Redefining Indulgence

Nathalie and I have know about each other through CanFitPro for years. She tweeted my tweets, I followed her through the various CanFit magazines, and finally one year we met. I loved her energy, her charisma and her love for food! She is a girl after my own heart. We chatted about her training with me at that time, but she just wasn’t ready mentally. Finally, a few month ago, Nathalie reached out again. I knew in her email that this time she WAS ready!! We have had a fabulous 3 months together, and her 20 pounds that we shaved off of her already very athletic physique is just the bonus to her amazing new CONFIDENCE that I see in her!  Look at that swimsuit! I even got to train her last week and pushed her until she almost dropped….but she didn’t! She pushed through and showed me her what she is made of.  I love that Nathalie has now gone from dreading the heavier weights and high sets, to craving them!! She didn’t have to give up wine or some of her chocolate sweets, we made this a lifestyle that Nathalie and her husband can ENJOY for the long haul. Enough from me…take it away Nathalie!! I am so proud of you!

Redefining indulgence

Having considered the idea for over a year, I had the pleasure of noticing the impact of working with Rita thanks to a friend and colleague who obtained fantastic results. I decided the time was right when I booked a very belated honeymoon; Rita’s 12 week body transformation program felt like the perfect preparation in order to look and feel great. 

As a fitness professional, I knew that her workouts would kick my butt and help re-focus on my own training vs the classes I teach each week but that my greatest challenge would be sticking with a food plan. Both my hubby and I are foodies; I look forward to each and every meal and have always made a point of enjoying every mouthful. I honestly had a fair bit of anxiety even considering having someone else “decide” what I was going to eat. There is no doubt that it’s what has held me back from achieving my goals. I invested in Rita’s program and decided to let her lead the way. My concerns were appeased by her kindness and openness related to my fears and challenges; I was quite surprised with her lack of judgment when I admitted to her that as a proud French-Canadian cheese was pretty much a food group in my book (and maple syrup a condiment).  

The fact that Rita is herself passionate about enjoying food made me feel right at home. The yummy recipes, tips, and tricks that come with her meal plans along with a shopping list gave me not only direction but faith that I’d enjoy arriving at the destination. At first I needed to transition into the meal plan, but I eventually ended up craving the food that led to my results. And boy did I see results!?! Rita is a genius at programming nutrition and exercise that immediately decreases bloating and sets you on the path to success. I can honestly say that I was never too hungry and if I craved something, I told myself I could have it at the next meal. I’m a fan of instant gratification but even I can wait 3 hours before indulging. 

I’ll admit I was a bit scared every time she sent me a new block of workouts but Rita had faith in me and I put in the work! I looked forward to putting in the time and sweat and seeing the results each week. My hubby was the first to notice, asking if Rita was giving me special exercises for my booty lol! (She does, and they are very effective!) Let’s be clear: I needed plenty of Epsom salt baths, a few massages, and a good amount of muscle gel but I have more energy than ever. I’m stronger than ever and teach my fitness classes with more integrity. Having lost 20 pounds I feel incredible in my clothes and out of them too! 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of discovery with Rita thanks to the program and our weekly check-ins and have learned a great deal about myself. If I had to choose one greatest lesson, it would be that there is room for indulgence in a healthy meal plan; it just doesn’t have to be at each and every meal. Keeping your energy balanced thanks to 5 meals a day allows for plenty of nutrients and treats. Merci Rita xo