I first heard about Ideal Bodies Online through Craig Harper’s website.  I had seen him on TV a couple of times and was impressed with him and what he had to say.  Whilst reading his website, I noticed the IBO link and thought they would have to be good if they are associated with him.

Well I didn’t waste any time joining as I thought, this is it, this is what I’ve been trying to do for years.  I’d had personal trainers in the past but they only guide you in the exercise area.  They didn’t really follow my eating plan.  I’d always been fairly slim and exercised regularly but somehow in recent years I have had a tummy and got tired of people asking if I was pregnant. 

People Would Ask If Was Expecting Again 

After having a baby a couple of years ago, I struggled to get those extra kilos off.  People were then asking me if I was expecting again. 

I wanted to change the way I looked. 

I wanted my “Mummy Tummy” tag I’d given myself to be turned into “Yummy Mummy”. 

I always thought I was eating well and fairly healthy.  I realised once I’d joined IBO that there were things I could improve on.  There were times when I thought it was all too hard especially with a toddler. 

I would take him to childminding at the gym but they would have to come and get me out of a class because he was crying.  Instead of giving up, I would do a power walk with him in the stroller.  I persisted with childminding and now he looks forward to going. 

I also became ill with a virus half way through the program and was unable to exercise for two weeks. 

However, with the help of Sue, my Feedback Coach, Michelle, and all the other wonderful IBO members, I realised this was not just a 12 week program but also a way of life.  Once I felt better, I was back into it and it certainly didn’t take me long to bounce back.

I decided to use supplements throughout the plan, which I believe were very useful in helping me to achieve my results.  They were MRM Glutamine (morning, night and post weight training), MRM Carnitine (prior to cardio or weight training) plus the MRM Whey Protein Powder (pre and post weight training).  I also took a Multivitamin once a day.

I Was A Bit Sceptical At First

I thoroughly recommend using Ideal Bodies Online.  I was a bit sceptical at first using an online service but was certainly put at ease once I started the program.  I found Sue extremely professional and helpful with any questions I asked, no matter how small or silly I thought they were. 

Michelle was also wonderful and extremely helpful along the way.  I know I could not have achieved what I have during this time without their help.

Thank you IBO for the new me.  I love the way I look.  I feel like I’m going on 27, not 47!
 
Success Tips

I decided my exercise and eating plan were a priority.  Normally I would give up exercise to meet family or friends.  I now tell them I’m busy and meet them after my workout.

• I kept a journal and would write down everything I ate. 

• I would also plan my exercise for the week. 

• I would enter it in my diary and treat it like an appointment.

I hope this doesn’t sound too weird, but instead of trying to visualise what I would look like at the end of the program, I placed my face over one of the bodies I liked from the IBO website and placed it somewhere I would look at it regularly.

Loved The Forum

I also thought reading the IBO forum regularly was a great incentive.  I loved the fact that members who had completed their program were sharing their success tips and were still there helping and motivating all the new members.

Favourite Recipe

Chicken with Garlic (Husband’s Recipe)

Chicken Breasts (no skin)
1 Teaspoon Crushed Garlic
Stock

Heat non-stick frypan.  Sear chicken breast in the pan.

Add ½ teaspoon crushed garlic on top of chicken.  Turn over to sear the other side and add ½ teaspoon of garlic on remaining side.  Turn over again to ensure garlic on both sides is cooked.
Once browned (about 1 minute each side) slowly add ¼ cup of stock to pan.  Cover and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes turning chicken and adding a bit of extra stock occasionally so the pan doesn’t go dry.

Allow the pan juices to thicken up at the end of cooking; it makes a nice sauce to pour over the chicken (and your vegetables!).