I’d got my post pregnancy body back into shape, but then everything went to pot again. So, I set myself a goal. By Lyndsey Kelly, 45
Hearing the glug of the wine as I poured it into the glass, my shoulders relaxed.
Then I heaped up my plate with my chicken kebab from the takeaway, sat in front of the TV and tucked in, topping up my glass as I ate.
That’s better, I thought, finally letting go of the stresses of the day.
Comfort eating had always been my downfall and meant that over the years, my weight had been up and down.
After my son was born,
I wanted to be a fit mum, so I’d joined a gym near my home in Bolton to try to tackle it once and for all.
I’d become hooked on working out and even hired
a PT who got me into lifting weights.
In no time at all, I’d got into the best shape of my life and loved how powerful and strong it made me feel.
I felt so confident, when my PT suggested I enter a bodybuilding competition, I went for it – and came fifth!
But once the competition was over, although I kept going to the gym, I relaxed on my diet.
I’ve got the body I want, I can eat anything now,
I thought to myself.
Only, that wasn’t quite true and my weight began creeping up again. Then, when the pandemic hit, I fell off the wagon good and proper.
I was back to snacking on crisps and chocolate and munching takeaways.
Now, 13 years after having my son and getting fit, all my hard work had been undone.
Not only did I hate how I looked, but I also felt so tired all the time.
‘I need to make a change,’ I told a friend.
Having the support of an expert had helped before, so when I spotted a fitness coach was running a competition to win three months’ free coaching, I entered.
I didn’t win, but when the coach rang to tell me that, we got chatting and I found myself signing up with him.
‘I might as well spend my money on training rather than takeaways,’ I joked.
As I cut out the snacks, takeaways and wine, I also gave myself some added motivation by booking myself in for a photoshoot in six months’ time.
At first, it was really hard, but within six weeks, my clothes felt looser and I had more energy.
By the time I got in front of the camera I felt great, and when I got the photos back,
I could hardly believe the muscly, attractive woman I saw in them was me!
I was 9st 10lb, a size 8-10, and I felt amazing.
When I posted the photos from the shoot on Instagram, I was inundated with positive comments and messages.
Since then, I’ve been working with my trainer to build up my muscles even more. And I’ve put on a
stone in muscle. I might
enter another bodybuilding competition soon.
The energy I’ve got helps with work and being the best mum I can to my son.
I’ve truly never felt better and this time round, I’m determined to stay being the fit and healthy mum I always wanted to be.
BEFORE 13st 1lb, size 14
AFTER 9st 10lb, size 8-10
DIET BEFORE
Breakfast: bagel with peanut butter or porridge
Lunch: sandwich with crisps
Dinner: spaghetti Bolognese, takeaway
Snacks: crisps, nuts, protein bars
DIET AFTER
Breakfast: bagel with almond butter and pre-workout protein shake
Lunch: chicken and jasmine rice
Dinner: beef chilli with home-made chips and greens
Snacks: protein pudding and dark chocolate