My fitness journey truly began way back in my college years but I really only began taking it seriously a little over two years ago. This first picture (below) is one of the first “progress pics” I ever took. Now I will say that I never ever thought I was over weight – but I was never body confident. I used to hide under baggy clothes and I was always very hung up on feeling bloated, sluggish and swollen. I had no shape and yet I would easily run 8-10km up to three times a week. I did a little in the gym – maybe two days of weight training – but looking back now I wasn’t lifting anything that was challenging me in any way. I was spending hours every week trying to achieve the body I wanted and getting no where fast. I would go to bed EVERY night hungry abiding by a rule of no food after 6pm which was crazy. I had very little carbs in my diet and was constantly tired and low on energy.
![IMG_1510](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_1510-224x300.jpg)
In December 2013 I decided to take on a 6 week challenge to kickstart the “new me”. Dave helped me with a plan and I got to work exercising 5 days a week with weights for no more than 50 minutes to 1 hour per day. I followed a gym plan that was easy to maintain and my food plan was more than satisfying. I should point out however that there was absolutely NO alcohol during this six weeks but it was a small price to pay!!
![IMG_5315](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_5315-225x300.jpg)
In just two weeks I noticed a BIG difference in my shape. I began to see definition and that was literally ALL the motivation I needed to keep on going. Taking progress pics like these was a big help. I used to line them up side by side and pat myself on the back!!! Seeing the changes right there in front of you is a big help to keeping you on track.
![January 2014](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_5571-225x300.jpg)
By March 2014 – after a SIX WEEK TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE I was delighted with the results. My body had shaped up nicely and I was beginning to see the benefits of building a little bit of muscle. I loved the feeling of being strong and that was an additional driving force for me.
![IMG_6456](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_6456-225x300.jpg)
Since that time my body shape has pretty much stayed the same. My diet is not the same day to day, I definitely like mixing it up. I love the routine of some things but for dinner I do like a little bit of variety. I eat 5-6 times a day and always feel satisfied.
![IMG_2827](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_2827-300x300.jpg)
Right now I have definitely found what works for me. Sure my bodyfat can creep up from time to time – there are weeks when my training can suffer due to the nature of the work I do – but for me I now KNOW how to get to and stay at a place that I am more than happy with with a little bit of planning, preparation and hard work.
Foodwise I usually opt for the following:
Breakfast: 2 Full eggs, 1/2 Avocado, Flaxseed, Coffee
Snack: Protein Shake + Fruit OR Vegetable Juice
Lunch: Chicken salad with Sweet Potato OR left over dinner
(Sometimes if I have just trained I’ll go for Pro-oats at this time)
Snack: Low Sugar Protein Bar
Dinner: Protein source/Carbs
Snack: Proyo
At the weekend I am less strict and I do tend to have a couple of cheat meals and even a few glasses of vino! My number ONE rule is that it HAS to be sustainable for you….
Learning what works for me has changed my life – because for the first time ever I am happy and content with my body. I feel good from the inside out and I still get to “live” my life.
![11898583_897426067013918_2407600606320253300_n](https://www.leannemoore.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/11898583_897426067013918_2407600606320253300_n-300x158.jpg)