Fitness Transformation Tuesday how to lose weight and maintain it!

Dani Stevens - Body transformation after baby number 2

Here is a very old post I found for this weeks Transformation Tuesday. Yes. It's me. I have 4 kids and this picture was taken 6 years ago after having our second son, Oscar. 

I believe we are all different and need to be exposed to various exercise program's to try until we find the right ones. I followed the Fit Yummy Mummy program for 5 years and it truly works! Now I'm taking it to the next level with the high intense interval training with Freeletics. You can check that out under my FITNESS tab.

I'm here to share with you what has worked for me so please feel free to check them out.

I hope you enjoy going back down memory lane. Oh how time flies when we are having fun xD

* * * 

Yes, I know, I know..... too much eye make up but hey! How often do you get a chance to get all glam'd up and pose for your hubby and be like one of those girls in a magazine??! Now my hubby has his own cover girl :-)

How did I get my body back? 5 years ago I stumbled on this 15 minute workout program. I only workout 90 minutes per week (along with my fun fitness challenges I run with you). This fitness regime suits me perfectly as I am not in a position to pay a baby sitter nor could I be bothered working out for an hour in my day. With 4 kids under 8 years of age my time is pretty jam packed with other important life experiences and things to do, so here are my success stories after ALL of my 4 pregnancies here.

Are YOU getting the results you are after? If you are great! If not and you are seeking an exercise regime that will target and burn your baby body fat, I highly recommend this program. In fact if you click on my link you will receive a 50% discount off the ebook and 30 days free trial at Clubfym. Seriously, you have nothing to lose, except that stubborn fat that is just hanging around.



*TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY features*


I would love to share your fitness transformation on Tuesdays, so please click this link which will take you to our interview questions. I can't wait to feature you!

#PushupsGreen Challenge 

How are you enjoying this months challenge? Thank you for tagging #pushupsgreen as there have been some awesome pics of your cannons and various push up techniques. Keep up the fab work!

Push ups and greens challenge Fitness Food And Style

Here is a super simple green juice;

• 1 apple
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cucumber
• handful of spinach
• 1/2 lemon

Mind you it always changes depends on what I have in the fridge, some days there's ginger and berries, others mint etc....just mix it up as you please. The aim of this month is simply to incorporate more greens in your day or at least have one serve!


This challenge has been super sensational and so many ideas on greens recipes. So many inspirational people out there with so many refreshing and creative ideas, I love it!!! I too, surprise myself as well :-)

Once again though Kristina has caught my eye with her fullyraw recipe. Check out her latest recipe on her Youtube channel. I asked her to be creative and boy! she never ceases to amaze me!

Kristina with her amazing fully raw Cinnamon Beetroot Basil Marinara 

I am really happy that my male friends have also embraced this challenge and are doing their push ups. Take a look at @d_stinto and his superman push up!!! Ama-ZING!!!

Superman push ups @D_Stinto

My friends over at 180 Nutrition are also running an IG competition this month in conjunction with our #pushupsgreens. Simply tag your food recipes to #realfoodrevolution for your chance to win a months supply of 180 Nutrition products. How unreal is that?

180 Nutrition IG competition

You know how much I love these guys and stand by there products, so much so that ALL my readers have an exclusive 10% discount promo code which you can use at check out. If you haven't tried 180 Nutrition, they also have a 4 starter pack bundled in chocolate and coconut flavours, so give it a go. There is also a vegan range. Only $14.99 Free delivery (anywhere in Australia) shipping will become available to our friends overseas very soon.

I hope you all had a great day! I spent majority of my day beside the pool as we have had a ripper Summer of a week. Here are the girls today enjoying their time in the pool.

Leave me your comments and let me know how you are going with this months challenge and what else you would like to see in the over the next several months as I bring more challenges to make health and fitness fun for all of us!!!

♥ Dani 

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Emma Brettig

Today we welcome Emma as she shares her fitness journey with us. As she mentions below, she wasn't really overweight but she wasn't making healthy choices either. Please share your words of encouragement as Emma embraces her new healthy lifestyle.

Thank you everyone for submitting your Transformation Tuesday story, I love reading each and everyone of them. Keep them coming and click on the hyperlink.

Until next week.

