Transformation Tuesday with Tom

You know how much I love you guys, I am so thrilled to share today's transformation story with this gorgeous man Tom. So it's not just us females that battle with diets and trying to find the right balance. Tom shares with us today what kick started his new fit and healthy lifestyle, please give Tom a warm welcome xx Transformation Tuesday with Tom

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?

I am a 31 year old male that has battled with my weight for many years. In 2008 I was planning to travel overseas and decided to begin my weight loss journey. The beginning involved a lot of trial and error with many fad diets and yo-yo dieting. In 2012 I started to pay more attention to serving size and starting running a lot more and slowly started to see some results. In 2014 my motivation was definitely my wedding, as well as some long distance fun runs that I had entered (such as half marathons). These really motivated me to lose more weight and I watched the kilograms drop off. I had finally gained the education about healthy eating (and how enjoyable it is) in conjunction with my training regime. I am now looking forward to a new and exciting challenge and am currently training for a half ironman in Cairns in June 2015, which I am training 7 days a week for.

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?

As a kid I was always provided with a nutritious diet with both Mum and Dad being great cooks. My Mum is from India and I was lucky enough to try some of India’s finest foods in my own home, but as I’ve become older can’t quite handle all the carbs involved. I was extremely active and with 4 siblings was always running around! My parents always promoted healthy food and my Mum is a fitness fanatic.

I moved from home at 18yo to attend university. In my first year I put on a total of 17kgs, and over the next few years my weight got out to 88kgs, a lot for someone my height (170cm). In 2014, I visited sports dietician Amy Giannotti (who has been featured on Dani Stevens) and since then have enjoyed a delicious balanced and healthy lifestyle. I have lost a total of 18kgs in 18 months, 20% of my original body weight!

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?

In the past I loved playing team sports, especially Aussie rules football, which I still love watching and try and get along each week. I also enjoy watching NBA and the cricket in summer. I am currently in training to complete my first Sprint Triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike ride, 5km run) in February and I have joined a Triathlon group for inspiration, motivation and fitness tips. I will also be completing a further two sprint triathlons in March and a half ironman in June. My training involves a lot of running, riding and swimming as well as strength work in the gym (usually 2 times a week). I also enjoy mixing things up by playing in a mixed netball team weekly with some friends.

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?

Other than keeping fit, I love to hang out with my Labrador, Cooney. He is definitely my best mate and we usually do everything together. My wife, who definitely makes me smile, shares my passion for travel and our bucket list is full of all the places we would still like to visit.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?

I remember, a few years back, I was with four of my friends and I was told that I looked the least trim out of the four of us. This is when it really hit home for me as I hadn’t realised how far things had gone. I was 88kg, lazy and eating unhealthy food. Things needed to change. When I met my now wife, she was into health and fitness which helped to motivate me. I was inspired to get back into the gym and start running. I’m almost faster than her now!

What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

My biggest goal of 2015 is to complete a half ironman (70.3) in June. It involves a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run. I would love to do it in under six hours, but just to cross that finish line would make me so proud! I surround myself with positive people and I am loving the triathlon community. Even though the sport is individual, you feel part of a huge team. I would also like to support my wife to get her new business venture off the ground in 2015!

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

In terms of healthy eating, I don’t believe in dieting as, even if a diet is immediately effective, once you stray from a diet the results won’t last. I really believe the answer is quite simple, and there are no hidden secrets. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Allow yourself to have 2-3 “free” meals each week, and don’t be too hard on yourself for these meals. Aim to eat from each food group to ensure you are fuelling your body properly. It really is a lot about educating yourself and your families about a healthy lifestyle and having fun with it.

For the physically active side of things, I think it is important to work towards achievable goals, whether it be running/walking a 5km fun run, going to the gym 3 days a week, or completing a half ironman! Keep moving for 30 minutes a day and you will see and feel the difference. Join in with local and/or social media groups, you’ll find all the motivation you need.

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