The Run Up To Christmas – Introduction

My name is Banke Ade-Ojo, and I’d like to invite you on my journey of change……….

THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS

Losing weight is the ultimate goal. it’s what birthed this crazy idea; knowing that Christmas is coming soon. I really want to feel good and, as a bonified beach bunny, look great too. But it’s also about so much more.

I want it tell you a little bit about me and what has led me to the point that I would want to document my journey to better health.

Eight years ago living in London I was a size 22-24 and miserable I got on the scales and the needle went all the way round and back to ZERO. That was the day I decided I’d had enough. I was a depressed comfort eater with a family that wasn’t getting the best of me; I was just a bright smile big mouth and big belly. I was fed up.

This was the era of the Atkins diet Fad, so with a combination of no carbohydrates and One hour exercise daily in two years with, loads of cheat days, I was a svelte size 12.  I was half my weight and looked and felt great and I loved it! I’d fallen in love with the new me and began creating healthy meals whilst still cooking for the family, and worked out every spare second I got. As my confidence grew, so did my determination to keep the weight off – not just for me but for those around me. I was more productive, happier and had so much energy.

Fast forward six years…….

I’ve managed to keep most of the weight off.

I’m now a size 14-16, a 33-year-old out of shape mother of two, with a busy work schedule and an active social life.

Since moving to Nigeria in 2012, I’ve been making excuses as to why I can’t go to the gym or eat as healthily as I used to. The truth is eating healthily here is not beans, but it is very possible. Keep reading and you’ll get tips on Food Nutrition, diet plans, and I may even throw in a recipe or two to help you snap back into shape for Christmas.

With the help of Maje Ayida, CEO EDEN Lifestyle and HIIT SQUAD, a fitness guru in his own right, and his team, I will be training three times a week at his amazing Facility in Lekki. I’m coming back into exercise as a complete novice, seeing as I have not been truly committed in four years, and I expressed this and told him I’d like to get fit. I felt like I was losing my spark and he explained how exercise is also very therapeutic as it helps you think clearer and I needed that more than anything with the hustle and bustle of Lagos getting to me.

Maje started by inviting me to a fitness event in Grange school, Ikeja. It was packed with people of all shapes and sizes. Although I only did the dance circuit, it was very invigorating. I have definitely been bitten by the adrenaline bug, and I cannot wait till my first official work out at HIIT SQUAD headquarters. I’ll admit I’m a little nervous though.

Why I’m Starting ‘The Run Up To Christmas’

I believe sharing my ‘run up’ to good health and a great body with you holds me accountable. It makes me think twice about getting discouraged, and I’d like to think  I have people out there watcing and learning from me. I also hope to encourage someone else’s transition to living a healthy lifestyle without having to completely change everything about their life.