In January 2007 firefighter Michael Watton, 45, was feeling suicidal. A broken marriage and clinical depression had led him to the lowest point of this life. Michael suddenly realised he had to sort himself out. But how?

A couple of years previously he had toyed with the idea of following Body-for-LIFE. Michael decided this could be his ticket out of depression, poor fitness and low self esteem. How right he was. In 12 weeks he went from 12st 5lbs to 11st 8lbs and dropped his body fat from 21.2% to 14.1%.

Michael was inspired by the Body-for-LIFE book that shows numerous case studies of men and women who have succeeded in transforming themselves. Many had overcome greater difficulties than his own: this was reassuring in a strange way! He planned his meals and workouts and then set out to start his programme. “For the first two or three weeks I was so very tired – by the weekend I was shattered!” recalls Michael. “However, from the fourth week the reverse happened; I was superbly energised! And remain so.”

Michael’s diet before doing Body-for-LIFE left a lot to be desired: cheese rolls, doughnuts, hot chocolate from the work vending machine. His job demanded long hours from him and Michael didn’t know what else to do. But he has learned from that it can be just as quick to make up a salad, cook up some salmon or chicken and drink plenty of water. Between his meals he enjoys EAS protein bars and Myoplex protein shakes that are ideal to snack on and take to work.

Michael is “100% sold” on Body-for-LIFE and is spreading the word among his colleagues and gym friends. Michael’s three daughters have been his personal driving force and their support has been immeasurable. They encouraged him to keep going and revelled in his better humour and increased energy levels which made their time together so much more rewarding. “I couldn’t have done Body-for-LIFE without my girls’ support,” he says. “My first motivation was for myself – to get fit, rid myself of depression and get back on my feet. But then to find the energy and enthusiasm to live life to the full with them is incredible. They never gave up on me and for that I thank them.”