Stay fit and healthy!
xxDani

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 
25 years old - For a very long time I tried to be a healthy person and I exercised all the time, but the problem was I used to reward myself with bad food that actually did me damage rather than make me happy. Last year I realised I couldn't be a healthy person part time, I had to fully embrace and completely commit to clean eating to see a change, and thankfully I have! I am so much happier, have so much more energy and would never go back!

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 
I used to eat healthy all week but then on the weekend start eating bad, processed foods like: icecream, chocolate, timtams, kitkats, takeaway foods, etc. I now believe I was actually addicted to sugar. I've cut out all processed foods, I have green smoothies every day, eat oats for breakfast, make protein power balls for energy and even a square of 85% chocolate. I really try to not make food a reward.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 
I love walking my dog every morning before breakfast, I love the gym: I do weight training 4 x a week and classes for cardio. I'm currently training in BodyAttack to teach this awesome Les Mills program.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 
Cooking, exercise, bodyattack, discovering new recipes, walking my dog, relaxing with my husband, travelling the world, long beach walks, love talking to people about health and fitness - that's really makes me smile!

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 
I went to USA Sept 2013 and put on even more weight & I was miserable, had no energy, didn't want to exercise, I didn't even want to go to work - I just had this overwhelming feeling that I had to get my life in balance by committing to clean eating 100%

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
I want to finish my BodyAttack training and I'd love to train in RPM - I currently work as a dental therapist so my goal by the end of the year is to do this part time and work part time group fitness instructing

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 
Don't give up, it took 5 months between the transformation photos but it took about 6 years of trying before that. Diet is key, clean eating all the way- not just the bodily changes but internally I feel so happy, content and on top of the world

List social media that you want to share:
@ems_active_life

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Alli Abott

So many of us have different views on how our body should look and feel or what the perfect fitness body should look like. Some of us have kept fit and healthy most of our lives and majority of us, not so much. Today Alli shares her fitness journey and I would like to congratulate this gorgeous woman for competing in her first bikini competition. You go girl! I wish you all the very success in the future and keep on inspiring.

For those that wish to submit their fitness stories please head to our Transformation Tuesday tab. I look forward to featuring you.

Much love & friendship,
xxDani

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  I recently turned 23. Fitness has always been an important part of my life. I grew up playing Softball and Volleyball, and played volleyball at the NCAA level. Although I have always worked out for sports training, I started lifting weights and getting serious about my nutrition two years ago. Although I was strong and "in-shape," I felt I could take my physique to a much higher level, and set out with that goal. Ever since then, I have been so fortunate to receive great support, both from family & friends, and on social media sites like instagram and twitter. Recently, I competed in my first NPC Bikini competition, which was an amazing experience!
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  I didn't pay much attention to my diet growing up. Since I was always playing sports, I always figured I was burning off whatever excess calories I consumed. My diet was full of simple sugars/starches and was not consistent. Over the past few years, the biggest changes I have made have been adding in more protein and limiting my simple sugars/starches. Also, I have tried to take the calories I would eat in three large meals, and spread them amongst 4/5 smaller meals throughout the day to keep my body fueled.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I play both softball and volleyball. I like watching all sports, including hockey, basketball, football, baseball and of course, volleyball!
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  I have a tremendous passion for fitness and health, particularly in the setting of children and families. I think that the habits we form at a young age can make lasting effects on our health for years. It would be one of my dreams to work in some way to increase awareness about eating healthy and exercising.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  Honestly, it was looking in the mirror and not feeling my best. Working hard to stay fit, I am so much more confident in everything I do. Being healthy has so many benefits - a strong body makes for a strong mind.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I hope to compete again over the next year, keep making improvements in my physique, and continuing to get more involved in the incredible fitness community that I am still pretty new to!
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  There are many diets and workouts out there. First, everyone will benefit more on one particular routine than another. It takes time and patience to figure out what will get you the results you desire, so don't give up. Second, ANY positive change you are making in your life is important, even if it seems very small. It is so much more important to pick a routine that you can be CONSISTENT with, even if it will take a few years to reach your ultimate goal. Stick with it!
• List your social media's if you would like people to follow you
  I LOVE interacting with members of the fitness community, it keeps me motivated!
  
  Instagram - @abott09
  Twitter - @abott09
  YouTube - youtube.com/abott09

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Katrina Berkenbosch

Transformation Tuesday. I love it! Seeing all the submissions and reading your stories just makes my day. Today is no other exception. The lovely Katrina shares her journey with us after having 3 children and realising even though she wasn't overweight throughout her adult life, her body did change after having babies.

