I jumped at the opportunity, which came not only at the perfect time for me but coincided with plans to introduce this new lifestyle section you're now reading!
Each week you can read about the steps in the programme, how I've found it and the changes I'm noticing. I promise to keep it pretty raw perhaps a bit Bridget Jones's Diary-esque I don't want to prejudge anything but I'm guessing parts of the initial detox ain't gonna be pretty.
So, here is the first instalment in 'Diary of a body makeover'.
Consultation process
Today we're talking about the goal setting Sonja wants me to do, which will define what I want from the programme and why I'm doing it.
"I want to fit back into my favourite size 12 Max jeans!," I tell her. Sonja nods and smiles.
Then she tells me about "critter brain" that primitive part of our brains whereby the neural wiring sees us choosing safe and familiar pathways. Essentially it's how we self-sabotage our efforts to lose weight and shape up.
We start a new eating plan but down the track, when we're tired or stressed and haven't organised what we're having for dinner, critter brain kicks in and we default to our safe place: ordering our favourite calorie-laden-takeaway.
Cue guilt and shame, the spiral continues and soon we're back to square one. Sonja's programme helps create new neural pathways - new pathways to a new me!
That understood, I sat down with my worksheet. It asks where my health is at. It needs improving; I'm done feeling sluggish, want to slim down and need to address stress levels.
And what would happen if I did nothing and stayed on my current path? Probably be on a path to burnout.
It asks how I would feel if I reclaimed radiant health and what I'd do differently. Well, apart from feeling amazing I'd probably be happy to stroll along the beach in my togs without a care in the world!
It asks what's held me back in the past. Ummmm, me.
True, being a single parent makes it hard to fit in exercise. But there's no excuse when it comes to diet.
I can see how I can block out time for exercise where I can; lunch breaks are a good start.
Then it begins to dig deep: What are you really afraid of? I list my fears and work through them to determine why they might be bollocks. Ooookay, here goes dying young is what I'm most afraid of. Losing my husband when he was 34 made me realise I'm not invincible and there's still so much I want to see, do and accomplish yet.
It's not really bollocks. It can happen. But with my affirmation cards (more on this soon) I'm going to work on quashing that fear.
Then I get creative - I have to write and draw how I want my body to look and feel in three months ... I want more energy, to be radiant, have clearer skin, reduced tummy fat, be more active, feel nourished and revitalised. Then from my drawing and words, I write down goals for the next four weeks (improve my fitness and tone up, instill calm and clarity in my mind, nourish myself with my food choices) along with steps to achieving those goals.
Then I have to answer what my big WHY is the reason I'm doing all this.
"Get clear," it says, "so when the doubts roll in you can remind yourself why you're doing it."
By now I realise my why doesn't just boil down to getting back into my size 12 jeans. I adore those jeans, but what I really want is to reclaim the woman who inhabits them.
I want to get back that confident, sassy, energetic chick who truly embraces life and feels amazing at that size and weight. Bugger the number on the scales - this journey is about more than a number staring at me between my feet.
Finally, there are seven blank squares to fill in with affirmations that I place at home and work and will remind me of the radiant health I am reclaiming.
Among those affirmations is one I hope will alleviate those earlier fears: My body is functioning exactly as it should.
Next week Sonja analyses my diet and outward signs of health issues.
Sonja Gardiner is a Hamilton nutritionist on a mission to bring health, wholeness and happiness back into people's lives. For more information see www.sonjagardiner.com
