It's been a year since Domi and I met for our first consultation in a local café. After that Domi signed up to the 1 to 1 Coaching under my close supervision. I coached Domi for a few months until she became knowledgeable and independent enough to go off and live a healthy lifestyle by herself. I caught up with her recently to see how she is getting on. Maybe her story will inspire YOU to give it a try!
How did you hear about me and the programme?
My friend Andrea recommended you so I got in touch to see if we can arrange a consultation. When we first met, we really connected and I could feel your passion. For the first time I believed that I could do it, that I could change my lifestyle and that you’d give me the support I then needed.
What made you decide to start the programme?
I was heavy, I wasn’t happy with the way I looked and I felt unhealthy, very unhealthy. I felt disgusting. I didn’t have any energy, it was difficult for me to even walk as I had a problem with my joints due to the extra weight I was carrying.
Did you try any diets in the past?
Of course, I did! I tried a few but nothing really worked. I would be back to my bad habits within a couple of days, it wasn’t sustainable. So, I decided – no more diets, I wanted a new healthy lifestyle.
What was your biggest problem before you joined the programme?
I was eating everything in sight and my portions were way too big. Before the programme I never ate breakfast and then I was binging later in the day. I was eating a lot of sweets, chocolate, anything sugary really.
What emotions were going through your head when you joined the programme? Were you nervous or excited?
I was really excited but also scared at the same time. I was worried that I was going to be hungry throughout the programme because when I’m hungry I get angry! Haha!
What was the most challenging part of the programme?
The most challenging part for me was sticking to the plan, the healthy eating as I craved sugar and sweets all the time!
How did you manage that? How did you push through and stick to the recommendation?
I focused on the goal. I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing it. It was easier once I started to see results – weight dropping and increased energy levels.
What did you enjoy about the programme the most?
I liked trying new recipes, new food that I’ve never tried before – quinoa, sweet potato, avocado... I discovered a whole new range of vegetables and I absolutely loved them! I can’t go without them now.
Since you finished the programme last year what would you say the biggest lifestyle change that you implemented?
I learnt how to food prep. I plan my meals and I cook every 3 days. I prepare my breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the next 3 days. I have also started to bake healthy cakes! I was so surprised how delicious healthy desserts can be!
You are also a regular gym goer now, aren’t you?
Yes! I love a good workout. I’m feeling a lot stronger. Feel it! (Dominika tenses her bicep – rock hard!)
What about your mindset? Has anything changed about your mindset?
I feel like a completely different person. I’m a confident WOMAN, powerful, independent, full of energy. I feel a lot more confident in my own skin and I love myself. Yes, I’ve learnt to love myself throughout the journey. This was big for me.
I love this! Your mindset has changed massively since the beginning of the programme. As you mentioned earlier, you felt disgusted with the way you looked, you did not like much about yourself, did you? To go from this to loving yourself and treating your body with the respect that it deserved is huge! I am honestly so proud of you.
Yes, I felt like the ugly duckling. I was “ugly Domi”, not a Victoria Secret model but now that’s how I feel! I could walk on that walkway with confidence and my head up high.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about joining the programme?
Just do it! Don’t think about it, just do it. That’s it. Move your bottom and try something new because nothing will change if you don’t apply change. You will feel much better, trust me.
Have you noticed any other positives?
I sleep better, my bedtime routine is a lot better. The quality of my sleep has improved.
And does this have an affect on your food choices during the day?
Yes, I don’t crave sugar because my body feels refreshed and energetic because I allow it the recovery that it needs. I reduced my coffee intake hugely. I now only have one cup of coffee and I don’t drink any more energy drinks on which I relied massively in the past. I can’t remember the last time I had it.
Do you still allow yourself treats? Would you say you follow the 80/20 rule where you don’t restrict yourself and still allow some room for treats?
Yes, of course. This is what makes it sustainable. Having balance is important. When I bake a healthy cake the 20% is for the cake. Haha!
What was the most shocking thing you’ve experienced on the programme?
When we did the body composition for the first time, when you showed my body fat and visceral fat percentage and the BMI. I didn’t realise how bad it was, how unhealthy I was and what health conditions I was at risk of getting if I didn’t change.
Would you say that this gave you the extra motivation?
Oh yes! I was going through my old photos yesterday and I when I looked at it, I was shocked how big I was. I couldn’t believe that I used to looked like this.
What was the happiest moment during the programme?
When other people started noticing that I had lost weight. That was after about 3 months, after I lost about 15 kilograms. That was great! Because when you look at yourself in the mirror you don’t really notice it too much but once people start commenting it’s means a lot.
And do you remember how disheartened you felt when you lost 1kg in a week? It didn’t feel that much to you.
Yes, because I felt like I was putting a lot of effort, I was working so hard so 1kg did not sound like much. But when you compared it to a bag of sugar or flour it put things into perspective. I realise now that losing 1kg a week was a lot and it was the right way for me. Steady, achievable and sustainable and didn’t leave me feeling tired and fatigued.
What is one food that is always in your fridge?
Almond milk, coconut oil and a lot of fruit and vegetables. That’s more than one! Haha!
What is your plan for the future?
I started the programme with 108kg and now I’m 85kg. I still have way to go but now I know what to do and I’m doing it for the right reason and with the right attitude.
Domi, thank you ever so much for meeting with me today and sharing your experience with everyone. You are a true inspiration. I wish you all the success, determination, positivity and happiness. I cannot wait to catch up again soon!