Please welcome Katrina and if you would like to follow her Instagram and Beyoutiful Facebook pages, she would love your support.

For those that wish to share their Transformation Tuesday stories please click here. I would love to feature you.

Much love and friendship,
xxDani

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  I am 28. My fitness journey be an last July, I was tired of being in denial of my weight gain, usually hovering around 130, I was 160 when I started . I was tied of not being able to climb the stairs. I was tired of feeling "like that". I had always been active as a teen, so I had always been thin. Even after child birth I had gone back to "normal" after kids... Except after my third. Since August 2011 I had been packing on pounds, and once I started working out, two years of weight actually came off in 9 months!!!! 9 months ladies, 9 months. I started with hot yoga. Being SO out of shape, a treadmill was out of the question. Yoga got me stretching again, the warmth eases your muscles, and it's more of a workout than you think. After I gained strength I began the stair master. It's an evil machine, but it makes you SWEAT!! Gaining my lung capacity back, I was able to start the treadmill, walking only 0.5 of a mile in 45 minutes. I continued all of this for 9 months - except now I can run 2.6 miles in 45 minutes!!
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  I love fruits and veggies, I'm not big on chocolate, I'm not big on pop... I eat really healthy generally. What changed was I found wine. I found my daily caloric intake in a bottle. My advice, don't go there ladies. Just don't.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I'm not big into sports, other than soccer. I do watch FIFA when it's on, but that's actually about it! And of course the odd hockey game hubby wants to see.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  My children and painting. Painting is my out, it is the only time I can escape this world and paint my own. My children let me be young, let me escape bills and life, and remember what simple is.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  It's going to sound silly, but when I couldn't fit into a size 10 anymore. Being a size 3, then a size 5 after kids, I had gained so much weight that my pant size doubled. Realizing that I was going to have to start buying an even larger pant was a really big moment for me.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  Now that the weight is gone, I plan on toning and gaining muscle. I plan on being able to run 4 miles by summer, hopefully 5 by the winter.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  Start off small, you aren't going to be a body builder off the bat. You need to be realistic with yourself, and your level of fitness. People quit all of the time because they "can't do it" - walking for 20 minutes and lifting 2 pound weights is working out. 5 sit ups is 5 more than you did yesterday. Then push yourself next week. Do 25 minutes, do an extra rep with the weights, push for 10 crunches. In life we all start out small as babies, and we grow into adults. It's a process that is painful and it takes patience, but if you're reading this you've survived growth up until this point. This means you have the patience and persistence for growth and change. This is your life, and you will the changes. Take charge and do not give up!

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Mimmi Jansson

This will blow you away!!! 50kgs - 108lbs GONE!

Let me introduce you to beautiful Mimmi. She shares how she didn't really notice her weight gain until she just recently saw her before and after picture. As they say a picture tells a thousand words and that is the most powerful tool to help us monitor how we are going.

Mimmi shares her story with us below.

For those that wish to share their new fit and healthy lifestyle please fill out our Transformation Tuesday questions as I would love to feature you!

Stay fit and healthy!
xxDani

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  I am 19 years old and started my healthy journey 8 months ago.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  I mainly ate junk food my whole life. Alot of pizza and fried food, also unhealthy snacks everyday. I drank alot of Coca Cola and I never did any exercise. Now I live by the lean lifestyle. I eat fish, chicken, vegetables and I exercise about 6 days a week.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I dont play any sports but I love to exercise at the gym or run outdoor. I like watching handball.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  What makes me smile is life as it is right now. The way I live and the way I feel inside and outside. My passion is my health. I have never in my entire life done something so full hearted.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  I saw a picture of my before and after and I didn't realize how big I was. After seeing that picture I ran to the scale and couldn't believe my eyes. I weighed 131kg - 289lbs. That's when I decided to make a change.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  My biggest dream and goal right now is to lose 50kg. When I have accomplished that I want to take on the last 10kg. I also want to go do a 7 week cardio camp within the next 12 months because that's something to show myself how far I have come.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  If I can do it, everybody can do it. You just have to stay motivated and never stop believing in yourself. My biggest tip is to never let it go this far from the begining. You will have to work hard and it will be tough but it will all be worth it in the end.
• List your social media's if you would like people to follow you
  Instagram: @janssonmimmi

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Rachael Forster

Let me introduce you to gorgeous Rachael. She just recently celebrated her 30th birthday and began her fitness journey 10 years ago. Since then she has become a Mum of 3 beautiful girls, a qualified personal trainer as her life long passion has been all about the fitness and wellness industry.

