenge, I knew I couldn’t fail. The results that came from shocking my body with different cardio and weights workouts really began to show in about week 5. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was so excited that this transformation was happening and it was only going to get better. By week 12, I had achieved my goal of losing 10 kilo’s. Finally I was so happy with my body. And because I am continuing the healthy eating plan (well most of the time), as well as the exercise routine, I know I can never go back.

I decided not to have an end date for this program but to make it for the rest of my life. Even after I have finished the challenge, I still follow Hilde’s food list and I will do this forever. Because I know the results speak for themselves.

Having this program to use as a guide for my nutrition and exercise from here on makes it invaluable to me. I can’t wait to see what the future brings with my new lifestyle. Thank you Hilde!!