Body Transformation: Brandi Lost The Post-Pregnancy Pounds

Vital Stats

Name: Brandi Wisdom
Email: brandi5772@hotmail.com

Why I Got Started

After having our son in 2005, I began a vicious cycle that involved low self-esteem, depression, and food. As most parents can agree, juggling life with a child is difficult - especially when you have a job, housework, spouse/family and other activities to tackle everyday.

With the busy schedule, I used fast food as a crutch in order to "save time" in the kitchen and never made time to exercise. This lifestyle led to me gaining weight and becoming more and more unhappy every day. I never wanted to look in the mirror, and shopping for clothes was only done when necessary. I was tired of buying extra large shirts - and it seemed every time I needed to buy jeans, I would be going up a size from previous purchases.

I didn't realize what was in store for me until I was introduced to my personal trainer, Micah LaCerte, by a dear friend who was being trained by him and making remarkable strides in her post-pregnancy weight loss. My friend had no idea that she popped into my life at one of my lowest points emotionally.

It was from that moment on, that I knew it was time for me to turn my life around. I was not happy inside - and it needed to change in a hurry!

How I Did It

The first step in reaching my weight loss goals was believing in myself. I will be honest, it took me awhile to actually know that I was stronger on the inside than what I thought. Once I began working out and changing my diet, the results slowly started taking place.

I did cardio 7 days of the week, and 3-4 days a week of weights. My daily goal was to burn 500-1000 calories. In addition to my personal workouts, I spent two days a week with Micah strength training. He would push me to limits I never would have pushed myself to do on my own.

The diet was very important in my weight loss success. Micah gave me specific instructions and guidelines on my food and calorie intake. I followed his diet perfectly. Not one time did I cheat on any drink or food. I can honestly say that I didn't even have a little nibble of a cookie during my transformation.

I went into my transformation knowing that I wanted change - and there isn't one food out there that was worth eating to sabotage my ultimate happiness.

Supplements

I used Magnum Nutraceuticals supplements.

Diet

My daily diet consisted of a mixture of proteins and healthy good carbs. I always incorporated green vegetables into my lunch and dinner. I ate 6 meals a day, and ate balanced all day long.

Training

As mentioned, my training included 7 days of cardio with 3-4 days of weight training. On weight training days, I would focus on lower or upper body (concentrating on 3 different muscle groups each time) and then mix in cardio between exercises. At the end of my workout, I always concluded with abs.

When exercising, I would push myself to go just a few more reps - even when it felt impossible to go any further. When you push yourself to failure, it will make you stronger - and I don't mean just physically, but especially mentally.

The main component in my weight loss was learning that cardio is KEY! Cardio was very crucial in helping me shed the pounds.

Suggestions for Others

Decide that this is something you want to do for yourself. Other people can be your motivation (i.e. your children, spouse, etc) but they cannot and should not force you to do something your not willing to want to do for yourself. It starts with you!

Look in the mirror and visualize your ultimate goal for yourself. Don't look in the mirror and say "I want to look like a bikini model." Look in the mirror and say "I want to be the best ME!" Think about if you were able to reach that goal, how you will feel. Then commit to it! What an empowering feeling that no one else can give you but you can give to yourself!

Life is full of choices. You choose to eat healthy, or you don't. You choose to exercise, or you don't. You choose to eat fast food, or you choose to go home and prepare a healthy meal. Everyone has excuses - we are all busy, we all have families/jobs/sports/laundry….but that doesn't mean you can't make healthy choices.

Choose to do the right things when it comes to anything in life (especially your health) - and you will reap the reward in the end. Weight loss has truly affected every aspect in my life. I feel that I am a better "everything to everyone" because of my new lifestyle.

Lastly, I am so proud to know that my lifestyle changes allowed me to compete. I took 3rd place in Bikini at the WBFF Central Championships in May 2011. I never would have thought in the beginning that my life would change so much that it would lead me to where I am now. But not everyone who loses weight wants to step on stage - so find your goal. Maybe you want to fit into your favorite jeans again. No matter how big or small your goals are - remember it's not easy, but worth it!

Trainer Credit:
Micah LaCerte - HitchFit Online Personal Training, www.HitchFit.com

Photographic Credit:
David Bickley - David Bickley Photography, www.davidbickley.com

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