6 lessons I learned during my 8 Week Body transformation Program || Dunnebells

The internet is filled with countless sites that guarantee a successful 8-week body transformation program. However, some of them over promise and severely under deliver. I lost 65 lbs and overcame a binge eating disorder and I can tell you that I spent a lot of time and money on weight loss programs that didn’t work. If you are ready to understand what I learned or maybe even start your body transformation journey for weight-loss this article is for you.

Here is an insight into a real body transformation journey.

6 lessons I learned during my body transformation:

1. YOUR DREAM BODY WON’T MAKE YOU LOVE YOURSELF

Everyone has different reasons to embark on a body transformation journey. Some people do it to fit into that one dress they love, while some do it because they want to make healthier life choices. Whatever may be your reason, you need to know that the innate love you have for yourself does not change. You will not love yourself more if you shed a few pounds or gain muscle. Self-love is instilled from within, and no amount of body transformations can change it. I thought that when I lost weight I would all of a sudden find this love for myself that I was lacking. I thought the negative thoughts would stop and I would feel more confident. Sure, I noticed some slight shifts when I dropped 65 lbs but I still didn’t love myself.

2. TAKING PROGRESS PHOTOS SUCK

You have probably seen countless before and after pictures online of people during their body transformations. If you are like me, you made fun of the people taking them and proudly sharing them. However, taking progress photos is the BEST thing to do if you are serious about your body transformation. The scale tells the truth, but it doesn’t tell the whole truth. Comparing photos and noticing your body changing over time can be motivating and can make you realize just how far you have come. Try and take your photos weekly (choose the same day) and take the photos at the same time each week on that day. Even if you feel bloated or had a lot of food the night before, take the damn photos. It sucks but I promise you won’t regret it.

3. YOU CAN’T BE PERFECT

This advice may sound vague, but it is true when you are working towards a fitness goal. Keeping realistic expectations of your body is important. You must realize what your body is capable of and only push it to achieve realistic goals. This way, you will instill a healthy mindset in yourself while working out and keep yourself motivated. When you practice kindness and treat yourself nicely, you will notice it is easier to achieve the results you are looking for. Speak to yourself like you would your best friend. If you are having a negative day, try reaching out for some help. I have created a Facebook group filled with hundreds of the best people out there. Join us, lean in and feel the love.

4. SET GOALS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH WEIGHT-LOSS

Cutting down on carbs, eating a ton of protein, drinking lemon water and starting your day with fasted cardio sounds like a horrible quick weight loss diet plan right? Stop and think about all of that for a second and if it sounds like fun, keep doing it. If it sounds as horrible to you as it does to me, it is time to mix things up and add in elements of things you like doing. Set some goals that would feel good to achieve but have nothing to do with weight-loss. An example of a fun goal could be: Buy vegetables at the grocery store that fit every colour of the rainbow or move my body for at least 30 minutes per day no matter what. When you find what gets your blood rushing and feels good you are more likely to stick to it. Whatever you choose, these goals must make you happy. Anytime I worked with weight loss coach in Calgary and set my goal to “lose 30lbs” I would fail. I would get close, but I would sabotage myself and ultimately fail. When I started setting goals that were about my health and the happy life I wanted to live, I lost weight but wasn’t fixated on that so it felt easier and more manageable.

5. SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE

Rest days are just as important as your workout days. Working out regularly is great for your lifestyle and your fitness goals but rest has to be in the mix. I recommend at least 1 full rest day per week to give your muscles time to repair. Take it from your girl who spent years working out 7 days a week, thinking this was the best way to achieve my 8-week body transformation program. My workouts weren’t good and I stopped enjoying them. Take some rest, you will be surprised how much it can help.

6. THERE IS NO SECRET

To achieve a successful body transformation you need to be consistent. Sorry, I know this isn’t what you want to hear. It can be hard to stay motivated, so set yourself up and consider hiring a trainer. Get ready to work and do your best each day and I assure you your body transformation will happen more quickly than you think. When I hired an online personal trainer to help me with strength training and macronutrients, I was able to lose weight and keep it off.

Interested in having your body transformation? Secure your spot now for the 8-week program.