When Samuel Falvo’s wife Sonja decided to follow the EAS Body-for-LIFE exercise and nutrition programme as part of her work and to restore her own fitness and figure, he decided to show both moral and practical support. Samuel, 42, endured long working hours and fitness was pretty far down his list of priorities. However, after watching the Body-for-LIFE DVD with Sonja, he decided to put it to the test alongside her.

Sounds straightforward, but when you’re working long hours and a self-confessed Burger King Kid – often not eating all day before indulging in fast food including pizza and kebabs – a whole change of lifestyle was called for. And change he did – Samuel went from 12st 4lbs to 11st 11lbs and replaced body fat with lean, toned muscle.

Samuel spent the first couple of weeks getting used to eating six smaller, nutritionally balanced meals a day – a previously alien concept to him. He had to remind himself to eat and went to the extent of taking a protein shake into conferences and boardroom meetings, which raised a few eyebrows.

“I got some funny looks but that’s all: I made a decision to do this so I did it,” says Samuel. ”When there were lunches or dinners laid on I’d put in a special request to have something that tallied with the Body-for-LIFE programme.”

Sonja’s experience as a personal trainer helped them follow the Body-for-LIFE programme with good technique. The mutual support and encouragement were very valuable. Although initially tough, Samuel began to enjoy the new regime and noticed amazing changes in his body – first off, his trousers became too big as his waistline trimmed down swiftly.

Although there were the usual food temptations throughout the challenge Samuel confesses he now simply doesn’t fancy any kind of junk food: the Challenge had a profound affect on him. “It’s made me more aware of the food products we use; aware of the habits we have as individuals – be it eating, exercise or sitting on the couch more often. It’s brought a lot of attention to our combined bad habits. So we have changed two sets of bad habits into two sets of good ones.”

Samuel has not just changed his body but also his job, embracing the changes that life gives at any opportunity. “I found a lot of people make excuses as to why they’re overweight, not exercising, not taking care of themself. Well I say to them – you’ve got two hands and two feet - you can change things. You can’t rely on others for your bad eating and bad exercising habits,“ explains Samuel. “I want to show people that by putting your mind to your dreams you can achieve anything.”