At the end of each round, we ask our members to nominate themselves for a Top Transformer Award, or an inspirational member for the 12WBT Hero Award. Our May Round 12WBTers were absolutely inspiring, which made it hard to choose our winners!

We asked our May winners to share their accomplishments, tips and new habits!

Top Transformers

Charlene (aka CharleneLotus)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

I have literally worked my butt off ( happy about that!) and improved my fitness score from 20 to 46, a weight loss of 10.9 kilos and 43cm gone!  I used to run out of puff fairly quickly but now I am like the energiser bunny that that can just keep going. And going. And going! My next event is the Relay for Life with a beautiful bunch of friends I met through my bootcamp sessions. Can’t wait!

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I came to the realisation that no amount of comfort food will make my problems go away nor give me quality of life. Not even chocolate! Prior to 12WBT I wanted to hide from the world and wallow in self pity. I didn’t want to do a darn thing! Watching Mish’s Mindset Videos over and over to let the information really sink in helped tremendously. I am mentally tougher and am at peace with myself. My confidence has sky rocketed.

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

My absolute best new habit ever is my routine afternoon gym sessions with my son. I treasure this time together and it is my favourite part of the day! It is our bonding time and we get those happy endorphins pumping! Staff at the gym have often commented on how cool it is to see a mother son team training together. We have met new friends there and are continually challenged and inspired by them.

Can you share a top tip?

I like some chocolate now and then so I buy the pre-portioned snack size dark chocolate and have one with a cup of herbal tea. I also put a big colourful tick on my calendar after I have completed my exercise. It shows my success and commitment.

Do you have a final piece of advice?

If nothing changes…nothing changes. Invest wholeheartedly into the program and you WILL get results!

Emma (aka em_sasha)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

When I started this round I checked my BMI and was horrified that I was well into the obese category. At the end of the May Round I am now in the overweight category (still not perfect but a massive improvement!) and have lost 10 kilos. I have lost 42cm and feel leaner. I was squeezing into size 16 pants for work and now have a very baggy size 14 new pair that I wear and looking towards size 12 very soon! 

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

Before I started the 12wbt I loved any excuse to get into chocolate, ice cream, biscuits, diet coke, white bread and hot chips. I would eat sneakily and treat myself every time I saw something that looked delicious. I have encouraged my partner to join in my 12WBT journey and he has been eating the meals with me since Week 1. Together we have laughed, whinged, cooked, sweated through 12 weeks of awesome life changes- plus he’s lost 12kg!

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

I now do a weekly shop every Sunday for the week ahead completed and my 12WBT Shopping List is all that I need. I don’t even go down the soft drink, chocolate or biscuits aisles anymore. I pick a 12WBT item I will bake on Sunday for the week so my partner and I can enjoy a baked treat every day as one of our snacks.

Can you share a top tip?

I have started drinking herbal teas on ice and put it in a nice glass to feel fancy. When I make the 12WBT Raspberry Muffins I use pretty muffin cases that makes the muffin look that little bit more delicious and makes it a special snack. 

Do you have a final piece of advice?

12WBT has been a total mindset change and I am so relieved that the penny finally dropped that losing this weight wasn’t a quick fix. It isn’t meant to be a diet but it is a lifestyle change (I used to hate when people said that but now I understand it!!). This program has changed my life and I am so excited to see what progress I make in another 12 weeks.

Lynda (akaLyn26)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

A few days after I joined 12WBT I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and IBS , so was not able to follow the Exercise Plan, but with the help of the wonderful Support Crew I was able to lose 8.1kg and 29cm by following the Meal Plan, and some gentle walking.

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I have a greater respect for my own body. At first I craved all those comfort foods when diagnosed, but I soon realised that by following the 12WBT Meal Plan meant those cravings soon subsided as there were many yummy and delicious meals to choice from.

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

Before 12WBT I would look at the front gate , thinking about going for a walk but I never did. I joined 12WBT and as Mish says, “JFDI” and so I did, new runners on and off I walked, the feeling was amazing, the fresh air, the neigbours and other walkers I met along my walk smiling to myself inside and saying “I Did It” and am still doing it!

Can you share a top tip?

I have two jars and the prettiest blue pebbles representing 500 grams each. For every 500gms I lost, one pebble would be placed in the “Weight I’ve Lost ” jar. I am very pleased to say that my jar is now half full, never half empty!

