I was reading your magazine just before my 34th birthday. The stars must have aligned for me that day, because three articles struck a particular cord with my situation.

The most inspiring article was about 2009 BodyBlitz Grand Champion Liz Bickerton. I read her story and was thrilled to find so many similarities to my own life. I was in awe of Liz's before and after photos, her body looked amazing and she looked so happy – like a woman who has everything under control. I knew then that this was the way I wanted to look and feel.

I've had at least five attempts to lose weight since I first put on 10kg as a teenager. Although the diet plans and exercise routines varied, the results were always the same; I'd lose weight but eventually I would become complacent and the weight would creep back on – and with interest!

I wondered why some people yo-yoed on diets all their lives and others could maintain weight loss permanently. I knew I was missing the final piece to the puzzle.

I decided then and there that my goal was to lose weight and, more importantly, keep it off for good. I wanted to focus on maintenance rather than weight loss specifically.

I knew I needed someone to be accountable to, so I enlisted the help of an online personal trainer (Ideal Bodies Online). The idea of a tailored nutrition, supplement and training program appealed to me, and allowed me to focus on my goal of permanent weight loss.

In the past, one of my major hurdles was that if I let go of my diet, I'd decide that I could start again on Monday. Now I no longer have an ‘all or nothing’ mentality. If I fall off the wagon I simply get right back on it the very next meal!

Similarly, in the past I'd eat whatever was available, whereas I now make the best possible food choices in any situation, without compromising my training and nutrition, or feeling guilty. I no longer starve myself on low calorie diets, and by eating properly portioned, regular meals I no longer experience nasty sugar cravings.

The emotional, physical and mental benefits I've gained are worth more to me than gold! For example, being organised. By planning my weekly/daily meals ahead, my life has a good balance.

I now love my body rather than loathe it, and this motivates me to continue to care for and nurture it. However, the most wonderful thing of all is that my self esteem is higher than ever.

My transformation has honestly changed my life in just 12 short weeks. Allowing myself the ‘me’ time to pursue my goal is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I know that I will never need to go on a diet again as I've found the missing piece of the puzzle!