27/02/2026
For a long time, I associated progress with exhaustion.
Most of my training consisted of long cardio sessions and high-intensity workouts, and although I was constantly pushing myself, I often felt depleted rather than genuinely stronger.
The shift happened gradually, when I began to prioritise strength training and a more structured approach to movement.
Instead of focusing on how many calories I could burn, I started paying attention to how my body actually responded and adapted.
Over time, the changes became very tangible.
My posture improved, my energy throughout the day became more stable, and my body composition shifted in a way that felt sustainable rather than forced.
I no longer needed to restrict my food intake to maintain my shape, because my body was simply functioning more efficiently.
At the same time, my perspective on nutrition evolved just as much.
I realised that what truly supported me was not restrictive eating, but consistency and nourishment.
Prioritising nutrient-dense foods, ensuring sufficient protein, and allowing space for flexibility proved far more effective than the extreme approaches I had experimented with in the past.
Today, my approach to food is balanced rather than rigid.
Most of the time, I focus on meals that support my energy, recovery, and hormonal health, while still leaving room for enjoyment without guilt or strict rules.
Looking back, the most important lesson has been that sustainable progress rarely comes from extremes.
It comes from training and lifestyle habits that support the body, rather than constantly challenging its limits.
