How did Leah go from a sugar-addicted, crash dieter to becoming the first Aussie woman to cross the New York Marathon finish line? It all started with what she put on – and what she took off – of her plate. But combatting a sugar addiction is anything but easy

But Leah's journey is more than just a triumph in running; it's a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program.

Leah candidly shares, "At one stage, my eating habits were so out of control, I decided to stop eating for two weeks… just to feel better!" As a marathon runner, coeliac, and mother of three, Leah found herself at a crossroads until she embraced the holistic approach offered by the 8-Week Program.

The thing is, we’re not about crash dieting or restricting food – quite the opposite. We believe in nourishing and fuelling our bodies to give us the strength, energy and vitality we need to get through the day – and that means enjoying healthy fats, protein and antioxidant-rich foods that are satisfying, hearty and packed with flavour. Contrary to popular belief, cutting out carbs and under-eating are not the secret to a healthy body – and Leah is just one of many who discovered this fact during her journey through the 8-Week Program where she ate more real, whole foods while finding her strength and performance improved.

Yep, we enjoy delicious meals like this korma on the program!

"I train a lot! Actually, twice a day most days. And when I train, I train hard," Leah says. However, her nutrition habits were not aligned with her rigorous training routine. Grabbing a chocolate bar after training sessions became a routine, leading to unhealthy eating habits.

Diagnosed with coeliac disease, Leah faced challenges like chronic diarrhoea and fatigue. Desperate for relief, she even stopped eating for two weeks – but this would only exacerbate the problem. Determined to prepare for the New York Marathon and be at her fittest and healthiest, Leah revisited her copy of the I Quit Sugar book. Inspired by its principles, she enrolled in the 8-Week Program with the goal of staying sugar-free until the race. And that’s often how it starts – a small goal gives you the motivation you need to change the trajectory of your life. 

Leah's journey commenced with excitement, focus, and determination, despite a few setbacks.

"The first three days I had pretty severe headaches, but guzzling back some extra water worked a treat," she shares, adding that she involved her entire family in the sugar-free lifestyle, cooking ample portions for shared meals.

You don’t have to do the program alone! You can cook the recipes for your family too, or tag-team it like Lisa and her husband did – and here’s how they lost a combined 17 kilos.  

As the weeks progressed, Leah experienced a remarkable shift in her training routine. "I’d bounce out of bed energised and ready to run. Gone were the days of feeling sluggish and dreading training," she notes.  

On race day, Leah she felt the healthiest she'd ever been. Braving freezing temperatures, she completed the marathon, finishing as the first Australian woman, 29th woman overall, and securing 3rd place in her age group.  

“I just started crying on the side of the road because I was so thrilled at what I had achieved!”

Interested in learning about foods that boost your gut, combat sugar cravings and leave you feeling fuller for longer? Come join us for the 8-Week Program. You don’t have to buy exotic ingredients or splash your cash on new appliances; every tool you need, you’ve likely already got, and our ingredients are easily found at your local grocer. Because we know how challenging it can be to make a change in your life, and it’s the little things that make it that much easier (and fun!). Take a look at some of the exciting recipes members enjoy:

• Kale + Cauliflower Curry Puffs
• Raspberry Breakfast Muffins
• Prawn + Mango Tacos
• Swede + Cannellini Bean Soup
• Minty Salmon Brain-Boosting Bowl
• Savoury Crepes
• Spiced Sicilian Stew 

Life After the Program

Leah continues to benefit from the program, utilising meal prep techniques and staying organised to avoid unhealthy snacking. But it’s not just the performance enhancement she’s excited about – Leah says her skin has improved and her autoimmune condition has improved too.

“What I thought were 'sweat pimples' from training, turns out were just pimples from a bad diet,” she says. “And, my coeliac symptoms have improved tenfold because I now know exactly what I’m putting into my body.”

Leah's journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program. Her story inspires us to believe that change is possible, leading to a healthier, stronger, and more triumphant version of ourselves – and it just goes to show why we should never underestimate the power of our lifestyle choices. Join Leah on this incredible journey and discover the boundless benefits of a sugar-free life!

We’ve put in the hard yards so you can enjoy the benefits of an extensive, wholistic program that covers everything from learning how to manage nutrition and mental health to social situations. When you join us for the 8-Week Program you’ll have exclusive access to expert guidance, nutritional planning and support every step of the way. Take a peek at what’s on offer:

• 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
• A range of exclusive recipes, including sugar-free desserts, snacks and all the old favourites.
• Community forums to share and discuss your experience.
• Expert support to guide you through each week – from world-renowned chef Sarah Glover to yoga teachers, nutritionists and naturopaths. 

Next round starts 22^nd January – don’t wait, JOIN NOW!