I signed up for the Ideal Bodies Online (IBO) 12-week challenge and came across the BodyBlitz challenge. I thought, if I am going to challenge myself I should make it worthwhile and BodyBlitz would make me more accountable, with two challenges to work towards.

My weight has always fluctuated by about 5kg. I used to feel comfortable when my weight was around 62kg; however, over the last 10 years I had my weight down to 58kg. I felt fantastic when I maintained this weight.
But over the last few years, my normal weight increased back to 62kg. During this period I felt very self-conscious, and always tried to get back into shape, with no long-term success. I challenged myself to get back to 58kg, where I knew I would feel much happier.

I received a photo from a friend, taken on Melbourne Cup Day 2010, and that was it; I needed to get myself in shape. I have always led an active life and have been a gym member for four years, working out four to five times a week. Exercise was not my issue; my diet was what was letting me down.

IBO gave me the tools and guidance to understand what I needed to eat and when. It was my saviour. I looked forward to every training session and especially loved the weight training.

I was totally focused on making this journey work for me, even staying strong over the Christmas party period. I was proud of myself; I was on a mission.

During the first six weeks, I could see weekly results. By week 10, I felt my progress slow and was disappointed, even contemplating not having a photo shoot. However, I booked it in and had to make the results happen.

With advice from the IBO team, I devised a plan to break through my plateau for weeks 11 and 12. Even though I was away on holidays, I maintained my focus. I was not going to let my circumstances defeat me.
On the morning of my photo shoot, I looked down at the scales. I couldn’t believe the reading: 54.5kg; I smashed my 58kg goal. Upon checking my body measurements, I was amazed at the end results. I lost a total of 52cm all over. I have never been this size in my adult life and had only dreamt of it. Now I can see the results of my patience, consistency and dedication.

I am in control, I feel fantastic inside-and-out and my confidence has increased dramatically; what more could I ask for?

I know what portion sizes and types of foods to eat during the day, and I know that I will be able to follow my new healthy way of living indefinitely.