Body Transformation: Julia Nash Body Transformation

Lifestyle Prior To Change

What was your lifestyle prior to your transformation?

I was very active before becoming pregnant. However I used both pregnancies as an excuse to eat “for two” and gained weight.

What was your low point or turning point?

I saw a photo of myself in October 2009 which made me realize just how big I had become. It was time to stop making excuses and get my pre-baby body back.

Were there any unique challenges or circumstances that made your transformation particularly difficult?

Having a baby and a toddler made finding the time to exercise quite difficult. Luckily my husband was very supportive and we made a schedule so that I could get out of the house and get the daily exercise I required done.

Tell us about your transformation timeline:

• Transformation Start: October 2009.
• Milestone: January 2010 – Decide to compete in a bodybuilding competition before my son turns one (in June 2010).
• Milestone: June 2010 – Compete in a bodybuilding competition – goal completed.

Julia’s Training And Cardio Approach

What was your weight training approach and split during your transformation?

Because I had come from a bodybuilding background I reverted to what I knew best …a six day split of legs twice, chest, shoulders/abs, arms, back.

• Monday – Chest
• Tuesday – Legs
• Wednesday – Back
• Thursday – Shoulders/Abs
• Friday – Legs
• Saturday – Arms
• Sunday – Rest

Please detail your cardio approach during your transformation?

Daily cardio. Usually walking with the kids in the pram, and once a week I would try and do a boot camp type workout at our local stadium.

Please list 3 things you learned about exercise, weight training and/or cardio during your transformation that helped you succeed:

1. It takes two weeks for something to become a habit…consistency pays off.
2. Be prepared! Organize yourself the day before, lay out your gym kit, get your food ready then you have no excuses not to succeed.
3. You have to believe it before you will achieve it! The mind is more powerful than any other organ in your body .. dream it, believe it .. then go and achieve it.

How are you currently training, and has your training changed since the completion of your transformation?

I still do a six day split with cardio session every day. During contest prep I add another session of cardio to help shred the fat, however I also switch to a lower intensity cardio (walking as opposed to running) so that I can hold onto as much muscle as humanly possible while dieting down.

Julia’s Diet And Nutrition Approach

What was your diet and nutrition approach during your transformation?

Eating small meals often.

Can you provide us with a sample meal plan?

• Breakfast – 1 scoop of Balance protein powder made with water and ¼ cup rolled oats made with water with a sprinkle of slithered almonds.
• Meal Two – 1 scoop of Balance protein powder made with water and 3 corn thins.
• Meal Three – Chicken/steak or fish with steamed kumara (sweet potato).
• Meal Four – 100 grams of chicken with a few nuts.
• Meal Five – Steak and steamed veggies.
• Meal Six – Protein shake.

Did you allow yourself cheat meals?

Yes – once a week (except when preparing for competition) I had a treat Sunday morning which was usually a muffin and a real coffee. It was always a Sunday morning as it gave me time to burn off any excess calories and it meant that I wasn’t tempted to treat myself for the entire weekend which could happen if I had a treat meal on the Saturday.

Please list 3 things you learned about diet and nutrition during your transformation?

1. Freeze your food in meal size portions so you can defrost and cook quickly.
2. Ensure you are prepared, there is nothing worse than coming home starving and not have something clean to eat, that’s when you reach for the biscuits!
3. Meal planning ensured I was consuming not only the correct calories for my requirements but the right macronutrients as well.

Were there any diet/nutrition mistakes you made that you learned from?

I’ve learned that I personally do not function well on extremely low carbs so the keto diet is a “no-go” for me. I’ve also learned that I would rather starve than eat Brussels sprouts 😉

What supplements did you use during your transformation?

Glutamine for recovery.

Advice For Others

What are your best tips for someone looking to make their own transformation?

1. Draw a line in the sand and get started. Prepare yourself for success, make a plan of attack, get provisions and take the first step towards your goal.
2. Remember, you would hate for your significant other to cheat on you, so do not cheat on yourself! It may be hard work .. but its an investment in your future.
3. Believe in yourself!

How do you stay motivated? What advice would you give to someone who’s having trouble staying on track?

I set myself goals and then go for it. I’ve done triathlons, fun runs even the first time I competed was a goal that I set to help me focus on losing weight. When I have a goal it gives me something to look towards and focus on. I can’t do this just to “look good” or to “feel better” to me those are intangible things that I cant “touch” …I need a clear end point to aim for.

More From Julia Nash

What is your life like now that you’ve made a transformation?

My life now is busy but amazing. I’ve go the energy to keep up with my two toddlers and the confidence to go out and attain whatever it is that I want.

What motivates you currently to keep improving yourself?

My sport! As a competitive bodybuilder I’m continually striving to make improvements … like a good wine, I hope to improve with age.

Anything else you would like to share?

I read in an article once that an idea becomes a goal when you write it down and that one thought it constantly in the back of my mind now. I have a training journal and along with my food and training I write down my goals …long term and short term and I read them when things get hard as a reminder of why I am getting up in the dark to walk when Id rather be sleeping.

How can people contact you?