2010 Body Blitz Grand Champion - Monica Jessop!!

It was just time...

Time to get healthy, happy and like me for me! After having three children (aged 5 years, 3 years and four months) in five years I was aching to get my body back in shape. Little did I realize that not only did I get leaner, fitter and stronger but I was happier, more confident and had masses of energy.
It was not easy, but once committed I was focused and was adamant that I was going to give it my best shot. Having to be accountable to my Feedback Coach was an essential aspect 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 choose a healthy choice or I did not make time to exercise that I would only be hurting my success and that I was responsible for making the changes. I was use to “blaming” my weight gain on the kids, the outings, the holidays etc 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...

So 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 having excellent diabetes control. This will mean that not only will I be running after my kids but hopefully running with my grandchildren!
 

Hurdles that I have had in the last 12 weeks are numerous. My five year old started school, my three year old started toiler training, I started a new job two days a week and I was fully breastfeeding and expressing for my beautiful four month child. I had visitors, Easter and a 70th birthday party. With all this happening the best part is that the exercise and the weight loss has given me the energy to be able to do this!! Not a burden but a blessing.

The hardest thing is to make time for exercise a priority. Yes, I could do it at home, take the kids for a walk in the pram but I needed to make my time work 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. I have crèche available at my gym which is fantastic as I have no family in my town who can help me out.

Being diabetic, I already ate low sugar, low fat but I have found that protein curbs my appetite and protein drinks assists in muscle conditioning. I tried a few different supplements and love the chocolate Horleys Carbless Bars and MRM Chocolate Low Carb Protein drinks.

I still have 5 kilograms to lose as I don’t quite fit into my honeymoon white Capri pants-my ultimate goal!

I am proud of me and my family are ecstatic about the new me.

Monica's Tips for Success:

• Treat your exercise an appointment-you would not miss your massage appointment so why your exercise appointment?
• Be prepared…..make extra for the next day
• Have emergency food on hand-protein bar or apple
• Be organized-get crèche booked a week ahead; get your partner to support as much as possible because they win a happier you!
• Do it for you - I still have my white Capri pants hanging up in the lounge so when I loose the last 5 kg I will fit into them…like I did before my kids. Keep motivated!