A mother has revealed how she has been given a new lease of life after trading alcohol for protein shakes, dropping 53lbs and finally finding the energy to play with her children again.
Chelsea Defina, 32, a fitness coach from Connecticut, turned to alcohol to ‘fill a void’ in her life and would often find herself drinking wine, vodka and beer daily which led to an unhealthy diet.
Living off processed food and energy drinks, she weighed 173lbs (12st 5lbs) and was a US size 14, and began to ‘hate’ her reflection and worry about her health as a glass of alcohol led to a bottle.
In June 2018 Chelsea decided to take action, embarking on a healthy diet and becoming a virtual health and fitness coach, dropping to 1120lbs (8st 8lbs) and a size eight – and now has the energy to play with Sophia, four and Owen, three.
Chelsea Defina, 32, a fitness coach from Connecticut, would often find herself drinking wine, vodka and beer daily which led to an unhealthy diet (seen before, in 2017)
In June 2018 Chelsea decided to take action, embarking on a healthy diet and becoming a virtual health and fitness coach, dropping to 1120lbs (8st 8lbs) and a size eight
Celebrating five years of sobriety, Chelsea, said: ‘I didn’t care about my health before. I was overweight and unhealthy.
‘I hated how I looked and I had zero confidence. I constantly felt sluggish and needed to nap throughout the day, even after drinking five energy drinks before drinking at night.
‘It started off as one glass of wine here, or a vodka and coke to drinking the whole bottle followed by frozen pizzas or fast food the following day.
Chelsea turned to alcohol to ‘fill a void’ in her life and began feeling increasingly unhealthy
In June 2018 Chelsea decided to take action, embarking on a healthy diet and becoming a virtual health and fitness coach – and now has the energy to play with Sophia, four and Owen, three (seen)
‘On weekends, I would binge watch TV with my children on the sofa rather than go outdoors as I didn’t have the energy.
‘I felt lonely so I would drink to fill the gap and soon realised I have a problem which left me no choice but to check into rehab to become the best mum possible for my children Sophia, four and Owen, three.
‘Once I got the help needed, I felt like a completely new woman and decided to get into shape.’
Living off processed food and energy drinks, she weighed 173lbs (12st 5lbs) and was a US size 14, and began to ‘hate’ her reflection and worry about her health as a glass of alcohol led to a bottle
Seen before: Chelsea Defina, 32, with husband Jude, 33, before her weight loss
Chelsea weighed 173lbs (12st 5lbs) at her heaviest – now weighs 1120lbs (8st 8lbs) – seen
Chelsea weighed 173lbs (12st 5lbs) at her heaviest – now weighs 1120lbs (8st 8lbs).
She works out six days a week and coaches other mothers online – primarily focusing on women in sobriety too.
She said: ‘My life has totally changed and I finally believe in myself – anything is possible.
‘My relationship with my children is much better and we love playing outdoors rather than being cooped up in the house.
Chelsea works out six days a week and coaches other mothers online – primarily focusing on women in sobriety too
Chelsea says she now feel sbeautiful and more than happy to wear a swimming costume – something she wouldn’t dare think about before
Chelsea is seen with Sophia, four and Owen, three, celebrating five years of sobriety
‘I am selfless rather than selfish and will now go out my way to help someone rather than focusing on myself and what to drink next.
‘I feel beautiful and I am more than happy to wear a swimming costume – something I wouldn’t dare think about before.
‘I love that I can now help other women and push them out of their comfort zone like I have.
‘I am proud to share my hard work and I want others to feel the same.’