Transformation Tuesday with Michelle Casey
Let's welcome the gorgeous Michelle who after 2 kids shares her fitness journey, that even those that lead a healthy and fit lifestyle pre kids, also find it challenging to get back to their pre baby weight. So put your virtual hands to together and give Michelle a warm #TeamDani welcome! You look amazing and thank you for spreading the Mummy motivation love. For those of you that wish to share your new healthy journey, I would love to feature you on our weekly Transformation Tuesday segment. Please click and share you story here.
Happy TUESDAY!!!!
XxDani
How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?
31 - Mummy of 2 boys aged 4 + 1! I always classed myself as fit and healthy pre-kids enjoying running and going to the gym and eating what I thought was healthy!! It wasn't until i had my first born that I knew I had to really focus on what I was putting in my mouth, I wanted to be a fit, happy mummy to my son and I knew if I felt good then that would rub off on the whole family! ...I researched, spoke to people in the industry and set myself a goal. I had gained 22kg+ during my pregnancy and this resulted in me having ALOT of weight to lose PP. It was super daunting and at points it seemed unachievable however I was focused and had the most amazing support network. When my son turned 6 weeks I started at the gym under the watchful eye of a wonderful PT who believed in me. I took the dreaded 'before' photos and I ate clean, whole foods day in, day out... I mixed things up though and made sure i was still enjoying my meals and snacks! I was in fact eating more than ever before. About 8 weeks into my 'journey to fit' I started to notice the changes, I had lost about 12kg and felt amazing! I knew I still had a lot of hard work ahead of me to lose the last 5kg so i was head down, bum up! I worked out for 1 hour a day, 5-6 days a week. By the time my boy was 6 months i had lost a massive 30kg! I was 6 kg under my goal weight and my starting weight before bub and was in the best shape of my life! Who would have thought that AFTER kids i felt even better! This is when I knew I had found my path. During my 2nd pregnancy I ate a lot better and worked out for the majority of it... I only gained 16kg and this meant that after bub i had less weight to lose... although the journey was just as hard! I did the same thing - from 6 wks I started my plan and set my goals and by 6 months I had reached my pre-baby weight goal and loved my body once again...gaining energy and confidence. I have managed to maintain my weight ever since and even created an App for iPhone called I EatClean where i have shared all the foods i eat that are totally family friendly!
What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then?
As a child we ate a lot of white bread, pasta, rice etc...I am 1 of 6 kids so quick and easy food was always on the menu. We loved it although we certainly were not educated the way kids are these days! Now I have cut out all 'white' carbs and my kids eat wholemeal or rye bread...they know no different!! I love salad and fruit - as do my kids ...they are both mini fruit bats!! Although I allow them treats they know what good food is and are aware of what sugar can do to you i.e.: hypo kiddies haha I like to experiment with different foods which as a young adult i never would have so my taste-buds have expanded and I pretty much eat anything!
Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
Touch football is a fav of mine. I also love running - it helps to clear my head and enjoy working out at the gym. I love to watch surfing as my hubby is right into it...and enjoy the tennis too!
What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
I love spreading the health message to fellow Mummy's, this is my passion...and it makes me smile! My kids and husband are my rocks and they are the number 1 reason behind my happiness...kids have an amazing ability to make you stop and think about the small things...these are the things that matter. As a family we spend our days at the beach and just being around each other...time together is worth more than anything else!
What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
I think i answered that above in Q1!
What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?
I want to continue to spread the word of health to Mum's - I would love to do some motivational speaking about finding your best self after babies so this is something i will work on along with promoting my app and building my business.
What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?
-Take before photos. -Have a goal but break that big goal up into little goals so you can tick them off along the way and feel like you are achieving as you go! -It doesn't happen overnight...but if you stay focused and believe in yourself it will happen!! -Don't give up - this is normally when the miracle is about to happen!
List your social media if you would like people to follow you