On Mondays and Fridays I work out with my Personal Trainer and so don’t take my phone or headphones for something to listen to during my cardio. Sometimes I watch the tv shows which have the subtitles on but last week whilst there I got to thinking and came up with the following list of things I have learned or at least realised recently.

1. That I really like exercise! Who knew!?! At school I did everything I could to avoid PE because I hated it but now in an environment of getting fit, healthy and wellness I love the challenge of the weight lifting in the PT sessions, walking park run or with the Aussie and friends. It’s a shame really that I didn’t discover this passion for it at school but I have now and I am fitter and healthier than ever.

2. That nutrition really is key. Now I did always know that a healthy diet is essential but I didn’t fully realise how vital it is when you are trying to loose weight and get healthy. When I started going to the gym I lost weight but it was very hit and miss and so for several months I ended up loosing and gaining the same two kilos over and over. I am very lucky as about 6 or 7 weeks ago I started receiving nutritional advice which includes meal plans every one to two weeks and advice and guidance which has been invaluable. This has been a total game changer for me, I have broken my bad snacking habits, never feel hungry and I have had such great results.

3. That being able to fit into a “normal” clothes size (at the top end but they fit and don’t look to bad) can actually be overwhelming when shopping. Shopping used to be tough, I would have to see what I could find in my size and hope it fit and din’t look to terrible. I now walk through the shops and see so many things I like and that should fit that I don’t know where to begin (which may be helpful in stopping me spend!) so I walk away without anything!

4. That just because you are “thinner” doesn’t mean your brain gets it. At home and work etc we don’t have full length mirrors so I only see my head and shoulders properly. I can see in my face I have lost weight but don’t see my body much. When I do catch my reflection in a full length mirror or a photograph it frequently catches me by surprise now and I guess I am shocked! In a good way. I think this just means my brain needs to catch up with my body but it is a fantastic feeling seeing myself from time to time!

5. That it’s hard to take compliments sometimes. My family and friends are so amazingly supportive. Some are even lucky enough to get bombarded with my internal monologue about my diet, exercise and weight loss, sorry about that! When people tell me they think I’m doing great etc my initial reaction is oh but I still need to loose X kgs and I need to stop doing that and take the compliment and appreciate the hard work I have been putting in!