I love working in this industry for many reasons, but one of them is because of the wonderful, positive people who I have met along the way. Such people have been an inspiration for one reason or another, and I’m finding more and more, that many of these inspiring people have a wonderful story to tell. And many of their stories are actually quite powerful…
I was lucky enough to meet the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Erin Bowling recently. Erin is a 22 year old Whangarei girl, daughter of the well-known ‘Steve Bowling Contracting’ company in Whangarei. Mature and wise beyond her years, Erin is currently paving her own remarkable journey. Being overweight for many years she one day saw the light and is now currently tackling a weight loss goal. One year into it and she’s 23kg down. It’s all been a wonderfully stress-free and fun affair, and the best thing is she doesn’t feel she’s missing out at all. In fact, she now understands that it was her ‘before’ life which had her missing out; now she feels like the world is her oyster, and her golden path to Rome is continuing to be paved as we speak. This is her story (so far)..
Briefly explain what life was like for you before you began your big transformation?
“I have always been surrounded by family & friends who were very active so I would always try to involve myself in their activities. But being overweight made me so lethargic & tired all the time, I just couldn’t do most of the things they were doing. I couldn’t concentrate at work, my general health was very poor, it seemed I was more often than not harbouring a cold or flu, and I felt depressed and alone a lot of the time.”
What was the turning point i.e. what made you begin your journey?
“I got to a point where I had changed everything else in my life to try to make myself happier: my car, my home, my relationship, my job. I was in denial about what was really upsetting me. Once I figured out that the one thing left to change was myself & my lifestyle, I set out on a mission & tackled it. I was all guns blazing right from the very beginning. It was a life-changing moment of self discovery.”
How did you begin? And what resources did you use to help you begin?
“I had joined a women’s health group forum on facebook about 2 months before I reached my turning point. The large group of women in this forum all had their own personal goals for weight loss and eating healthier, and were all so enthusiastic and supportive of one another. This made my change so much easier; I felt like I could share my own personal journey with others who seemed to know and understand exactly what I was going through myself. Initially, food-wise, I focussed on cutting the preservatives and sugar out of food, whilst at the same time increasing the amount of raw and natural fibre I was consuming. My intake of vegetables, nuts and healthy grains increased substantially. I also began exercising at least 4 days a week. On a whim I then decided this year that I would train for a half marathon for both the personal achievement of accomplishing a new event, but I knew it would also help me rid a few kilograms. So I am currently following running programmes from a local Personal Training Studio & I plan to tackle the Whangarei Half Marathon in September.”
One year down, what are the key lifestyle changes you have made, and that you consider to be part of your life from here on in?
“I can now look at food as a great source of fuel & no longer turn to it for emotional comfort. I am more aware of everything that goes into my body & have learnt the way my body reacts to different foods. I’m now more active than I ever have been which has allowed me to meet a new array of wonderful and optimistic people from fitness groups. My new zest for life as a result of my healthy changes has enabled my concentration& focus at work to be at its optimum, & has been a great way to relieve stress & pressure.I just know that my body is so much happier & healthier.”
What has been the hardest thing about this journey so far and how have you overcome that?
“The hardest thing about the journey is feeling alone or feeling like you are missing out on things. I would encourage everyone to join some form of support group – whether it be online, amongst work colleagues, or via joining a local gym or fitness group. You need to find a bunch of like-minded people; people who you can share your ups and downs with, who know exactly what you are going through, but who can lift you up and make you fly to the place you want to be. Also, learning how to balance your meals to allow you to be able to enjoy treats. My treat is Thai Takeaways which we still have once a week. I just make sure that the rest of that day is balanced with exercise & good, clean food.”
Finally, what words of wisdom would you like to share with the many others out there who can relate to your situation and to where you have come from?
“I’m 22 years old & now feel like I’m really starting to live (and love) my life. I cannot imagine living another day the way I had previously spent the last 7 years (depressed, overweight, unhealthy, lacking motivation). I don’t regret anything about who I was because it has helped me to be stronger & more focussed today. I have met some amazing people on this journey, both locally & from afar, who now are great friends. The first 4 weeks is the hardest, but once you get through that, you will see & feel the results. The results & feeling that you get are addictive & will leave you wanting to try harder & push the boundaries. Give it all you’ve got! It’s so worth it!”
For feedback email corinne@fitfixnz.co.nz
