Some great feedback from our Body challenges

Gemma
Before I started the challenge I was stuck in a vicious cycle of weight watchers. At the point of joining the challenge I consumed alcohol most days which led to chocolate and cheese and I drank Diet Coke like it was going out of fashion. I was worried about not feeling lovely when I become a bridesmaid for my good friend in June when Stu suggested a join the challenge. 
 
The biggest challenge for me was giving up the Diet Coke - averaging around 5 cans a day. Once I had got through the first 5 days, I seriously felt amazing. I thought I would miss the bread, pasta, crisps etc but I seriously didn't. I love cooking and am a bit of a foodie and found the recipes really delicious. I prepped and planned my meals at the beginning of the week to make sure everything was to hand when I was hungry and I didn't reach for the crisp cupboard. 
 
I am most pleased with my weight loss over the 6 weeks - 11lbs of fat lost as well as some muscle gain. I have much more energy, sleep amazingly and got a real confidence boost when friends and family commented on how good I was looking. I am also really pleased with my improved fitness levels and changing shape as a result. 
 
I would say to anyone considering this challenge to do it!! The food and exercise plan make you feel amazing.  I have started my half marathon training and I am already seeing that I am considerably faster and stronger than last year.  Looking forward to starting the next challenge!  
 
Lisa
I had been trying to get back to my old self since coming back from the Falklands and whilst I had lost a stone, it was slow progress. My daughter got me into the bootcamps and the newsletters followed. I read the email about 5 times before I thought....just go for it....the only thing you have to lose is a few quid. The idea of support, a menu plan and exercise was the boost I needed to get to my goal.
 
The plan was easy to follow provided you were prepared. I managed to maintain my social life (although now a bit of a lightweight), go on holiday, work away and still remain reasonably on track using the principles of the plan. I am quite fortunate in that there is generally a gym when I am away for work. The support and encouragement from the group has helped me stay on track. That in itself has been invaluable. I am now in a happy place with the way I feel, look and I am currently going through my wardrobe having a big clear out as nothing fits!”
 
Rachel
So helpful that the food plan was designed to be quick to prepare. Lots of tasty options that I enjoyed serving up to guests too!  Doing it as a group was invaluable. Each time I was struggling, someone else was in the same place and the group were great at encouraging each other and inspiring each other to try new stuff.

It's definitely changed my mindset and approach to food. I had some very bad food habits that I didn't think I'd be able to quit.. But I'm no longer an evening snacker!  I did lose a heap of weight. About 10kg, which was far more than I expected. I set myself goals and really pushed myself.

Advice? 
Shout when you're struggling. 
Had a bad day? Don't give up, get back on it. 
Plan and prep like a demon! 
Be honest, if you use myfitnesspal, you will know if you logged that biscuit or imagined it away.
Photograph your food!!!
And... DO IT! I feel better for it in so many ways, fitter, lighter, healthier.. It's about putting you first and getting in balance.