Monica’s tips for BodyBlitz success: • Treat exercise as an appointment – you would not miss a massage appointment so why skip an exercise appointment? • Have emergency food on hand to prevent a last-minute dash for fast food. • Be organised and get your partner to provide as much support as possible. • Do it for yourself. I have my white capri pants hanging up in the lounge for motivation!

After having three children (aged five, three and four months) in five years I was aching to get my body back in shape. Little did I realise that not only did I get leaner, fitter and stronger because of the BodyBlitz challenge, but I was happier, more confident and had masses of energy.

It was not easy, but once committed I was focused and adamant that I was going to give it my best shot. Being accountable to my feedback coach was key to my success. Good advice and constant support kept me on the straight and narrow.

I did veer off the program at times, but learnt that the next day is new and to start over again. I learnt that if I did not make a healthy choice or I did not find time to exercise that I would only be hurting my success and that I was responsible for making the changes.
I was used to blaming my weight gain on the kids, the outings and the holidays, but now I take control and identify that this is my body and I need to take care of it.

I have type 1 diabetes and use an insulin pump. Learning the ways that my body responds to exercise, different carbohydrates and stress has been a great learning curve. I have embraced reducing my insulin requirements, which in turn has assisted me in controlling my diabetes. This means that not only will I be running after my kids, but hopefully running with my grandchildren!

Over the 12 weeks I had to overcome numerous obstacles. My five-year-old started school, my three-year-old started toilet training, I started a new job and I was breastfeeding and expressing for my beautiful four-month-old. With all this happening, the best part is that the exercise and the weight loss has given me the energy to cope – so it’s a blessing rather than a hinderance.

The hardest thing is to make time for exercise. Yes, I could do it at home or take the kids for a walk in the pram, but I needed to make my time work more efficiently. So I looked at going to the gym as an appointment – so if I had to go for coffee with girlfriends then it would be after the gym or another time. There is a crèche at my gym, which is fantastic as I have no family in my town who can help me out.
Being diabetic, I already ate foods low in sugar and fat, but I have found that protein curbs my appetite.

My personal challenge isn’t over yet, as I still have 5kg to lose. Fitting into the white capri pants I wore on my honeymoon is my ultimate goal! But I am proud of myself and my family are ecstatic about the new me.