You can read more about her story below and for those that wish to share theirs please fill out our Transformation Tuesday questions as I would love to feature you on Fitness Food And Style.

Until next week, stay healthy!
xxDani 

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

Hi, my name is Rachael and I am just about to turn 30! My health and fitness journey started in my early twenties when I became a qualified personal trainer. I always had a passion and love for fitness and wellness and decided to pursue it as a career. Not long after I completed my course however, I fell pregnant with our first baby girl and my plans came to a halt. During this pregnancy I gained 24kg & all my knowledge seemingly went out the window and was replaced with junk food and not a lot of movement. After the birth, I managed to lose 20kg by the time my daughter was 5 months old through regular gym sessions, focusing on weight training and jogging and eating a healthy diet. I then went on to have two more daughters, gaining 14kg & 17kg during the last two pregnancies. My girls are now aged 6, 4 & 2 and I have lost all of the baby weight and feel amazing! I workout 3-5 times per week, my favorites are body pump and body combat classes. Since becoming a mother, my focus is now on nourishing my family through eating wholefoods, regular exercise and having a positive mind. I now love to eat mainly a plant based diet with fresh juices & smoothies, yummy raw treats and delicious veggie curries that are among my favs.
Over the last 10 years my love for health & wellness has only increased and I am now following my heart and dreams of making it my career.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
 
As a child we ate fairly healthy. Just a typical Aussie diet, meat and three veg, spaghetti bol and bbq's were regulars for dinner. We ate a lot of fruit for snacks and salad & sliced meat sandwiches for lunch. We did indulge in lollies, icecreams & potato chips too and were never really denied junk foods. This same diet followed me into my teens and early twenties.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 

I love to play basketball and have played since I was 7 years old. I had a few season off in between children but have kept playing well into my twenties.
I also love to watch AFL, professional dancing, the olympics when they are on and tennis.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 

My interests and passions are firstly my family. I love to be with them and take my girls out exploring this amazing country we live in. The beach, zoo and botanical gardens are our favorite places to go to. My husband and daughters always make me smile and laugh at the silly little things they do but mean the most. Outside my family other interests of mine are cooking and creating new recipes, reading romance novels, watching Kardashians & shopping - Lorna Jane is my weakness!

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 

The catalyst that made me change my lifestyle was after the birth of my eldest daughter. I hated the weight I gained and wanted to change that. I also became very interested in how to nourish my body from the inside out, not just about how to lose weight the quickest. I now focus on eating fresh, wholefoods with minimal dairy, gluten & sugar and meat only 1-2 times a week. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies, smoothies, green juice & delicious raw treats!

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
Over the next 12 months, my dream is to launch my website offering guidance to women on how to be the best they can be through healthy eating, regular exercise & my favorite - having a positive mindset.
I hope to inspire others and be the best mother & wife I can be while remaining true to who I am.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 

My tips for creating your own transformation are:

- Start by making small changes such as: drink more water, go to sleep earlier or cut out the afternoon chocolate binge.
- Find a buddy who can motivate you and who you can motivate and keep each other accountable.
- Create small goals along the way and reward yourself for your hard work and dedication.
- When you are having a weak moment ask yourself "is this going to nourish me?" Really look within yourself and know that you are worth it.
- And finally have fun! Healthy eating and regular exercise should not be boring. Find something that you love and stick with it.

List social media that you want to share:

You can follow me on instagram @nourish_your_glow
Website coming soon!

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Scott Hill

Loving Transformation Tuesday and today I welcome the courageous and determined Scott who took the plunge and started to look after himself even though he wanted to do it for his kids as well, it all started with him. You know when something just clicks, you just do it. That's what happened to Scott and below he shares with us his new fit and healthy lifestyle.

For your opportunity to feature on Transformation Tuesday, please fill out our questions and I look forward to sharing your story.

Until next week, stay healthy!

