michelle bridges and 12WBT

Weight loss. Boo.

Let me eat whatever I want and not have to think about doing any exercise unless I want too!

Unfortunately, I am not one of those people that can down a big mac and have no affect on my body. I gain weight. And boy have I gained a truck load! And some more...

I accepted this was my world. But now, after successfully completely a 12WBT round (Rnd 3 2011) and somewhat casually strolling through another (Rnd 1 2012), I'm back to take this down and as a part of unravelling my world, I'm going to get to the bottom of my weight gain and reaching my weight and fitness goal.

I didn't even notice my body was changing and growing. It didn't even occur to me that I was buying bigger clothes to cover my new larger body. I just ignored it. And chowed down some more chocolate.

These are the photos that made me realise I needed to make a change....



I'm in the black and purple dress on the left. I'm not pregnant but I sure look it!



Getting my first and only tattoo...

I like to think I have height on my side. I'm 5ft9in so I can carry extra weight, but at the moment and previously I have carried more than I care to admit!

Since the beginning of 2011, I have lost 20kgs. And do you know what? It was easier than I thought. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it, put in the effort, and believe in the program you have signed up for.

The hardest part is getting in the right mind frame, staying in the mind frame, and realising you are worth it. Your future is worth it.

What kicked off my weight loss ninja kick last year? I went to the doctors as my lovely lady parts weren't working back in 2006. I wasn't regular and knew I wasn't pregnant. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I didn't think much of it besides the doctor saying "it may be a little difficult for you to conceive naturally but we'll worry about that later". As I wasn't ready for kids, I was ok with just plodding on. I remember my doctor saying to start to get ontop of my weight issue then but I figured I had plenty of time!

Fast forward 5 years to the start of 2011 - now married and knowing babies were playing on my mind, I went back to my GP. She said it's time to shape up and give natural conception a chance otherwise if I do need a little helping hand getting pregnant, my weight may be an issue. She sent me off to a dietician and I pretty much lied my way through my monthly meetings.



Me on my wedding day - 20kgs heavier!



Yes I'm following your plan.

Yes I feel great.

Yes the scales are moving.

Yes my clothes aren't so tight.

No, No, No and No.

I didn't have my head in the game. I was slowly losing weight but I felt like it was by accident. I was 10kgs down and then a friend suggested signing up to the Michelle Bridges 12WBT with her. Sure why not! And it was the best thing I ever did. I lost just over 10kgs during the program so in total 20kgs for the year.

It took me 9 months to lose 10kgs on my own vs 3 months to lose 10kgs doing the 12WBT.

Everyone started noticing by the end of the year. The compliments came in left, right and centre. It was lovely and also messed with my head. I figured I had done enough! People noticed, I was done! This was easy!

Me and my pal that convinced me to do the 12WBT at the Rnd 3 2011 finale party! We are SMOKIN!

What I didn't realise was the hard work in the gym, grocery shopping and spending 2 hours every Sunday arvo preparing breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for the week that was actually getting me to achieve my goals.

I lost my motivation and committment. I have gained 2kgs since the end of the year. It could have been worse, but we are now in May 2012 and I could have achieved so much more.

On Saturday night I went to the Rnd 1 2012 finale party. And not only was it a great night with some pretty amazing people, I met 2 very inspiring and motivating people. Margie, the winner of The Biggest Loser 2012 (she lost 73kgs!!!) and runner-up Alex (lost 72kgs!).



Margie and I at Rnd 1 2012 Finale Party



Alex and I at Rnd 1 2012 Finale Party

It was amazing to see so many people there that all have a common goal - finding the best person we can be and get fit! The top transformations were incredible and so motivating. And to think I was actually considering not going as I hadn't really achieved anything this round.

During the presentations, I said to a mate I met through the program - we can do this. We could win this. We could put our heads down and bums up and really commit to seeing this through.

It's not about winning the 12WBT - its about winning our own wars.

And I'm going to do it.

I will achieve my goals, I will smash out the 12WBT. And who knows, I could get close enough to be a finalist!

I'll be damned if I sit back and waste my life.

I have dreams to achieve and I have no idea why I haven't bothered to chase them down before.

There you have it. I have started unravelling the world of my weight issues.

Next stop: Weight and Fitness Goal.

You will be mine.

amiee