The first year I lost 40kg (6st 4lbs), the second I lost another 20kg; I’m still on this journey, I don’t want to slip back into old ways. It’s really the little things that I’ve noticed the most, like not having to breathe in when I bend down to tie up my shoes. The back pain that I was developing has gone and I sleep so much better at a lighter weight.
But what really keeps me focused is the fact that my family is so important to me and I want to be around to support them as long as possible. The way I was headed I was going to end up a burden to them, but now, after qualifying as a personal trainer and doing various nutrition courses myself, I’ve helped them and my clients make more positive changes to their lifestyles, too. We’re all happier for it.
My workout week
I do an hour of cardio first thing in the morning, five times a week. Then in the evening, after work, I do an hour of resistance training five times a week. It’s so important to add in strength training, especially as you age.
What I eat in a day
- Breakfast: Egg white omelette, half grapefruit and lots of water
- 10am: Chicken salad
- Lunch: Steak and vegetables
- Snack: Before working out I’ll have something high carb like oats and some protein
- Dinner: Chicken and some carbs
On rest days I make sure I eat a lot of fish and ease off from the carbs.
Lifestyle aides
Caffeine: Three or four black coffees a day
Guilty pleasure: I love ice cream
Alcohol: If there’s a special occasion I might have a glass of wine, but I can go months without it
Sleep: Six hours is my average, which suits me.
sharpfitforlife.com
As told to Jessica Salter
