International Transformation Of The Month: Aussie Bests The Bulge

Amanda Marie wobbled on the brink of type 2 diabetes. With the help of her blog, she's now ready to rock the stage. Check out how this awesome Aussie sculpted an incredible body!

Name: Amanda Marie
Email: mevsthebulge@gmail.com
Country: Australia

Amanda Marie Amanda Marie
AGE 28
HEIGHT
5'6"
WEIGHT
187 lbs
BODY FAT
27.6%
AGE 29
HEIGHT
5'6"
WEIGHT
125 lbs
BODY FAT
18%

Why I Got Started

In February 2010, I started a weight loss blog called mevsthebulge.com. I was 85kg (187 lbs), overweight, unfit, depressed, and had just discovered I had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance.

All my previous attempts at weight loss had failed. Unless I changed my lifestyle, I was going to get type 2 diabetes and put my health in serious jeopardy.

With the help of my trainer (and now great friend), I managed to lose 20kg (44 lbs). I did this with a mix of resistance/strength training, high-intensity interval training, and also some low-intensity cardio.

The major change for me, though, was diet. Gone was the processed, fatty, sugary, preservative-filled crap.

I replaced it with clean, wholesome, fresh foods that were as close to their natural state as possible. I stopped counting every calorie that went into my mouth and just focused on eating small portions several times a day.

After losing the majority of my weight, I really wanted a challenge. I wanted to mentally and physically push myself and get myself into the best and most athletic shape I could.

So, in July of 2011, I decided to compete in a bodybuilding competition in the sportsmodel/fitness category.

How I Did It

One of my best friends had just competed in a few figure competitions and had done extremely well. I contacted her and asked her if she would like to coach me.

With her help and expertise, we whipped up a plan to help me get into comp-ready shape!

I started a re-composition plan and, in the four months that I followed this plan, I managed to lose 5kg (11 lbs.) of fat and gain 600g (1.5 lbs) of lean muscle.

As I noticed changes in my body week after week, I became confident I could ACTUALLY look like the fitness model girls I so admired.

Even my legs, which were my slowest body part to slim down, started to take on a shape that I hadn't seen since my teen years!

A new me was emerging, and I was proud as punch.

  • Eat clean.
  • Lift heavy.
  • Do not neglect cardio.
  • Get your head in the game, first and foremost! Find what motivates you and always keep your goals in focus. Make them more important to you than breathing!