YOU GOT THIS: ‘My shock results from eating more calories’

Laura Esme wanted to feel better in her body, but after struggling to see results from cutting back she was given “game-changing” advice.

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A woman who felt that all too familiar pang of insecurity about her body following a big overseas holiday has revealed the unexpected way she transformed her mindset.

Laura Esme, 24, believes she developed an unhealthy relationship with food following a big trip to Europe in 2019 where she indulged in the delicious, local cuisines.

But on her return home to Auckland, New Zealand, she told news.com.au she felt uncomfortable in her body, so decided to sign to her local gym.

“I was always insecure about the way that I looked. My body was never something I was proud of or happy about,” the social worker said.

Laura Esme, 24, said she began developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Picture: Supplied

She then hired an online coach, got educated around nutrition and followed a gym plan based on her goals. Picture: Supplied

Initially the gym was an overwhelming experience for Laura, so she asked a friend along for support.

“I would turn up 15 minutes early to stand at the back of the class, but turning up was a huge accomplishment because I have always hated the idea of working out in front of other people,” Laura said.

Despite being initially “nervous” to use the equipment, she eventually got the hang of it, gaining confidence to use the weights and attend classes.

It took Laura a couple of months before she became familiar with the gym and more confident in herself. Picture: Supplied

But while she felt more motivated and would workout more than ever, she admits she had a lack of knowledge around nutrition.

“I was over training and under eating. I would cancel plans with friends to avoid going out to eat, would panic over family dinners. If I slipped up the smallest bit I would feel extremely guilty,” she said.

“The idea of food and exercise completely took over my life.”

However, frustrated by a lack of visible results, she hired NZ online transformation coach Anjuli Mack.

“Anjuli gave me a meal plan and a gym-based workout which I stuck to and was shocked when I started to see results.”

As a member of the Anjuli Fit Squad she became more educated surrounding tracking foods and counting macronutrients, adding she was “mind-blown” she could still have the foods she enjoyed without feeling guilty.

“This was a big game changer for me,” she said. “I was shocked when I saw results by eating more calories.”

She said she is proud at how far she has come, not just physically but mentally too. Picture: Supplied

Laura currently weight trains five times a week, hitting at least 10,000 steps a day.

And when it comes to her daily diet she said it’s all about whole foods from smoothies, big salads, vegetable mixes and protein-based meals.

Laura said throughout her transformation journey she realised that health and fitness is not a quick fix but it is “actually a lifestyle”.

“I definitely still have my ups and downs but do not let my ‘downs’ affect my life as it used too,” Laura said.

“I never thought I’d be happy in my body, so I feel proud at how far I have come. It shows the dedication I have put it in and the best thing I ever did was get a coach.”

Laura said it took the responsibility out of her hands and put it in someone else “which was so therapeutic in a way”.

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