02/09/2026
What I learned from my photoshoot in June 📸
1. Cutting takes discipline�I’d never done a diet like this before. I’d done calorie deficits previously, but this time I had a set goal of where I wanted to be. No matter how tough it got, sticking to the plan was absolutely worth it. Cutting takes discipline, planning and willpower and this is where having a coach can really help you through the tougher stages.
2. Meal planning is critical�I wouldn’t have got into the shape I did without meal planning. It took the decision making out of it, helped with cravings and stopped me spiralling into takeaways or unnecessary calories. Keeping meals simple and planning ahead made it much easier to hit my calorie and protein goals.
3. You won’t always feel your best�When training for something like this, there’s a price to pay. Some days I felt exhausted with very little energy. The important thing is not letting those days knock you off track. Keep moving forward, take it day by day, stick to the plan and remember why you started.
4. Meals/nights out can’t and shouldn’t always be avoided�There were times during prep when I couldn’t avoid meals out with family or celebrating occasions and that’s okay. It’s important that it doesn’t become every weekend when you have a goal to achieve. Sometimes I had to say no, but other times I allowed myself to go out and enjoy it. What matters most is what you do afterwards. Get back to your plan the next day and your goals are still achievable. We all need a break from a strict routine sometimes.
5. It is worth it�This is probably the biggest piece of advice I can give. Knowing everything I know now, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The shoot taught me more about myself than the diet ever could. Discipline, patience and not giving in at the first hurdle. What’s on the other side is always worth it.
What you put in is what you get out. The hard work is always worth it, whatever your goal.
Thinking about doing this yourself? Drop me a message and we can get to work đź’Ş
