Having a new wardrobe built at home was an opportune time to go through my clothes. But it also became the catalyst for my weight loss – I was disappointed with myself and upset to find that the majority of my clothes hardly fit.

I donated a lot of my clothes to charity, while other outfits were stored away with a promise that if they didn’t fit within three to six months, they too would have to be donated. The clothes I was left with in my new wardrobe were my ‘fat clothes’.

I’d purchased many weight loss magazines over the years, but it was time for real change – I decided entering this competition was the only serious way for me to lose weight. Sending in photos of myself was an important step as I really wanted to see change, and the photos made me feel accountable when it came to my weight loss.

My husband had won 36 sessions with a PT last year, but hadn’t used the vouchers. The day before the offer was due to expire, I walked in and signed up after agreeing with my husband to workout together. However, I ended up doing it alone and loved it!

Apart from a couple of weeks off due to illness or injury, I have kept up a regular routine of training two to three times a week with Studio One for the past ten weeks, and have attended aqua aerobics two times a week. I have finally put my treadmill and exercise equipment at home to good use and I’ve also discovered new hobbies. I really enjoy boxing and have just purchased a punching bag for home.

I love beer and have made a serious effort to only have a drink once a week. I also love bread and pasta and have reduced my portion sizes when eating. Nevertheless, I am trying to keep up a regular pattern of eating every few hours and never missing out on breakfast – the most important meal of the day.

I’m off to Queensland for a holiday and I’m so happy that I’ve packed clothes that were set to go to the donation bins. I’ve also packed exercise clothes as I’m intent on keeping up this routine to feel great and see more change. I have a while to go to get to my ideal body weight but I’m happy to be out of my fat clothes. c