Height: 164cm
Before: 64.8kg / 30.3% body fat
After: 54.2kg / 19.6% body fat
Prize: Adventure holiday courtesy of G Adventures
Ever since she was a child in Germany, Martina Rosenberger has struggled with energy. She remembers waking up with a feeling of dread each day, a tiredness that lasted into adulthood, and a constant sense of exhaustion. It’s only now that Rosenberger sees her energy levels were a reflection of her diet.
“I didn’t enjoy eating,” she admits. “I loved sweets but most food tasted very bland to me. I ate only because I had to survive. I always thought carbs were the only option to fill up, that eating protein was bad for you, and I never ate a lot of vegetables.”
Rosenberger signed up for the 12 Week Challenge to educate herself about food and exercise, in the hope of finding a way to live with more energy from day to day. She had always put family first and reasoned that 12 weeks was a fair exchange for the years she’d dedicated to her 6-year-old twins, who she often cares for on her own while her husband travels for business.
“I decided to give myself one week for every year I had been taking care of my children!” she says. “It was very tricky and took a lot of planning to make the time to go to the gym, between caring for the kids, working, and my husband being away three or four days at a time. I had to let go of something, so the house didn’t look very clean as a result!” she quips.
The benefits of food coaching and personal training were almost instant. Inspired by the Fernwood online recipe pages, Rosenberger started experimenting with healthy ways to jazz up her meals and get the nutrients she needed to fuel her training program, swapping the schnitzel and potato meals of her youth for healthier options, such as her favourite crusted flathead recipe.
Within a month, Rosenberger started waking up feeling positive about the day, motivated to try a new class out at the gym or enjoy a nice breakfast.
“When the kids were in bed I used to collapse on the sofa. Now, I get things done! I need a lot less sleep. When I’m awake I’m energised and happy. Suddenly, life is fun.”
Rosenberger aims to keep rolling with her newfound energy, continuing with cross-training, yoga and Pilates. As for the next milestone, that’s easy: preparing to tackle the Inca Trail as part of the amazing G Adventures trip she has won.
“I always dreamed of doing something like that, but felt it was way beyond my fitness. It sounds tough, so I think I need to train for that a bit!” she says.
Some challenges remain, such as how to juggle family commitments around the trip. But as Rosenberger herself can attest, when there’s a will, there’s a way: “I’m definitely going. That’s all I can say at the moment... as for when, I’m not sure. But I’m very excited.”
*Fernwood client testimonial was achieved as part of an overall healthy diet and exercise plan. Regular exercise and proper diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss. Consult your healthcare professional before beginning any diet or fitness program.