Danielle (akadanielle_persuasive27)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

In May 2014 I was admitted to hospital with an illness that left me with an acquired brain injury and left side weakness with symptoms similar to a stroke. With nine months as an outpatient in rehab I had to relearn to speak properly, retrain my left leg to be able to walk properly and my left arm to be able to grip and use my hand. I went from being highly fit and active to being extremely fatigued and weak. I had put on over 10kg. Since starting 12WBT my strength is so much better. I don’t feel like a patient any more. I feel strong!

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

Mentally with my brain injury I was really struggling at the start. I had to sleep daily and always felt like there was a fog in my head. By the end of this challenge I now only have a short nap around twice a week but make sure I go to bed early every night. I always maintained a positive attitude and getting sick made me mentally tough but the 12WBT has really had a huge impact on my confidence and body image.

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

Tracking everything on my Fitbit and also on the 12WBT Tracker has made a huge difference. Things don’t get out of hand if you can see it in black and white. Definitely eat more meals at home and very healthy meals – 12WBT has made me a better healthier cook. 

Do you have a final piece of advice?

I know that I will never quite be the same as I was before I got sick but 12WBT taught me is that if you don’t have your health you have nothing. Now I am strong and I am fit and I get compliments daily!

Robert (aka robert_zest91)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

Weight loss was the ultimate goal and my cycling races have improved too. I recently finished top 3 in a graded race against cyclists much younger than me! I competed in my first State Team Time Trial as well over a 40km grueling course. Being the oldest I was worried about finishing amongst guys much younger and fitter but I was delighted to have crossed the line first amongst my team!

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

As you start to lose weight, you become a lot more eager to get into day to day functions. Work load increased with far better results which are critical for my role and the stress that is usually there seems a lot easier to deal with. 

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

Balance between good regular exercise and correct nutrition has been the biggest challenge but the most important task moving forward. My time management with respect to work has improved but so has the way we prepare our meals and exercise.

Can you share a top tip?

I cycle a lot which can increase your appetite considerably. I treat myself with fruit and yogurt which can look like that favorite bowl of icecream. I eat this slowly, which helps when you have burnt over a 1000 calories on a ride.

Do you have a final piece of advice?

I used to cycle an average of over 200kms per week and still put on weight. But 12WBT reminds me of the old KISS principle. The ease of which the workouts run and how we prepare our meals really simplifies things day to day.  The nutritional and race prep information 12WBT gave me is my bible now. Unbelievable advice!

 

12WBT Heroes

Tamie (aka tamie_mum_of_3)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

When I started at 76.6kg I thought the food I was eating was fine. Little did I know it was the amount of food I was eating was where I was going wrong. Now at 68.6 kg I have lost over 26cms and am feeling awesome!

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I now have a stronger will power and I think of food before it goes in my mouth. I now look at that biscuit and say to myself “Is that biscuit worth 100 calories or would I be more satisfied with 150g of yoghurt for 120 calories?”. I am more mindful now than I have ever been before. My self esteem was shot before I started, but I am so much happier now!

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

I work full time, have three kids and also a single mum so I have always had to be organised, but dinner time is where I was falling off the wagon. Now every weekend I have a cook up. I pick my four favourite meals and cook four servings of each and then freeze them. I usually have enough for lunches and dinners for the week and still some left over. 

Can you share a top tip?

I was never a water drinker. I love having my special water bottles. I figure if I am going to do this I want to do it my way and my way was buying a drink bottle I loved – so I got Mish’s! It goes in my bag everywhere.

Do you have a final piece of advice?

My life has changed 100%. I have cut out all soft drink and only drink water and green tea. Everyday I would normally drink three cans or more of Coke Zero. I made the decision to cut it out and haven’t looked back.  My 6 year old son loves working out next to me too!

Miguel (aka MC_perth)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud of everything. Weight loss, centimetres lost, and fitness have all improved. My upper body strength and my flexibility have improved so much. It’s great to fit into some old clothes I liked and I am planning on going to buy some new ones soon.

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud of the new outlook and knowledge I have about food and nutrition. I am also proud of my ability to mentally switch on and just say no to junk food. I don’t really even want to eat it anymore as I think of it in terms of nutrition (or the lack of nutrition!) and am put off.

