Brenda McDonell

I first made contact with Giselle in 2014 following a recommendation from an online personal trainer. I did a bit of research on Giselle using social media and I could see that she was a successful competitive bodybuilder. This appealed to because I had been a competitive bodybuilder in the 1990's and was contemplating a return to the sport. From the start Giselle was very professional, encouraging and non-judgmental. She didn't reel back in horror when I told her my weight was 86 kgs. She didn't try to dissuade me from competing when I told her my bodyfat was 32% either. She simply supported me and my goal, believing in me right from the beginning.

Initially the nutrition plans Giselle wrote for me were what anyone would consider 'normal' eating the only difference being all food was measured to ensure I was getting the correct amount of calories and the right balance of carbohydrate, proteins and fats. The food was so normal in fact that my husband ate the same as me and at that stage he had no idea I was working with a Nutritionist!

Over the next 2 years Giselle wrote nutrition plans designed specifically to help me achieve the physique I needed to be able to step on stage again. Together we radically altered my body shape and composition and in 2016 Giselle guided me into my first bodybuilding competition in 17 years, aged 51 and in the best shape of my life. We continued to work together throughout 2017 and 2018. Each year Giselle would fine tune my nutrition plans to achieve the best possible results. She was always there and ready to make changes if needed, even on the day of competition. Her support through every part of the last 4 years has been invaluable.

I cannot recommend Giselle highly enough. She is a skilled and knowledgeable Nutritionist who goes above and beyond what is expected. She has encouraged me, counselled me, kept me real and had faith in me and for that I am truly grateful.

Brenda McDonell
NABBA NZ National Champion Masters Figure 50+ 2016
Natural Olympia Grand Masters Champion 2016 & 2017
PNBA Pro 2018