Fitness and nutrition weren't always on my radar. Starting in my teens, a negative experience led me into a bit of a battle with bulimia, and that struggle stuck around until my late 20s. Fortunately I was and still am, very lucky that I was able to tackle that challenge and overcome it.
My late teens and the start of university quickly ramped things up. Up until around the age of 30, life was pretty straightforward – just having a blast, eating and drinking whatever I fancied, and doing things I enjoyed. After work, you'd find me either on the sofa or at a bar, eating and drinking what I liked, not giving a second thought to how it might be affecting my body. It was a bit of a Groundhog Day situation – work, sofa or bar, sleep, and eagerly waiting for the weekend to roll around, where I'd dive into some serious binge-drinking and treat myself to delicious fast food [we've all been there though, right?]. I thought I was living my best life and everything was grand, until it wasn’t.
Side note: There were moments over the years where I attempted to change things, more so from an aesthetic point of view. I followed random workout plans, FAD diets, and got lost in confusing and overwhelming internet advice. None of it really got me where I wanted to be. So I would just fall back into my ‘norm’.
At about 30, I hit a phase where I didn’t love the body I was in, and I just wasn't feeling great. Lethargy, low moods, and an overall sense of unfulfillment became my day to day. Work and life dissatisfaction reached a breaking point. My job started making me miserable, I persistently felt unhappy, and the whole routine of working and then drowning sorrows in weekend drinks lost its charm. It dawned on me that I wasn't really living a high-quality life or being the best version of myself, a change was way overdue.
This lightbulb moment happened right before a trip to the Canaries for my friend's hen do. Realising I'd be hanging out with around 20 bikini-clad women, I knew I'd feel awkward if I didn't tackle my body concerns. So, I dove in – changed up my diet, got into a regular workout groove, brought in some discipline, put my health first, and made smarter choices in social scenes, like dialling down the booze. Lo and behold, in just six months, the change was crystal clear – I felt and looked better, and I was over the moon.
This is when my love for nutrition and fitness kicked off. Skip ahead seven years, and here I am – a certified personal training, CrossFit coach, and nutrition coach, specialising in strength training, coaching women, and offering support through the hurdles of menopause.
And it's not just that – working out and moving around became a natural part of my routine, not just an extra task. I figured out the type of movement I actually enjoyed, had a positive impact and left me feeling off if I skipped them. I started enjoying foods that fueled my body and gave me a good energy kick. It all just seamlessly became a part of who I am. Now, don't get me wrong, I still savour all my favourite foods, have a glass of wine, and get my sofa time in, but my life's in balance. I'm basically living by the 80/20 rule.
Through dedicated studies and learning from the supportive community I've surrounded myself with, I've discovered the essentials for achieving my health and fitness goals. Now, my mission is clear – to help other women, cut through the noise, ditch the unnecessary fuss, and focus on actionable steps that truly matter. Join me on this blog as I share practical insights and guide you toward meaningful changes in your life.