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 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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Friday Freeletics Mystery Athlete - Week 10

5 more weeks to go!!! Way to go our mystery Freeletics athlete!!! You are making such great progress. Thank you so much for checking in with us every week. It's been amazing to watch your journey over these past few months. 

Keep up the great work and see you next week. To grab your Freeletics workout guide, click here.

Much love and friendship,
XxDani 

So you know how I said last week I was losing weight and people were starting to notice. This week I jumped on the scales for the first time since the start of this challenge. I know it isn't about the number etc but I know what weight is my healthy weight and can I tell you.. I am close to it! I have lost 5 kilos since starting this challenge, that is even with Christmas and new year's in the mix! If you don't think 5 kilos is much, I can tell you it is! The bikini shots don't do the 5kg's justice! Most of it is around my belly and hips which means I am kissing my muffin top for jeans etc goodbye. It is making it easier for me to run without those extra kilos because there isn't as much wobble!

Check this out! I had to buy a new skirt this week as my size 12 skirt is now too big! I'm now officially in size 10 clothing. Now that's what I call progress, don't you think?

I am feeling strong, fit and confident and I LOVE IT! It is amazing how much better you feel when you just spend some time on you. My mood is better, I am thinking clearer and I feel great. You have to try this freeletics. If you look back through my progress pics there are weeks where there is no change... but I think that this is just externally. I think that internally things were happening and starting to fire up. I think I need to book a tropical holiday at the end of this.

I highly recommend the Freeletics program especially for those that can't make it to the gym everyday. You can workout anywhere, anytime using your own body weight. Thanks again Dani for introducing me to this program. I love it!

See you next week!

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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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Fitness Transformation Tuesday with Colin Docherty

Another amazing Transformation Tuesday story from Colin as he shares his new healthy lifestyle with us and ditches the beer and pizza nights. Keep up the great work and I look forward to following your progress. Give Colin a big virtual hand of applause!!!

For those that wish to appear on FFS Transformation Tuesday post, please fill out our questions here.