Xx Dani

 

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 
I am 36 years old and 12 months into my 2 yr goal and I have reduced body fat and gained muscle without excessive excersise and strict dieting......constant moderation has been key for me.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 
Take aways and fast food and also healthy meals.
Since then I have started to count the calories and calculate my daily intakes.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 
Don't play sports but enjoy watching the athletics.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 
I now have a passion for cooking and it gives me the biggest smile when people say wow that tastes amazing!

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 
My ex partner calling me fat but mainly when I used to sit and watch my kids at the park even when they asked me to join in....now I have energy to match theirs.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 
To maintain my determination to achieve and believe.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 
Constant moderation worked for me....80% in the kitchen and 20% in the gym.....take note of your daily calorie intake and don't be afraid to spoil yourself with the occasional take away or fast food this will keep your sanity.

List social media that you want to share:
You can find me on Instagram @Scott_hill13

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Chelsea Padilla

Let me introduce you to Chelsea. She is one super fit Mama however that wasn't the case growing up. She tells us how she got rid of the fast and packaged foods and now only eats whole foods that nourish her body. It's also been a gradual process as she started her new fitness journey 4 years ago.

Thank you so much Chelsea for sharing your story with us today on Fitness Food And Style. For those to wish to share their new fit and healthy lifestyle please fill out our interview questions under the Transformation Tuesday tab.

Until next week.
Stay fit!
xxDani

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date? 

I am 30 years old. In the Summer of 2009, I made my first attempt to do something about my weight. I weighed 240lbs!! I joined a fitness group called Strollerfit (geared towards moms) and that was the first time I had exercised in 5 years. It kicked my behind!! I only did that for like a month. But later that summer I joined a gym, LA Fitness. But I didn't change my eating habits. 

So fast forward to Dec. 2009 and I just felt like, okay, I am going to do something. I am not going to expect fast results. A year feels long and fast at the same time, and if I can just look better than I do right now this time next year, I will be happy. I lost about 15 pounds. In around 3 months. 

The 15lb loss was enough to keep me motivated though. But I didn't set any goals. No weekly loss goals, no short or long term goals. Just-- Do better. I was eating SOO BADLY and SOOO MUCH that just eating smaller portions and less fast food in combination with going to the gym maybe 2-3 times a week carried me to a weight loss of 40lbs by August 2010.

For the next year, I lost about another 15 pounds or so and when school started in 2011 I weighed about 185ish. Again, I had no goals for myself and didnt even really talk about my weight loss with anyone because at that time I didn't really want anyone rooting for me because that would make me feel like a failure if I didn't continue to progress.

So then, in December 2012 I was in the middle of a marriage crisis and the stress and sadness gave me new motivation to push harder with my transformation. I had always said that I wanted to be able to run, to become a runner. So I bought a pair of 100 dollar fancy running shoes knowing I wouldn't quit if I spent so much money on those shoes. I downloaded a running app on my phone called Get Running and followed it at the gym and running outside. I signed up for the Rodeo 5k run to give myself a goal of finishing the app by that date. All of my goals thus far have been fitness related, not scale or clothing size. I pretty much got hooked on running after I finished the app on my phone and ran the Rodeo 5k.

By the spring I was getting a lot more comments on my weight loss because I had reached a weight where if I lost a few more pounds, it was more noticeable. I started playing indoor soccer with some friends from a moms group I used to belong to at the beginning of April. It is an intense workout and super fun. That helped me see more results as well. 

I let myself coast through Fall 2012 and actually gained a little weight back for the first time. My clothes were getting a little tight Christmas time. When it was time for New Year's Resolutions, I decided to do the Advocare 24 day challenge to clean up my diet. I also committed to running a half marathon in February 2013. I knew I was at a stage where eating clean and avoiding processed foods was what would bring me more results. Doing so has become more habitual for me now. I'm by no means perfect, but I'm doing much better than before and having less episodes of bingeing to deal with my emotions.

I went from nearly a size 22 to a size 8/10 depending on the brand or style and I feel much better about the way I look. I am healthier than I have ever been and I even ran the full Houston Marathon (26.2 miles!) January of this year. But the part of this whole journey that I'm proud of the most is that I am setting a good example for my children and living a healthy, active life in front of them. They know their mom eats healthy foods (and cooks it for them as well) and they know she loves to run, lift weights and play soccer. This is not something new for them to see from me, it's just my "normal" now and I hope to make such habits part of their normal life as well.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 

I ate processed foods from cans and boxes. I also ate tons of sugar. I now eat about 90% whole clean foods and have seriously cut back on my sugar intake.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching? 

