I have never been completely comfortable in my own skin. I’ve always been a slim build and managed to keep myself in regularly good shape but I have always felt (as I’m sure most women have) that I wanted to change certain parts of me, namely my “kangaroo pouch” tummy. When I came back from 3 months travelling around South East Asia, all that fried food and no exercise had taken its toll and I was at my heaviest and feeling pretty down. So I joined a gym and kept my weight in check even getting myself a personal trainer, Will who was really fantastic and I started getting into shape. However, a pattern started emerging. I would do really well for a couple of weeks, exercising regularly and eating right but then something would happen and I would feel disheartened and go back to square one.

A few weeks ago I was complaining to my other half for the millionth time about my body when he turned around and said “well why don’t you do something about it?”. He was right, I needed to take control and start doing something about it. However, it wasn’t only about my shape, it was about me feeling confident with my own skin which has nothing to do with my weight or shape. I wanted to start feeling healthy and happy within myself.

I came across through Instagram a lady called Kayla Itsines. She is from Australia and has developed a 12 week food and exercise regime.  She isn’t promoting a fad diet or ridiculous exercise thats going to cause you to lose weight in the short term but once it’s over your more likely to put it back on in the long term. No, instead she is trying to change the way people look at eating and working out so that they make better health choices in the long run.  Her mission is to help as many women as possible achieve their ideal body, their confidence and their happiness. (You can access her site here)

I moved out of my family home at the weekend and decided to start her 12 week programme yesterday (yes I know this blog is a couple of days late!). I can now decide what to eat and according to Kayla’s guidelines monitor my intake and gym routine. I shall be posting my progress including photos, food recipes I’ve enjoyed and letting you know how much I am enjoying (or hating) the regime.

I will also be looking into other activities in an effort to boost my self-confidence and learn to love me for me.