SUMMER BODY SHAPE UP 2019

Before I started the challenge I was stuck in a vicious cycle of Weight Watchers. At the point of joining the challenge I consumed alcohol most days which led to chocolate and cheese and I drank Diet Coke like it was going out of fashion. I was worried about not feeling lovely when I become a bridesmaid for my good friend in June when my friend suggested we join the challenge together. The biggest challenge for me was giving up the Diet Coke - averaging around 5 cans a day. Once I had got through the first 5 days, I seriously felt amazing. I thought I would miss the bread, pasta, crisps etc but I seriously didn't. I love cooking and am a bit of a foodie and found the recipes really delicious. I prepped and planned my meals at the beginning of the week to make sure everything was to hand when I was hungry and I didn't reach for the crisp cupboard. I am most pleased with my weight loss over the 4 weeks - 8lbs of fat lost as well as some muscle gain. I have much more energy, sleep amazingly and got a real confidence boost when friends and family commented on how good I was looking. I am also really pleased with my improved fitness levels and changing shape as a result. I would say to anyone considering this challenge to do it!! The food and exercise plan make you feel amazing. I have started my half marathon training and I am already seeing that I am considerably faster and stronger than last year. Looking forward to starting the next challenge!

I had been trying to get back to my old self since coming back from the Falklands and whilst I had lost a stone, it was slow progress. My daughter got me into the courses and the newsletters followed. I read the email about 5 times before I thought....just go for it....the only thing you have to lose is a few quid. The idea of support, a menu plan and exercise was the boost I needed to get to my goal. The plan was easy to follow provided you were prepared. I managed to maintain my social life (although now a bit of a lightweight), go on holiday, work away and still remain reasonably on track using the principles of the plan. I am quite fortunate in that there is generally a gym when I am away for work. The support and encouragement from the group has helped me stay on track. That in itself has been invaluable. I am now in a happy place with the way I feel, look and I am currently going through my wardrobe having a big clear out as nothing fits!”