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Isabel BeestonAustralian personal trainer with history of alcohol abuse
Country:
 Australia |
Content:
- Transformation from Party Girl to Health Coach
- Struggles with Alcohol and Fitness
- Low-Carb Diet and Obsessive Training
- The Importance of Balance
- Embracing Macros and Social Media
- Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Transformation from Party Girl to Health Coach
Isabelle Biston, a 22-year-old personal trainer from Perth, Australia, has come a long way from her days as a "social drinker" who turned to excessive alcohol consumption at the age of 18. But she gained control over her drinking and embraced a high-carbohydrate diet, embarking on a journey that has transformed her not only physically but also mentally.
Struggles with Alcohol and Fitness
Isabelle's social life revolved around alcohol, leaving little room for health and fitness. "I'd go out drinking every Saturday night. Then I'd wake up with a hangover on Sunday and feel like a piece of crap. It was an endless cycle."
Despite her previous involvement in fitness, alcohol took over after high school. "I was never really into my health or fitness until I finished school," she said, adding that she would binge drink on weekends, followed by periods of intense guilt and exhaustion.
Low-Carb Diet and Obsessive Training
In an attempt to shed weight, Isabelle turned to a low-carbohydrate diet and excessive cardio, resulting in an unhealthy weight of 46kg. "I felt like I had no energy because I was depriving myself of things like bread and sugar," she recalled. "I was always hungry and it made me moody and irritable. When your mood is down, it affects every single aspect of your life."
The Importance of Balance
Isabelle's quest for a "perfect body" shifted when she began studying for her personal training certificate. She realized that there was more to life than striving to be "as skinny as possible."
"Two years ago, it was all about trying to be thin," Isabelle explained. "I was obsessed with getting abs and a thigh gap." But now, her focus is on building muscle and strength. "My idea of a perfect body has become more realistic... You need carbs for a booty."
Embracing Macros and Social Media
Isabelle emphasizes the importance of a macronutrient-rich diet, including protein, fats, and carbohydrates, for optimal body function. "I eat a lot of rice, rice cakes, sweet potato, and gluten-free cereals, and lots of fruit."
She also acknowledges the positive influence of social media in her journey. "I don't let it consume me, but it has definitely given me the motivation to get to where I am today."
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Reflecting on her transformation, Isabelle says she has always been a "happy person," but she has also navigated "many different paths in life." She stresses the importance of finding a balance between fitness and other aspects of life.
"Both extremes were very hard work and required discipline," Isabelle said. "But one gave me the energy to do other things, whereas the other left me tired by lunchtime."
She cautions against getting caught up in diets that can become all-consuming. "It's easy to get into a trap where your fitness is almost consuming you."
Isabelle believes that achieving an "ultimate body" means not only "being at your peak health and functionality" but also feeling your best, a state of well-being she has never experienced before. "That's when you're at your ultimate physical state when you actually have the energy to move, play, work, and play again," she asserts.
For young women seeking to transform their bodies, Isabelle recommends "consistency, coaching, daily exercise, and a balanced diet."
"Don't put your life on hold because it's not going to get any better," Isabelle said. "The biggest thing is knowing that you don't need to drink to have fun. I still have a drink with my friends, but I don't binge. You don't have to be a gym junkie or a party girl. You can literally have the best of both worlds."