Much love and friendship,
xxDani

• How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  My name is Colin and I am 34. I was always pretty fit when I was younger, I used to cycle absolutely everywhere! However, when I got to University, lets just say I enjoyed beer a little bit too much. That coupled with the fact that I didn’t make time to eat well or exercise meant I put weight quite a bit of weight on. When I left Uni, I took up running and got really into it, running races for a club. My weight dropped to below 10 stone at about 25 years old which was probably a bit too light. However, due to injury and a lot of job changes, I stopped running and that’s when the weight started to come back on. For the last few years, I've put a lot of focus into my career at the expense of eating well and exercising and due to a stressful job, it became routine really to have a couple of beers each evening. The thing about alcohol is that when you have it on an empty stomach (even if its only a little bit), you crave bad foods and don't want to cook and that's what my problem was. So for the last few years its been no exercise, regular consumption of beer and a very bad diet.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  As a kid, my mum made me eat good foods, but that’s not to say I enjoyed them! So good hearty meals, root veg, turnip, cauliflower etc. However, as a teenager and younger adult, food became just a tool to stop hunger. I was very pre-occupied with my studies or work meaning I ate when I was hungry and wanted something quick and easy. As mentioned earlier, this often coincided with a couple of evening drinks when I got in from work so my diet choice was really poor. At best, I would eat a microwave ready meal and at worse, it was stuffed crust pizza from the local takeaway. Basically I ate a lot of cheese and pasta and not a lot else. Although I had been promising myself for a couple of years that I needed to sort my diet and fitness out, it never really seemed to be a big problem, maybe I was in denial. What changed however was one work day morning after a session in the pub that concluded again with takeaway pizza. I felt absolutely disgusting. I was passing awful wind, I was tired, lethargic and groggy and after washing my hands in the gents, caught a view of myself in the mirror and I was disgusted with myself. In profile, I could see my guy overhanging my jeans and was appalled. I looked terrible, I felt terrible. It was there and then that I thought "I don't want to look this way or feel this way anymore". I decided that until further notice I would give up alcohol. The next day, I felt so much more alert and fresh and my diet choice immediately improved. Out went the processed stuff and in came fresh salads, fish and chicken. Physically, this change in diet in addition to giving up alcohol made me feel even better and made the decision to abstain even easier. My weight started coming down really quickly and before I knew it, I was almost two stone lighter and fitting into a 32 inch pair of jeans again for the first time in 5 years. My confidence has improved and my appetite for life and trying new things (particularly active and outdoor stuff) has grown tremendously. I just love it. Now I am planning on toning up by following the Freeletics Strength Programme - I am currently in week two.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I don't play any team sports although I'd like to find something for the social benefits it brings. I still do a lot of running (did a half marathon in Sept 2013 and another in Oct 2013) and do a lot of boot camp classes at the Gym in addition to the Freeletics I mentioned earlier. I also snowboard as and when I get the opportunity. I love watching Football, tennis and athletics which is a particular favourite.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  I've been playing the drums for 4 years now but yet to find a band as much as I would like to! Trying new things definately makes me smile now that I feel so much more energetic. There is so much out there to enjoy in life and I for one have been very guilty for not making the most of the opportunities life brings. I shall be making up for that in 2014!
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  The day after 3 pints of beer followed by takeaway pizza. I looked terrible, felt terrible. I was disgusted with myself.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  I'd like to complete the 15 week freeletic programme and see a good improvement in the toning and definition of my body. I've never been toned, let alone 'ripped' and would love to have a nice flat tummy so thats very much the immediate thing I would like to achieve. After that, I want to learn some new things, maybe a martial art and also get out into the great outdoors a lot more.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  I wrote an article all about this on my blog but the main things I learnt that apply to anyone hoping to achieve weight loss (particularly through drinking less are: Lesson #1 – Without a deep personal motivation, you wont stick to achieving your goals Lesson #2 – It is possible to live without alcohol in your life Lesson #3 – You feel AMAZING physically when you give up booze Lesson #4 – There will be setbacks on your journey – Accept this and don’t despair Lesson #5 – Alcohol is the epicentre of why you’ve put weight on Lesson #6 – Good diet choice means planning your meals in advance Lesson #7 – Your attitude to alcohol will change
• List your social media's if you would like people to follow you
  www.colindocherty.co.uk plus.google.com/u/0/+ColinDocherty1 https://twitter.com/colin_docherty

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Friday Fitness with our Mystery Freeletics Athlete - Week 8

Where are the weeks going? 8 weeks already? Really? We are just over the half way mark and I think our mystery Freeletics athlete is doing a mighty fabulous job. Someone made a comment that they didn't see much progress in her pictures, little did they read how she has changed her lifestyle around and living more healthier and making a conscious effort to incorporate regular exercise within her week supported by great food. That deserves a 10 outta 10 in my book! You go girl, I am so proud of you.

See you again next week!

xxDani 

Weekly journal update

Freeletics week 8

This week I feel I needed a big kick to keep me going.  I loved the exercises but I was feeling a little sluggish and felt like I needed to cleanse my insides!  So I added a 3 day juice cleanse to my program.  I must say the first day was ok, the second I could have eaten my arm off and the third has been great.  I thought I would lose my energy and wouldn’t be able to do my freeletics but I actually have just as much energy. Now that is over I feel great and I am looking forward to getting back to the eating guidelines from Freeletics.

I can see my hips shrinking in the pics and I love it. My motivation for next week is seeing my hips in these pictures.  You can see that the layer of fat on them is slowly shrinking. I will always have hips, I just want to get rid of the fat layer on them! I do want to tone my stomach more as I feel that those images are hard to see any changes.  I wonder if there has been so much stretching from 2 kids and lots of excess weight that I will never get it toned and smooth again. I am not stressing over that, but it would be nice!

