There comes a moment when everything changes. For Courtney Herlick, that moment came after years of putting herself second while raising twins, as her weight climbed to 287.5 pounds. A frightening health scare became the wake-up call she needed to reclaim her life. Through courage, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to her health, Courtney transformed not only her body but her future. Her inspiring journey led her to the stage at the 2026 WNBF Edmonton Show, where she was crowned the New YOU Champion. We sat down with Courtney to learn more about the challenges, victories, and life-changing lessons behind her incredible transformation.
1. After having twins, your weight gradually increased to 287.5 lbs. Can you take us back to that time in your life and share what you were experiencing physically and emotionally?
I had just returned to work as a frontline nurse during Covid……so to say stress was at a high would be an understatement. I would put on a brave face for my family, but I was beyond exhausted physically and mentally. I’d push myself to be present and be involved in all my girls activities, but at the end of the day I’d always find myself laying in bed mindlessly eating. I remember waking up every morning exhausted, starving and feeling aches and pains. I tried to hide it well always smiling and being goofy with my girls, but the truth was I wasn’t happy and did not feel I was giving my family the best version of myself.
2. You mentioned having a frightening moment when you felt like you were having a heart attack, and that became your wake-up call. Can you tell us about that experience and how it changed your outlook on your health?
I knew I was a “big girl”, but I felt that I wore it well…..I could keep up pretty well with my girls and tried to not let my size stop me. However with the weight increasing and my body trying to compensate I started seeing my health fail. As a nurse for almost 2 decades I knew my diabetes was not managed, taking multiple medications including 120 units of insulin daily and this would lead to more issues. That day trudging up the stairs was my wake up call……..the reality was I was putting myself down a dangerous path, and ultimately my family would suffer. Feeling that loss of control for a few minutes made me realize I needed to step up and take hold of my health.
3. Throughout your journey, what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome, and what kept you committed even on the difficult days?
I would say it was the guilt. I’ll call it mom guilt. In the beginning I would feel that I was taking time away from my girls when I would go workout, or meal prep. Slowly my thought process changed and my girls started joining me in the kitchen, bringing their books down to read to me while I was working out. For many of us moms we put our familie’s needs at the front, and there were times where I feared I was being selfish. I am very lucky to have an amazingly supportive husband who would point out the positives in my journey and would always carve time out for me. Seeing my girls help with meal prepping and finding their own love for movement has helped me on the tough days.
4. As a mother, how has improving your health changed the way you show up for your children and your family?
Yes losing weight feels great! Yes being able to walk into a store and know they carry my size also feels unreal…..however the best part is I finally feel that the me on the inside matches the me that others see now. I love the way I look, but the way I feel is indescribable. I no longer need to schedule in cat naps just to get through the day. My girls have a mom who is healthy and hopefully guiding them to see the importance of nourishing our bodies well and finding a love for movement.
5. Standing on stage at the 2026 WNBF Edmonton Show and being named the New YOU Champion is an incredible accomplishment. What emotions did you experience in that moment, knowing how far you had come?
Shock, excitement and the feeling of being proud that I made a massive change in my life. Being around all the amazing athletes at the WNBF I had moments of feeling like I didn’t belong on stage. However the moment I walked on, hearing my story being read out loud and seeing the faces of the judges and spectators I felt beyond happy and excited to show how hard I’ve worked.
6. Looking at the woman you are today compared to the woman who began this journey, what are you most proud of?
I would say I’m most proud of not letting the tough days steer me away from my goals. Having tried many diet and exercise programs I was always looking for that quick fix. This journey lead me to understand there is no magic diet or workout. Consistency, time, and repairing my relationship with food and exercise is why I have been able to show the best version of myself.
7. If another mom is reading your story and feels overwhelmed, discouraged, or believes it's too late to change, what would you say to encourage her?
It is never too late or too hard to make a change. We are constantly bombarded with social media and quick easy fixes……I’ll be honest my journey was not quick nor easy, but each little change I made created a snowball effect. Surround yourself with positive people, find what movement gives you those endorphins, and remember we all have the same 24 hrs in a day, it’s up to you how to make them your best.