From Weight Loss Setbacks to Success: Embracing Wellness and Resilience

I want to share a glimpse into my personal journey, shedding light on the challenges I faced and how I've forged a healthier relationship with exercise, food, and most importantly, with myself. It's a journey that started about five months shy of my 26th birthday, when I found myself nearing 400 pounds.  

At that point in my life, I had a lot going for me – marriage, two wonderful kids, and a home of our own. Yet, despite all these blessings, I struggled deeply with how I perceived myself and how others perceived me. It was a lonely place, one where I often withdrew from social activities, feeling the weight of judgment and struggling with what I now recognize may have been depression.  

One particular incident stands out vividly in my memory. During a birthday celebration at McDonald’s with my children, my son climbed to the top of a play structure and became frightened. I wanted desperately to comfort him, but my size prevented me from reaching him. In that moment, another mother stepped in to help, and it was a wake-up call for me – a clear signal that change was not just necessary, but essential.  

My journey towards transformation began with the guidance of a weight loss coach who taught me the fundamentals of portion control, laying the foundation for shedding over 100 pounds. Alongside adjusting my diet, I gradually introduced walking into my routine. Those initial walks were a challenge; I remember struggling with just 15 minutes, yet each step brought a sense of achievement and a relief from the physical discomfort I was used to feeling. As I progressed, I made sweeping changes to my lifestyle, one small improvement at a time.  

Work with a Fitness Trainer Who Prioritizes Nutrition & Mental Health 

For me, cooking nutritious meals quickly became a priority. Initially, however, my culinary skills were limited to plain, boiled vegetables—yuck. As my dedication to fitness grew, I attended gym classes and eventually pursued certifications in fitness training and nutrition. These were essential to my understanding of what constitutes a good diet plan for weight loss. 

This newfound passion for health and wellness inspired me to start teaching bootcamp-style workouts, first in local parks, then from my garage, and later from a dedicated studio in my basement. Over a decade, I had the privilege of guiding countless women and men through their own transformative journeys, witnessing firsthand as they reclaimed their health and vitality.  

In 2019, I embarked on a new adventure by enrolling in the RCMP Depot to become a police officer. The rigorous training pushed me to new limits, both physically and mentally, and marked a significant chapter in my personal growth. However, just as I was nearing the culmination of this journey with the badge presentation, a knee injury forced me to pivot. This setback was not only a blow to my physical health but also a test of my resilience. Subsequently, I transitioned to working with a non-profit organization focused on assisting individuals experiencing mental health crisis and/ or substance abuse, throwing myself into the meaningful work. 

I was also trying to navigate the challenges of personal life, including the dissolution of my 21-year marriage shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping with these profound changes, I found myself turning to unhealthy habits like emotional eating and indulging in fad diets that promised quick fixes but left me feeling worse emotionally. It was during this tumultuous period that I remembered the importance of self-compassion and sustainable habits. I pursued recertification in nutrition coaching and deepened my understanding of how to nurture myself both physically and emotionally.  

Embracing a balanced approach, I began to see gradual progress once more. Reconnecting with my passion for fitness instruction, I resumed teaching classes, finding fulfillment and connection through helping others on their wellness journeys. Last year, I married the love of my life, marking a joyful milestone amid the challenges. Today, I'm more committed than ever to my role as a fitness coach and entrepreneur, running Fit Force HQ as my full-time endeavor.  

I'm excited about expanding my reach through online programming, which allows me to connect with individuals beyond my immediate community. As I pursue ambitious goals in business and continue my own wellness journey, I draw strength from the setbacks and challenges I've overcome. They have equipped me with invaluable tools and a profound empathy for those navigating their own paths to health and happiness. 

Blackfalds Gym Training & Nutrition Coaching 

Are you ready to feel more fit and confident? I can give you the support, education and coaching you need to tackle your fitness and wellness hurdles! Get in touch and we can put together a personal fitness plan that will help you meet your goals and start feeling really good about yourself.