I run and play indoor soccer. I like watching soccer and basketball.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile? 

I'm an educator and I love teaching children to read. I also enjoy baking and have a small specialty cookie business on etsy.com

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change? 
I was extremely unhappy with my physical appearance and very unhealthy. My children had yet to learn any of my bad habits so I knew it was time to change my life so I could set the example for them. They were only 5, 3, and 2 at that time.

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months? 

I hope to lower my body fat percentage and gain more muscle. I also aim beat my personal best 5k, 10k and half marathon times.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation? 

*When I started I didn't follow any sort of restricted diet. I do badly with restriction. I ate whatever I wanted and if it happened to be something bad, I have learned to be satisfied with a very small portion of it. I don't drink diet soda. I love Coke and will never give it up. I just drink way way less of it.

*If I eat something terrible for breakfast, I don't let it ruin my whole day. I used to just say, "screw it" and eat badly for the rest of the day.

*I don't talk about my meal as being good or bad. I don't tell myself or anyone else that I at "so bad" or "so good" and rate my eating behavior. I just eat.

*I stop eating as soon as I am full and have no problem with leaving food on my plate or even having to throw it away sometimes.

*I don't weigh myself very often at all. Maybe once every two weeks or so. And I always give myself a high number I can accept and not feel bad if I see before I step on the scale. Sometimes I was right and I don't let myself feel bad, but most of the time the scale is less than what I expected.

List social media that you want to share:
Instagram-- @fight2befit83
Tumbler-- @fight2befit83
Twitter---- @chelseeuh

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday interview with Melissa Sanchez

Another sensational transformation story.

Let me introduce you to Melissa Sanchez from Major Weightloss. She speaks open and honestly about how she nearly fed herself to death. She just loved to eat. Up to 5,000 calories per day, she didn't care until one day something just clicked.

Read her amazing story below. I think she is incredible, such courage and determination. Congratulations!!! You look amazing Melissa.

For those that wish to share their new healthy and fit lifestyle please click here as I would love to feature you on Fitness Food And Style.

