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When lockdown brought the world to a halt, Elle Ferguson pressed reset. The influencer and founder of Elle Effect turned isolation into an opportunity for radical personal growth. She overhauled her diet, adopted a consistent fitness regimen, and emerged physically and mentally stronger.
Her 10kg weight loss wasn’t just about appearance but about regaining control and confidence.
From Pajama Days to Purposeful Strides: Elle’s Pandemic Pivot
In the early days of the pandemic, Elle experienced what many did—a sudden pause from a hectic lifestyle.
- For the first few weeks of lockdown, she lived in her pajamas and rewatched Gossip Girl.
- With international travel and product launches canceled, she felt directionless.
- The constant stream of bad news triggered anxiety and left her emotionally drained.
- Her routine vanished, and her usual sense of purpose and movement.
But in the stillness, something shifted. By the third week, she had a wake-up call. Cleaning out her house from top to bottom, she realized how much she thrived on structure, activity, and progress. That clarity pushed her to take action.
Rebuilding Routine: Elle’s Simple Steps to a Stronger Self
Elle knew she needed to change her daily patterns if she wanted to feel better. She didn’t wait for a perfect plan—she started with what she had.
- Inspired by the idea of hitting 10,000 steps a day, she bought a treadmill.
- She set a simple, achievable goal: walk for an hour every day.
- She booked Zoom Pilates classes to add a second workout and create accountability.
- Working out twice a day became her new normal—one hour of walking, one hour of Pilates.
- She made a six-day workout commitment, keeping Sundays for rest and recovery.
What began as a temporary fix evolved into a new lifestyle. Five months later, she hadn’t missed a single day.
Nutrition Reset: Saying Goodbye to Takeout, Hello to Healthy
Elle’s approach to food changed dramatically. Without delivery apps or last-minute orders, she was in full control of her meals.
- She and her fiancé, Joel, went vegetarian in April, simplifying their eating habits.
- They signed up for HelloFresh, which helped with portion control and meal prep.
- With no processed snacks or fast food in the house, clean eating became second nature.
- Her skin initially broke out—a sign of detox—but eventually cleared up beautifully.
- She started drinking at least two liters of water daily, noticing better energy and clearer eyes.
She wasn’t just avoiding bad habits—she was learning to enjoy nourishing her body.
Elle’s Lockdown Diet: A Peek at Her Plate
Here’s a closer look at the daily meals that helped Elle stay fueled and lose weight:
Breakfast
- Green smoothie with almond milk, banana, spinach, and plant-based protein
- Optional: chia seeds or a spoonful of peanut butter for healthy fats
- Herbal tea or black coffee
Lunch
- Simple salad with chickpeas, lentils, or grilled tofu
- Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado
- Dressing: lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of mustard
- Occasionally paired with whole-grain crackers
Dinner (via HelloFresh)
- Veggie stir-fry with tofu or tempeh
- Zucchini noodles with tomato-basil sauce and lentils
- Quinoa Buddha bowls with roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and tahini drizzle
Snacks
- Fresh fruits (apples, berries, oranges)
- A handful of almonds or pumpkin seeds
- Hummus with raw veggie sticks
Hydration
- 2–3 liters of water per day
- Herbal detox teas in the evening
This diet wasn’t a strict cleanse or deprivation plan—it was sustainable, whole-food focused, and satisfying.
More Than Muscles: How Movement Became Her Mental Sanctuary
Elle’s body changed, but her mindset changed even more. This journey brought up emotions she didn’t expect.
- She broke down on the treadmill, overwhelmed by frustration or exhaustion.
- She cried through difficult Pilates sessions, especially when movements felt impossible.
- But she always got back up and tried again, each time with more determination.
“There’s something about getting up and trying again that makes you even stronger.”
Elle’s emotional resilience became the foundation of her transformation. Exercise was no longer just about looks—it became therapy, meditation, and motivation in motion.
Turning Skepticism into Stamina: Fueling Her Fire
When people doubted her ability to stay consistent, Elle used their skepticism as fuel.
- She heard, “You won’t work out every day,” and thought, “Watch me.”
- On low-motivation days, those voices became her push to get out of bed.
- She stayed focused on proving her capability, not just to others, but to herself.
- Each small goal hit, like running without stopping or hitting incline milestones, was a confidence boost.
Doubt became her secret weapon, and motivation never felt so personal.
The Feel-Good Factor: Visible Changes, Deeper Impact
The physical impact of her routine was undeniable. But more than the scale, it was how her body felt that impressed Elle most.
- She lost 10kg in five months—safely, consistently, and without extremes.
- Her muscles became more toned, and her body looked longer and leaner.
- Improved posture and core strength enhanced her daily movements.
- Her stamina increased—what began as walking evolved into full-out running.
Elle wasn’t just lighter; she was stronger, more agile, and in better alignment—physically and mentally.
Home Sweet Home: Why Working Out In-House Worked Wonders
One surprising discovery? Working out at home suited her more than studio classes ever had.
- No wasted time driving to and from the gym
- Immediate transitions from bed to treadmill or mat
- Flexible schedule, but still structured and goal-oriented
- Built a home setup that made fitness a part of her lifestyle, not a chore
She’s currently aiming to hit 10km on an incline of 10 in under an hour—another challenge to keep her inspired.
Final Thoughts: Small Daily Steps Create Major Change
Elle Ferguson’s story isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about owning your time and making it count.
She embraced discomfort, faced doubt head-on, and found her rhythm through repetition.
Her 10kg transformation came from honoring her body, trusting the process, and committing to daily growth.
She didn’t just change her shape—she changed her life.
