Body Transformation: Joanne Built A New Body At 46!

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Until my 30s, I never struggled with my weight. When I started a home renovation and property management company with my ex-husband everything changed. The long hours left no time for healthy eating and I ate junk food and didn't exercise regularly—something I previously enjoyed very much.

By the time I was 39, I was a mess mentally and physically. My life revolved around taking care of everyone else in my life and putting my needs and wants last. I was depressed, severely overweight, and not at all comfortable in my own skin. I went through the motions every day feeling like I was practically invisible. My weight went up to 184 pounds and I lost all the muscle tone I previously had.

I was 40 when I finally took back control of my life. Working out in my own living room using inexpensive and easily available tools like dumbbells, resistance bands, and a few old exercise DVDs resulted in a steady rate of weight loss.

In addition to weight loss, exercise greatly helped me through the depression of divorce. My mind was cluttered with anger and pain, and exercising seemed to clear it away and let me focus on my body.

I was excited with my progress, so I read up on different healthy-eating plans and overhauled my diet. I avoided the drive-through completely and started eating five to six small meals a day. If I did go out to eat, I ordered lighter dishes like grilled tilapia instead of fried coconut shrimp.

After three months, I was down 25 pounds and ready to take my workouts to the next level. I was too self-conscious to go to the gym before, but I finally felt comfortable enough to join one and fell madly in love with strength training.

The addition of heavy resistance training reshaped my body from pear-shaped to an hour glass. I got my small waist back and my hips and butt shrunk dramatically. But the changes in my physical appearance were only the beginning. Taking care of myself changed me, giving me confidence, energy, and focus beyond anything I had ever experienced.

As a result, I decided to change careers. I'm currently a certified personal trainer with my own studio in Norwood, Massachusetts. I take great pleasure in helping others reach their health and fitness goals.

In January of 2012, I decided to push myself to another level and commit to entering the INBF Northeast Classic in the bikini masters category in June 2012. I did a ton of research, cleaned up my diet even more, and increased the intensity and focus of my training. I was amazed with the changes that occurred in my body and now I'm totally hooked.

I competed again in November 2012 in the INBF Monster Mash and made great progress from my first competition in muscle definition and overall confidence. I don't compete to place, but rather to give myself a set deadline and purpose.

I don't believe in proprietary formulations because you can never be sure of the exact amount of each ingredient and without the proper dosing it's not going to be effective.

I consume protein and veggies and/or fruit for every meal. Fruit is limited to two servings per day and can only be consumed during the first three meals of the day and/or ideally after workouts. Dairy protein is limited to only one or two servings per day. I don't tolerate dairy well, which is why I use egg protein powder instead of whey or casein.

Complex starchy carbs are limited to two servings per day on weight training and non-resistance training days carb servings are cut in half. Healthy fats are limited to two servings per day and fats and carbs are never consumed in the same meal.

I aim to never eat the same protein, carb, fat, fruit, or veggie every day so my body gets a wide variety of amino acids and antioxidants. Macronutrient consumption is timed around my workouts to best serve my body's needs and to keep my blood sugar levels consistent.

Meals are consumed two and a half to three and a half hours apart. I have one cheat meal per week and eat whatever I've been craving. This allows me to stay on track overall.

Repeat Monday's workout

Repeat Tuesday's workout but do 15 reps of each exercise instead of 10

Repeat Wednesday's workout

The diet was the biggest challenge. Going from a mostly fast-food/drive-through diet to what I eat today did not happen overnight. I focused on portion and calorie control, then I changed over to a clean diet, and finally incorporated macronutrient control and timing.

I plan to come in leaner and meaner in the spring of 2013. I love showing people my before and after photos so they can see that it is possible to get in the best shape of their life regardless of age or weight. All it takes is planning, commitment, and consistency.

Bodybuilding.com's supplement prices are far less than anything you can find at the local supplement shops. The independent reviews from other people who have used the products are so helpful.

I have learned so much from the great articles and training videos by industry leaders such as Mike O'Hearn and Jamie Eason. Also, the advice and encouragement from other BodySpace members is invaluable.

Website: www.joannesbodysolutions.com

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