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

I am more aware of foods and plan meals more. I make sure I weigh ingredients when I cook to ensure quantities are correct. I exercise more regularly and am enjoying riding my bike again since I am fitter.

Do you have a final piece of advice?

This program has been fantastic not only for me but for my wife too who has been a major support on the journey and gained a much greater awareness of how to cook healthy meals. It has given us so many great ideas in the kitchen. I also really do enjoy the 12WBT Exercise Videos which really make me sweat. The Mindset Videos are also excellent for keeping me on track and guiding me mentally.

Teresa (aka teresa_reliable41)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

My old favorite jeans actually ended up falling right off me! I’ve got better balance and am pretty close to being able to do a full push up. I have learned I actually like bike riding, even on the stationary bike and being able to do interval training.

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I can’t believe how much I look forward to my Super Saturday Sessions! I used to crash and burn on weekends and then make myself feel “better” with food. I truly appreciate the Pre-Season Tasks in getting me ready!

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

I’m so organized at work, and thought I was at home too. But being organized at home follows the JFDI principle – decisions are made long before I have to think (and therefore risk making poor choices). My freezer is full of meals to help when I’m feeling overwhelmed with the task of being organized. Our garage is now my workout space and I know I’ll keep using it. 

Can you share a top tip?

Snacking after dinner has been the hardest aspect to conquer. I have to keep myself busy, so first thing is to make a pot of tea and to turn off the kitchen lights and tell myself the kitchen is closed. Then I set up on the lounge floor with tea on one side, my dog on the other and maybe a book or TV or my notebook for organizing. 

Alice (aka alice_guidance51)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

My results speak for themselves. Every part of myself has improved, especially my weight. I have always been fit, but had the mindset of “I went to the gym for an hour so can eat whatever I want” and then complained about not getting fitter, faster and thinner. I am now the netball player the opposition can’t keep up with. Not the other way around. I now WANT to play centre so that I get to run around and work the hardest!

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I have completely changed my mindset on what I need to fuel my body with, when, how, why – everything. I no longer believe just because it’s the weekend I can binge and eat what I like. Saturday and Wednesday are to be treated exactly the same. JFDI!

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

Previously I found myself eating out up to five times a week. I now look forward to cooking on Sunday afternoons, preparing my meals for the week ahead. As a result, I have saved so much money! My savings account looks very handsome! 

Can you share a top tip?

Take LOTS of photos! I have so enjoyed seeing the changes in different parts of my body, especially my muscles while I am working out! It really has helped motivate me to keep going. The power of the selfie! Invaluable!

Do you have a final piece of advice?

I have transformed myself into who I really am, and who I have wanted to be for so so long. My family has ALWAYS told me I need to change, I always had an excuse, and was always in denial. I have signed up for August Round – BRING IT ON!

Janelle (aka JanelleinJak)

What physical achievements are you most proud of?

Physically I’m most proud of the weight I’ve lost and kept off to date. I’m more willing to step out of my comfort zone physically and have done many things I would not have done before such as ziplining.

What mental achievements are you most proud of?

I am so much kinder to myself than I used to be. I am aware of what gets to me and work hard at pushing past my mindset obstacles. I put my health first as I know that without that I am not the best mother, wife, teacher or friend I can be. I’m not scared to say ‘no’ anymore. I can say ‘no’ to events, ‘no’ to morning teas, ‘no’ to staying out past my bedtime and ‘no’ to most other things that get in the way of my health and wellbeing.

What new habits or lifestyle changes have you implemented?

I’ve always been an organised person but now my schedules and plans include my exercise time as well as food planning. My needs come first. I walk for 10 minutes during recess and lunch (I’m a teacher) and again if I feel I am starting to feel overwhelmed with the tasks I’m working on in order to clear my head rather than turning to mindless snacking.

Can you share a top tip?

I don’t just schedule my exercise and have regular mealtimes, I also schedule my Member Zone time each morning and afternoon (I even have a reminder set so I don’t miss my time). I need the Member Zone- they are what keep me going.

Do you have a final piece of advice?

I’ve learned to be kind and gentle with myself and so have been able to shift my mindset to one that will nurture my health and keep my expectations realistic. This program is giving me the tools I need to make permanent change whilst enabling me to see the parts of my life that need work. This is forever.

Sign up to 12WBT now and start working towards your health and fitness goals – you could be our next End of Round winner!