xxDani

My weightless journey - Melissa Sanchez

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  45 yrs old. I was consuming up to 5,000 calories a day I reached 502 pounds I experienced major health problems I didn't want to live anymore I lost 262 pounds in a year and a half 
  Hi, I have been big my whole life. As I got older I got bigger, no real reason just loved to eat. As I gained weight I cared, but food was my comfort, whether I was happy, sad, stressed, bored, it didn't matter I loved to eat. I hated looking in the mirror as I reached 502 pounds. I went to work and nowhere else because I was so ashamed of what I had done to myself but again, food was good! I couldn't wait to go home and eat. I didn't eat just a little, I could eat a whole cake, a couple of pizzas, chips, anything that was not good for me not knowing I was slowly killing myself. Then I would lay down and not do anything. Eventually I did some tracking of my calories and discovered I would consume 3,000 to 5,000 calories a day. If my clothes didn't fit I would just by bigger ones. I was wearing a man's 8x shirt, and leggings 4-5x. I didn't care. I was so unhappy that I was born this way and that God made me fat! I eventually changed that thought. So for years and years I didn't see my family, only my man Jeff Wolf, he loved me no matter what I weighed, he never said anything. So to me I was set in life, I had a man and a good job. I missed work often because I was always sick. I was not taking care of myself. I hated everything and everybody. I was mad all the time! One day in 2009 I was driving to work (graveyard shift, I still work there and go everyday). I wished that an 18 wheeler truck would hit me and I would die! Right when I thought that I said to myself "did I just wish that"? So for a few days I argued with myself. My doctor said I needed to lose weight, all my blood work came back horrible! High everything! Blood pressure, cholesterol, liver problems, etc. My lower legs started turning purple. I will never forget the looks that I got from the public, it was horrible!!! So I saw this ad for HCG. I spoke to Jeff about it, I told him I need to do this because I'm killing myself, and I can't even fit into your truck anymore. He looked at me and said, "if this is what you want to do I will help you." So, I ordered it online, followed the directions, and from 502, I got down to 240 in a year and a half. I lost 262 pounds in a year and a half! But I got tired of it, got off it, gained some weight back and got back up to 310. Then I said, "NO WAY!" So at the beginning of last year (2013) Jeff bought me a treadmill and boflex. I started doing that everyday. It was slow at first, I could only do it for like 5 mins but I kept it up. I started losing weight and thought "oh my God this works!" I am currently back down to 240. I work out 2 times a day, I lift weights and do my cardio 6 days a week with Mondays off. I eat healthy now because I do not need that bad stuff in my body. I'm in a 1x girl shirt and 22 jeans. My first goal is 200 pounds, then go down from there. I have to give a lot of credit to Jeff, he had helped me through this, he works out with me, (he's not even fat ) but he is my support, my family. I have co workers who support me and help me now, but I started this by myself. I looked in the mirror and spoke to myself out loud and said, "you did this, you have a food addiction, and only you can change this". I made up my mind and that was that. Now I'm loving myself, I have people asking me how I'm doing it and can they work out with me. I am finally happy and I finished my goal. Because I love myself enough not to kill myself by eating, I have my daughter's and my grandchildren back in my life! I want to grow old and see them grow up. I had to learn a lot of things, it was hard and still is. But this was a life experience that I had to go through for some reason. I just wish I could get this out there and help that one person who feels alone, that nobody wants to help and nobody understands. Because I do. I was that girl who wished she would die! And now I am that girl who loves to be alive!   I also made my own Facebook page called My Weightloss Journey where I share my weight loss experiences as I go through them. Thank you, I have never told that story but I plan on finishing my book. I just want to help people    
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  Pizza, chips, hotdogs, etc. I eat healthy, no sugar, no starch, no salt.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  Ufc, football, hockey.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  I love animals, animals and children make me smile.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  I have grandchildren and I want to see them grow up.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I've lost 262 pounds, and have quit smoking. 45 days smoke free.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  Anyone can do this. When you are sick and tired of being sick and tired you can achieve anything. It's your life, the only person that can Help you change is the person in the mirror.
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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Caitlin Cavert

Loving these Transformation Tuesday submissions. Here is the beautiful Caitlin sharing her weight loss journey. It's such an emotional roller coaster (I know I have been on it) and it can really play tricks on you. Caitlin shares with us how she shifted her over weight depression state of mind to a more active positive mindset. As I keep saying, it's mind over matter and YOU CAN DO this!!!

For those that wish to share their story please fill out our interview questions here. 

Until next week. Stay healthy!
xxDani 

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  23 years old. On May 15, 2013 I weighed the heaviest I had ever weighed. I rang in at 175 pounds. I was depressed, negative, and just all around miserable. I worked out every now and then, but never really got serious. In August 2013 I decided that enough was enough, I wanted my life back. I made small changes so I could ease myself in to the process. I took the product Plexus Slim which helped me achieve my weightloss, but my hard work and determination are what really pushed me to be where I am today. I am happy to announce that I have lost over 30 pounds of fat, gained muscle, and gained my confidence back that I thought I had lost forever.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  When my mother got breast cancer our diets changed. Processed foods were completely cut out and we ate an all natural diet. Fruits and veggies differed depending on season because they were locally grown. Our meat products were raised locally and had no added hormones. I still love all natural foods and love going to farmers markets.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I was a swimmer and diver for 15 years. I also played soccer, tennis, basketball, gymnastics, cheerleading, and ballet when I was growing up. Needless to say, I was a VERY active kid. As I got older, I narrowed down my sport to just swimming and diving. I spent my college career swimming and diving for Henderson State University. I no longer play sports, but I occasionally find myself back in the pool from time to time.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  I love cooking. I love finding new recipes to try! My biggest passion is helping others. I work in a hospital, so helping others who can't help themselves is what I believe I was called to do. Now that I have a successful weightloss transformation, I have a new opportunity to help people in an area that I struggled with. It is such an amazing and humbling feeling to have people asking me, "How did you do it?" Because honestly, I was in that person's shoes not to long ago..
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  My relationships were suffering, especially my relationship with myself. I hated looking at myself in the mirror, taking pictures, shopping for clothes, going in public. I wasn't the same girl I had been growing up. The confidence I radiated like a bright light was completely burnt out. I couldn't stand it, I had to make a change..
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I want to finish my second degree! I also want to find a way to motivate people, reach out to them, get to know them, help them be successful. In turn, I want to be successful doing so.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  IT. TAKES. TIME! You have to be patient with the process. You will not go to bed after working out one day and be five pounds lighter. You may not even be half a pound lighter! So many people get discouraged because they do not see results right away. It needs to stop. If you are patient, you trust the process and you stay consistent, determined, positive, and motivated, anything is possible. Your results will shock you and the people you know. Making little changes over time will make a big change in the end. Do not give up on yourself, but understand you will fail during your journey, a few times. I did, but I used those failures to light my burning desire and prove to myself that I can do this. You can to.
• List your social media's if you would like people to follow you
  I only use instagram as my weightloss social media. Please, follow @CCavert for my weightloss journey, motivation, workout ideas, food prep, and supplement advice.

