Maria lost 3 ½ stone in 12 weeks – and ditched damaging fad diets for good!

Maria Lawrence loses 3 1/2 stone with Coach Joseph Webb
Maria Lawrence made amazing changes in 12 short weeks, just look at these pictures! Before on the left and after on the right.

Maria had spent years putting other people first. The former nurse, now a mum of two, put up with feeling miserable about her body for a decade, until an accident left her re-evaluating her priorities.

Here’s the story of how Maria lost 3 ½ stone, repaired her relationship with food, and got back into pre-children clothes… all in a few months.

Like many women, Maria had tried dozens of quick fixes and fads. Detox diets, extreme calorie restriction, even a residential weight loss bootcamp. The weight usually came off, but went back on fast, leaving Maria hiding behind baggy clothes.

And nobody ever picked up on issues caused by SPD in pregnancy and two caesarean sections. Maria would often lose her balance, hurt her back, and even sustain minor breaks, but wrote herself off as “clumsy”.

Your body is not broken

In April 2021, Maria fell, hit her head, and was left dealing with post-concussion syndrome which made her feel old before her time.

“I knew I was overweight,” she said, “but that fall made me realise the problems were deeper. I needed to do something about it, and yet another diet wasn’t the answer.”

We met up to chat, and I remember Maria presenting me with a list of things she wouldn’t do – including give up alcohol or eating out, weigh herself or count calories. It was clear that all those years of harsh diets had taken their toll mentally as well as physically.

The damage done by years of dieting

“My weight was affecting my confidence, my mood, and even my sleep,” Maria said. “My whole body ached, and I felt stuck in a cycle of bad habits.”

It was clear Maria wanted to take back control, but didn’t know where to start (and all those years of dieting had left her feeling frustrated).

Her initial focus was weight loss, but I explained that our plan would be very different to her previous experiences. By working on strength training and healthy nutrition, she would regain control over her body and daily habits – and the weight would come off.

Personalised coaching with 1-2-1 support

I designed Maria a bespoke training and nutrition plan that empowered her with knowledge. I trained her at home, with my sessions were a far cry from the bootcamps she had been used to! Pretty quickly, Maria saw pleasing developments in her core strength, balance, and muscle tone.

I helped Maria undo the damage of all those yo-yo diets, teaching her about healthy cooking, better food choices, and the importance of eating more protein for a strong body.

“As a former nurse and chronic dieter, I thought I knew everything about nutrition,” she said. “I was so wrong! Joe taught me what true healthy nutrition looks like, and how to build new habits into my lifestyle.”

Building a better relationship with food and weight

Like many dieters, Maria had a poor relationship with the bathroom scales and calorie counting. With gentle encouragement and some mental reframing, she began to see them as useful tools.

“I was amazed at how quickly I built a more positive relationship with weighing myself and tracking food,” she said. “Joe helped me remove the emotion from body weight and calories, and I now see them as just numbers, not good or bad. This has been a revelation!”

Transforming Maria’s self-talk

Maria hasn’t had any injuries since (this is a big deal for someone who used to trip and fall so often she wrote herself off as “clumsy”). Her energy levels are better, she can think more clearly, and she no longer skips meals.

“Working with Joe was completely different to anything else I’ve tried,” she explained. “He’s an educator, a mindset coach, and a real supporter. He is the first person who has ever properly explained what goes into successfully losing weight and keeping it off.

“Everything is completely personalised, which is why my body has finally got stronger. He made me realise it wasn’t about cutting calories and pushing myself as hard as possible. Joe showed me a smarter approach – and it was the easiest way I’ve ever done it.”

Personal training feels like “magic”

Maria learned that transforming your body isn’t about drastic measures and unrealistic plans. It’s about simple guidelines, designed in a way that fit your life.

“After years of yo-yo dieting, I didn’t understand how Joe’s approach was working,” she said. “It felt like magic to have the weight come off so easily. It helps that Joe is so supportive and kind – you can tell that he’s truly interested in improving your life.”

No more covering up in cardigans

Maria now feels confident enough to carry on by herself. With a summer holiday on the horizon, she is looking forward to being in front of the camera for once.

“Family holidays used to feel stressful,” she explained. “I could never find anything to fit me properly, and covered up with long sleeves even in hot weather.  I’m looking forward to actually being in the photos this year instead of hiding behind the camera!”

After so many years of feeling in pain and “broken”, Maria has confidence in her body and her healthy habits.

“It feels amazing to have finally got out of the spiral of yo-yo dieting,” she said. “I just wish I’d talked to Joe years ago!”

Are you inspired by Maria’s story? Reach out to myself and the team and let’s talk about how we can help.

Coach Joseph Webb.

‘The number one rated Personal Trainer In Henley and Oxfordshire’

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