My Own Transformation: Achieving Balance, Losing Weight, and Living Life to the Fullest
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that over the years since being a teenager, body image was always something I struggled with. I was always trying the latest fad diet, drinking teas to make me lose weight and punishing my body with gruelling gym workouts in a bid to be skinny.
Since really diving into the wellness industry and becoming a yoga instructor, I’ve totally changed how I view my own health and wellness with a focus on building a healthy lifestyle with good basic practices as opposed to looking at ways to “lose weight”.
When we can shift our focus from “I need to look a certain way” to “I need to feel a certain way”, it shifts us from this diet culture mindset into a positive mindset that sets the foundation for our desired results. Ultimately, it’s about creating a balanced lifestyle that allows you to enjoy life to the fullest while taking care of your health. Over the past 6 months, I’ve undergone a personal transformation that has not only helped me lose weight but also enabled me to maintain a healthy balance between fitness, nutrition, social life, and travel. Whilst I’ve always been pretty consistent over the last few years, you can see from my pictures above that since making some additional changes, I’ve managed to improve my own body composition and in doing so lost weight in the process with the focus being to feel my strongest and healthiest self.
Here’s how I did it, following the home workout programmes from my Sculpt & Flow wellness platform and the nutrition programme from Thrive.
Setting the Stage: My Goals and Motivation
When I started this journey, my primary goals were to feel stronger and improve my overall health. I wanted to feel more energetic, confident, and comfortable in my own skin. However, I also knew that I didn't want to sacrifice my social life or miss out on holidays. My aim was to find a sustainable routine that would fit seamlessly into my lifestyle as I knew that would be what I could maintain long term.
The Workout Routine: Sculpt & Flow Programmes
I focused on the home workout programmes available on my Sculpt & Flow wellness platform, most recently the new 12 week Sculpt & Tone Programme. These programmes are designed to be effective, convenient, and adaptable to different fitness levels. Here’s a breakdown of the classes:
Pilates: focusing on core strength, flexibility, and toning. Pilates has been instrumental in improving my posture and muscle tone.
Barre: targeting small muscle groups to build lean muscle and enhance endurance. Barre workouts are low-impact but incredibly effective especially when combined with weights like we have in this programme.
Yoga: to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. Yoga sessions have been a fantastic way to unwind and reconnect with myself.
These workouts typically last between 20-25 minutes, making it easy to fit them into a busy schedule. I’ve found that consistency is key, so I’ve stuck to this routine religiously with breaks when I’m on holiday.
The Nutrition Plan: Thrive Programme
Nutrition plays a critical role in any transformation journey. The Thrive programme provided me with a personalised nutrition plan tailored to my goals and preferences. Here are the key elements of my nutrition plan:
Balanced Meals: Each meal includes a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This balance has been crucial for maintaining energy levels and promoting muscle growth.
Healthy Snacks: I incorporated hormone-friendly snacks to keep my blood sugar levels stable and curb cravings. Some of my favourites include Greek yoghurt with flaxseeds and berries, hummus with veggie sticks, and apple slices with almond butter.
Mindful Eating: I focused on eating mindfully, paying attention to my hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying my meals without distractions.
Balancing Social Life and Travel
One of the biggest challenges was maintaining my routine while enjoying my social life and going on holidays. Here’s how I managed it:
Social Events: I made healthier choices when dining out, opting for grilled options, salads, and dishes rich in vegetables and lean proteins. I also allowed myself to indulge occasionally without guilt, knowing that balance is essential. When consuming alcohol, I don’t actually drink much but would opt for Skinny Margaritas or Soda Water, Lime and Tequila.
Travel: I adapted my workout routine to my travel schedule. I used the Sculpt & Flow app to follow workouts in my room. I also stayed active by exploring new places on foot and on some holidays took a total break to give my body time to rest.
Hydration and Sleep: Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep were non-negotiables. They played a significant role in my overall well-being and energy levels.
Results: A New Me
After six months of dedication and balance, I’m thrilled with the results. I’ve lost weight, my body composition has improved significantly, and I feel stronger and more confident. But more importantly, I’ve managed to create a sustainable lifestyle that allows me to enjoy my life fully.
I’ve realised that achieving fitness and health goals doesn’t mean sacrificing the things you love. With the right approach, you can enjoy a balanced life while making significant progress towards your wellness goals.
Join Me on Your Wellness Journey
If you’re inspired by my journey and looking for a sustainable way to achieve your health and fitness goals, I invite you to join my Sculpt & Flow wellness platform and/or the Thrive programme. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply improve your overall health, these programmes offer the tools and support you need to succeed.
Sculpt & Flow: Access a variety of home workout programmes, including Pilates, Barre, and Yoga, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
Thrive: Receive a personalised nutrition plan and habit-building strategies tailored to your unique needs.
Sign up today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about making progress and finding balance in your life.