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Pre and post body after baby no. 3 PLUS my Blue Steel pose ;-)

Baby number 3. WOWZA!!! You would think I learnt from my previous 2 pregnancies that eating all that bad junky stuff wasn't going to be a good idea. But no I was listening to that voice saying "you're eating for two".

Boy! Did I suffer the consequences. Yup! 20kgs+ later…..

This was me at 38 weeks with Mietta back in October 2009....

This was my 3rd pregnancy with Mietta (Oct 2009) weighing 85kgs AKA 187lb

My fitness regime back then was based on Fit Yummy Mummy so click to read all the great success stories "of real women" that this program has changed lives across the globe. Without this fitness regime kick starting my new healthy lifestyle, I wouldn't have been able to achieve such amazing results with just exercising 15 minutes per day! I am not a gym person, don't particularly want to work out for an hour as time is too precious to me at the moment as every minute is spent with our young family.

The big turning point for me was the food. I thought I was able to get away with those weekly take away meals, a muffin or a chocolate per day, chips and nibbles here and there. Naha. It was going straight to my you know where. Just fat depositing itself nicely and getting real cosy! So I am so glad my life has turned around and I no longer eat the way I used to. Sure, I treat myself 1-2 per week but not everyday!

Otherwise I would still look like this…..

Here's a chunky version of me post baby no.3 Jan 2010 weighing over 85kgs AKA 187lb

I participated in a few Fit Yummy Mummy challenges throughout 2009-12 and achieved some awesome results. So what better way to celebrate my post baby number 3 transformation than with my very own blue steel pose :-) Thank you to the wonderful photographer Phil Darley at Darley Management who managed to make me look like like super model for a day (yeah right!) ha ha

Dec 2010

So in a nutshell I was able to achieve my body back with some simple tools which I will continue to share on my blog and hope that you too join this journey of feeling and looking great! However the best thing about all this "clean eating" and exercising is how healthy and fit I feel especially the "extra" energy I have to enjoy my very fast paced life!!!! I need all the energy I can get managing a household of 6 people.

Tell me one of your blue steel moments and whether you have achieved something that you never thought was possible?

Enjoy your week!

Much love & friendship,
XxDani

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Friday Freeletics Mystery Athlete - Week 9

Here is our Mystery Freeletics Athlete checking in for her 9th week doing the Freeletics program. What can you see? Can you see changes?

Please ensure you leave her some encouraging words as I think she's doing an amazing job with her new healthy and fit lifestyle.

Until next week, keep active!
xxDani

Dear Diary,

OMG this week has been a WINNER!! On 3 different occasions I have caught up with people I haven't seen since I started this challenge and they have all told me how much weight I have lost. That makes me SMILE big time! I honestly can't tell you how proud I am of myself.  I know that we shouldn't be tied to people complimenting how we look, but it feels so good when someone says "You are looking GREAT!". 

This is a great motivator for me.  If you feel like nothing is happening, which last week I think I complained, just keep going because in the end you will see it and so will they.  My husband is even commenting on how good I am looking.  My clothes aren't as tight and I FEEL GREAT!

I am also being very conscious of what I am eating and bringing a lot of salads and wraps to work and my meal planning has been key this week.

I have to say that the best thing about the Freeletics eating guide and exercises are the education that I am getting from them. When they tell you to eat good quality carbs, they tell you why.  When they say to eat your carbs after a work out, they explain why you should do this.  They explain the physical breakdown of the molecules and fat which is so interesting! 

See you next week!!

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