Food Diary:

Breakfast
Chia pudding with a piece of fruit

Morning snack
Yogurt with fruit & nuts

Lunch
Tuna salad 

Afternoon snack
Banana and tea

Dinner
Grilled salmon with blueberry pear salad

Hard parts this week:

Adding the juice detox and just juicing for 3 days, that was HARD! I love my food so it was hard to not eat, especially when I am making yummy meals for my kids and husband! Freeletics workouts were great this week.

Love FMA (Freeletics Mystery Athlete) xx 

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Fitness Transformation Tuesday story with Matt Weiss

• Here's the amazing Matt show casing that even men get unhappy with their physique. So girls, it's not just us. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us and we look forward to following your continued success. Keep on inspiring!
  For those that wish to submit their Transformation Tuesday stories please fill out our interview questions here.
  Much love and friendship,xxDani
  
  
  
  How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
  Hey everyone my name is Matt Weiss and I am 22 years old. I started my transformation journey July 2011. I weighted 212lbs and had 21% body fat. I was very unhappy with the way my physique looked and I wanted to make a change. I am a college baseball player so I wanted to improve my athletic ability by getting more physically fit. I started working out 5-6 times a week and started to eat healthier. Diet was a huge part of my transformation. I would always lift weights before but my diet was terrible and I never saw good results. Once I tightened up my diet my weight andbody fat percentage just started to melt off. Now I weigh 182lbs with 5% body fat. I am so glad that I made the change become healthier and I will continue to improve my physique daily.
• What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
  Growing up I use to eat tons of junk food. Foods very high in carbs and unhealthy fats. Stuff like McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Hardees were places I enjoyed eating. In high school me and my buddies would go out then get fast food late at night. I didn't think anything of it but then I started to know a change in my body. I found myself being tired a lot. When I got to college I ate the cafeteria food. They had buffet style which I loved. I would get pizza, fries, soda, etc. This is how most college kids ate so I didn't think anything of it, plus I enjoyed eating like this. A lot has changed since then with my diet. I know eat things like chicken, ground turkey, ground chicken, eggs, brown rice, oatmeal, almonds, etc. Now I am eating way less greasier foods. Diet is key if you are looking to transform your physique. You will never be able to out train a bad diet.
• Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
  I play college baseball player.
• What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
  I love hanging out with my friends and family. I also enjoy helping people out with diet and workout plans through my online personal training. Something that makes me smile is when me and my family are all together. Family time is very special to me.
• What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
  Well freshman year I played baseball at Arkansas State. Everytime we did conditioning I would always finish last and be gasping for air. It would make me so mad because I was giving it my all and I still would finish pretty much last. I ended up redshirting their and when I had my going away meeting the coach told me if I didn't come back next year in shape then I wouldn't play. This made me so angry! I ended up not returning to Arkansas State. So I would say my coach their telling me that I needed to come in the next year in better shape. I am actually very thankful that he said that to me because that is what truly sparked my lifestyle change.
• What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
  Since I have transformed my physique a lot of doors have opened for me. I am officially a sponsored athlete with the best supplement company in the world (Inner Armour). I plan to start doing fitness modeling and men's physique competitions also. Right now I am a semi-finalist for the bodybuilding.com bodyspace spokesmodel competition. I really hope that I make the finals and compete for the title in LA.
• What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
  Something that I want everyone to know is that never listen to negativity. During my transformation process I had friends always trying to get me to go out and drink. Also sometimes even my family would give me a hard to because of the way I was eating. Stick to a plan and keep fighting through it, because in the end you will come out a champion.
• List your social media's if you would like people to follow you
  Instagram: mattweiss_fitness
  Facebook: Matt Weiss Fitness
  YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkBVIBaOiWnLW3UfxwlalxQ
  Email me at mattweissbaseball@yahoo.com if you're interested in my online personal training.

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