THE “FABULOUS” FIT CLUB

Five challenges, six of the Fabulous team and one very honest account of the highs and lows of weight loss.

Under-skin slim

Ellie O’Mahoney, Lifestyle Editor, 32

What I did I’ve never been overweight, so was horrified when my doctor told me that after doing no exercise for a year and eating high-carb, high-sugar foods, my lifestyle had made me unhealthy inside. She challenged me to reduce my body fat percentage of 24 per cent and increase my lean muscle mass.

I attended sessions at the Bodyism gym in south-west London three times a week, with the aim of not losing weight, but building muscle and toning up “inside” flab. Each session involved an hour of resistance training and working on a Versaclimber – a machine that simulates mountain climbing, and which I did my very best to avoid as it was hard work!

After each session, I had a Bodyism BodyComplete protein shake (£60 for 640g, which lasts a month). My diet was tough to maximise the fat to muscle change – few carbs, hardly any sugar and a ton of protein and veg. But with clear rules (and a weekly “cheat meal” ) it was easy to follow.

The result I reduced my body fat from 24 to 18 per cent and increased my muscle mass by 4.7 per cent.

Highs and lows I love carbs and having to switch my pain au chocolat and milky coffee to turkey salad for breakfast (yes, really) was a challenge. My addiction was quickly sorted, though, by eating regularly, which kept hunger pangs at bay, but I did have worse sugar cravings than I’ve ever had before.

I stuck to Bodyism recipes all day – chicken salad for lunch, nuts for snacks, and fish and veg for dinner, but felt guilty about snaffling a few chunks of dark choc. But as I noticed changes in my body after a month, it became easier. It started with roomier clothes (bras too, sadly) and finished with arms like Michelle Obama.

Sustainability Factor I have had just one sandwich since I stopped the diet two weeks ago – carbs no longer control me!

Follow the plan at home with James Duigan resistance bands, from £12 (Victoriahealth.com) and Bodyism supplements. Bodysim Platinum membership is £30,000 a year (including supplements, personal training, etc). Call 020 7581 1243 or visit Bodyism.com for free How To videos.

Lesson learnt I’ve eaten badly for most of my life. I thought I was healthy, but quiche, potatoes, sugary orange squash and a daily “treat” choc bar does not a toned girl make.

Ellie builds those muscles!

Vital stats

Height 5ft 3in

Weight 8st 5.7lb to 8st 4lb

Boobs 34in to 33in

Waist 27.5in to 25.5in

Right arm 11in to 10.2in

Left arm 10.5in to 10in

Hips 37in to 34in

Right leg 22in to 19in

Left leg 21in to 18.5in

Dress size 10 to 8

Read about the rest of the team here >