Returning to training after injury is never straightforward. The beginning of 2025 reminded me of that in the most direct way possible. A neck injury, followed by a knee injury, and then a second knee injury because I had chosen not to listen to my body. My desire to train was so strong that I ignored the pain and kept pushing through, until the second injury left me limping and I had no choice but to stop.

I sought professional help and, although very reluctantly, followed the expert guidance and began my 15-day Recovery Journey.

Reflecting on the First 15 Days

Throughout this process, I was able to slow down and reflect on my healing in a way I rarely allow myself to do. I realised how essential it is to stop when needed and give both the body and mind the time they require to recover and move forward.

Learning to slow down is harder than it sounds. If you are in a season that is asking more from you than you have to give, this might help: How to Survive Difficult Days Without Feeling Overwhelmed.

As the days passed, I appreciated the improvements. The ease with which movements became natural again. The complete absence of pain during the final days. There is something quietly powerful about watching your body repair itself when you finally give it permission to do so.

The recovery phase is now complete, and I am ready to return to intense training. However, this time, I will listen to my body, allowing it the necessary rest to ensure full restoration whenever needed. Lesson learned, the hard way.

Embracing the Next Challenge

But life is built on challenges. They are what make it interesting.

A month ago, I started a moderate low-carb diet and decided to embrace it for the rest of my life. That is how well it has been working. I have already lost 5 kg, eating everything I enjoy without counting calories or weighing my food.

With that in mind, I decided to launch a new challenge: achieving my summer body, not just for this season, but as a lasting transformation.

One of my biggest concerns was not being able to train while eating low carb. During this month, I realised that this is not a problem at all. I have energy, I am never hungry, and I eat until I feel satisfied.

What Is a Moderate Low-Carb Diet?

A moderate low-carb diet is an approach to nutrition that focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake without eliminating it entirely. Instead of cutting out entire food groups, it emphasises eating real, whole foods like meats, fish, eggs, healthy fats, low-carb vegetables, and moderate amounts of fruits and dairy.

The goal is to stabilise blood sugar levels, promote fat burning, and provide steady energy throughout the day, all while allowing flexibility and enjoyment in food choices. Unlike extreme low-carb or keto diets, a moderate low-carb lifestyle is easier to maintain long-term, supporting both physical health and an active routine without the need for strict measurements or calorie counting.

According to Verywell Mind, the psychological sustainability of a diet matters as much as its nutritional profile. Approaches that allow flexibility and do not trigger deprivation tend to be the ones people actually maintain over time. That has certainly been my experience.

My Experience So Far

Eating this way, I never feel discomfort. I am never bloated, my energy remains high, and my mind is clear. I have been more productive, and everything in my body seems to be working harmoniously.

Returning to training after injury while following a new way of eating could have felt overwhelming. Instead, it has felt like the right combination at the right time.

The Plan Ahead

The plan will last for two months, ending in late June. I am not aiming to become skinny. I have a lot of muscle mass, and my goal is to maintain a thick, strong physique. I simply want to eliminate excess fat, especially around my upper body, belly, arms and back.

I will be sharing what I eat, my workout routines, and how I feel throughout this period. If I lost 5 kg in one month with light training, I cannot wait to see the results now that I will be adding Les Mills classes, running, and of course plenty of stretching. Lesson well and truly learned.

Consistency Above All

My primary goal will be to achieve consistency in eating and training. That is the perfect combination for a healthy body and mind.

Consistency is easier when you have a clear sense of ownership over your choices: The Power of Accountability: Taking Ownership of Your Life.

I invite you to follow me on this journey, and if you decide to embark on a similar path, feel free to share your experience in the comments.

Let’s Do This Together

This journey is more than just physical transformation. It is about building habits, embracing growth, and celebrating every small victory along the way. Together, we can prove that sustainable change is not only possible, but deeply rewarding.

And if you believe, as I do, that transformation starts in the mind before it shows in the body, this is worth reading: Manifestation: Turning Thoughts Into Reality.

Here is to a strong, vibrant and unstoppable version of yourself, whatever season you are in.

Bearing in mind that I’m starting a new journey, I’ll drink accordingly: a low-carb smoothie made with avocado and strawberries. No alcohol for me, thanks.

And the movie of choice will be The Dark Knight Rises. Yep, another Batman movie! Let’s see how this one goes.

Bye-bye!