The best investment you can make is one in your own wellness, says Fitness Model Amy Benn.
Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 14, I sat on the bench at my basketball grand final. I was too weak to play, and watched my team lose by one point. My teens and early twenties were full of highs and lows managing my Crohn’s. Landing myself repeatedly in hospital, I managed to finish school and got the enter score I needed.
Though my dreams of becoming an athlete were hindered by my health, I realised I wanted to be a carer instead. I was inspired by the nurses who cared for me, and instead of being in the bed, I knew I wanted to help others.
At 22, I decided it was time to take my health into my own hands. I was the perfect patient, though I still had some destructive lifestyle patterns that needed addressing. Like my friends, life was full of studies, late shifts, night shifts, partying, coffee, alcohol and processed food.
I decided to do what I could…
It wasn’t easy but it has been the best gift I could give myself. I invested in personal training and nutrition courses, I set goals, plans and started training for my health.
I started eating a plant-based diet with good protein sources, grains and good fats. I started lifting weights, going to bed early and took care of myself. When I was unwell and put on the “low residue diet” or when I couldn’t tolerate food, I just juiced my vegetables. Extracting the fibre allowed me to absorb the nutrients without the fibre. I also had a lot of soups and smoothies.
With all the work I was doing, it was time to show it to the world. I started fitness modelling. I was so proud of all the little things I was doing every day that it gave me confidence in front of the camera and on stage. Glowing skin, hair and a body bouncing with vitality was a simple result of the lifestyle I lead. Since making the positive change in my lifestyle, I have travelled across the country, and worked with many international brands.
However the best thing is when I am able to convince others that they have the ability to live well despite their health setbacks. Because the best investment you can make is one in your own wellness.
Amy Benn is 2 X ICN Swimwear Model Champion, WFF First Place Bikini Model and WBFF Bikini Diva Competitor. She helps others achieve their health and fitness goals, through her online programs.
