FAT BURNER’S DIARY
The disintegration of a long-term relationship left dietitian Anita Beckwith, 39, with zero workout mojo – until she began to put herself first
How a break-up motivated one reader to put her fitness first
THEN
In my early thirties, burnt out by the combination of a fast-paced career and the breakdown of a nine-year relationship, I lacked the motivation to fuel my body properly or exercise. My job as a dietitian means I have a sound knowledge of nutrition, but my food choices had become less nourishing, more convenient, and the enjoyment I’d always found in being active – from dancing as a child to running, weightlifting and yoga as an adult – had waned.
HOW
Rediscovering dance was the turning point. I started going to music video dance classes and, as my confidence improved, I began to prioritise myself again. I followed @roarfitnessldn on Instagram and was inspired by the transformations at their London gym, so I signed up, committing to three weights sessions a week. I began following a more consistent meal pattern, increased my protein and hydration and ensured I was consuming carbs around my training. I loved seeing how focusing on myself and manipulating my macros with weight training affected my body composition. My newfound physical strength was accompanied by a lift in my mood and self-belief – the aesthetic changes in my body were just a welcome side effect.
NOW
I’m finally enjoying life again. I lift weights at least three times a week, alongside yoga, dancing and running. The past few months have been quite hectic but exciting – I’ve moved house and I’m about to go travelling for six months. I’ve been spending less time at the gym and more time socialising before I go away so I’m not at my peak, but I’ve already sought out local gyms and plan to continue with my current routine wherever I can. Trying new cuisines and meeting new people may not always fit with how I’ve managed things at home but that’s fine – I know I’m capable of implementing a more structured routine on my return.