Real Life Weight Loss: How Alexandra Lost 13kg In 6 Months
Lifelong athlete Alexandra Shipper, now 26, kept up a steady exercise routine through uni. Still, the fashion designer could never balance her love of oversized dishes. “I usually ate pretty healthy, but I also ate a lot,” says Shipper. After uni, her thrice‑weekly 30-minute workouts just weren’t cutting it. A year after graduation, Shipper, 165cm, hit 90kg.
The change
“I was in a rut until I saw bridesmaid pics from my best friend’s wedding,” says Shipper. “I couldn’t believe I had gotten to that point.” She had always self‑consciously shied away from group exercise classes. But in January 2012, with the photos in mind, Shipper gave in and tried a kettlebell class. She was hooked. “That was my first step,” she says.
"Set daring goals, even if you're not sure you can make it. You just might surprise yourself."
The lifestyle
With her new love for the ’bells as motivation, Shipper confronted portion distortion with a kilojoule-counting guide (and slowly nixed processed foods, too) to drop 13kg in six months. Her “paleo-ish” plan included protein-rich egg whites and fish, homemade green juices, and healthy fats like avocado. Later in 2012, Shipper started taking spin classes at her local gym and has saddled up at least once a week since. She also added barre and boot camp classes to her schedule, and by April 2013, she had run her first half-marathon.
The reward
“The way I feel without processed foods is extraordinary,” says Shipper, citing clearer skin and fewer headaches. And with a newfound sense of confidence to match the killer clothes she designs, “life is just better,” she says. “I don’t have to settle for just any outfit that fits on my body.” Plus, working out pumps her up now: “I love the sense of accomplishment when I meet a goal,” she says. Speaking of goals, Shipper’s transformation is truly inspiring!
Alexandra’s Tips
Invest in exercise: Shipper recommends paying for classes in advance so you won’t skip them.
Adjust your cravings: “I traded my old go-to frozen yoghurt for a fat-free version made from fruit.”
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