Healthy Women of Blackwood 2022

Meet Annabel

Lost 19.7kg and 24.7% of her body weight in 8 months

I have tried HI twice before, but never stayed on track past 5 weeks. This time I felt old, slow and struggled to my do my garden, which I love. My balance was poor and while friends were retired and doing fun activities I was not. I knew that I needed to do something long term so I joined looking at the year of 2022 to finally work through this issue of weight. I was not in a hurry and made realistic goals, but it has all happened quicker than I thought.

When I started HI again I did wonder if I could lose weight, stay on track and not be hungry. This time I really listened to the wonderful coaches and did what I was told. I did wonder if it would work, but knew it would not if I did not follow the plan correctly. This time I followed the healthy eating plan and combined it with the gym 3 times per week. After the first week where I felt very flat and out of sorts, I have not looked back and I know the plan works.

I have now taken up tennis again at the age of 65. I still struggle to run, but am working on this and my balance has improved greatly. I now walk longer distances and keep up with my friends. They are amazed how much I have changed. I have had 2 knee replacements due to arthritis and always used this as an excuse to not do physical activities. I no longer do this and can do most activities as my movement and pain have changed dramatically. I have more energy now and do not feel hungry with the high protein diet. This allows me to be more positive in my attitude to do things.

Weekly coaching is rewarding and keeps me on track, while also giving me a positive attitude as I have usually lost something. The coaching is pleasant and more like a chat with a friend. It is also a time to learn new tricks and recipes and find out how to tailor the plan to better suit an individual. If weight is not coming off then reasons and changes can be discussed in a supportive manner quickly after the issue starts.

My blood pressure has reduced markedly and my doctor has reduced the medication. I have less joint pain from arthritis and feel I can do most things now. I have more energy and get compliments from family and friends. I have enjoyed shopping for some new clothes and feel I have really accomplished something.

Just do it. Stop prevaricating, pay the money, follow the plan and enjoy the journey. It will not really take that long, you will actually enjoy the help and camaraderie of other ladies who are with you and you will learn how to eat well and enjoy life more. It works, there is little pain and you are part of a bigger picture.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Do it for yourself and join up as soon as your mind lets you. You will be glad you did.
2. Follow the plan, but don’t panic if you go astray, just get back into it quickly.
3. Do the gym work or classes to tone up and help lose the weight. It is fun once you see the improvements and other members are friendly and very supportive.

Meet Anne

Lost 12kg and 18% of her body weight in 9 months

In 2019, my blood counts were showing signs of me having an auto immune illness and after doing the rounds with specialists, MRI’s etc I was put on 50mg Prednisolone for 6 months - this made me gain 14kg which took longer to come off (although I was walking 1 hour each day) than it did to go on.

I had no concerns in joining Healthy Inspirations as I knew of other ladies that used to attend. Also, I was a member about 10-12 years ago and I knew that the program succeeded in bringing results.

I feel like my old self and I’m so very happy to be able to get into some of my favourite outfits. So glad that I kept some nice pieces of clothing that I thought hopefully, I would wear again.

The weekly coaching is very encouraging. Although when there have been special outings or celebrations, I do dread having to feel accountable and I am disappointed that it couldn’t be just an ordinary week without unnecessary temptations. (I like to be in control of my food intake.)

Meeting new ladies and seeing old acquaintances has been an unexpected benefit. I also love the protein powder and snacks - my “go to” when I need to be stricter after a bad day or two.

I would certainly encourage anyone who was thinking about doing the program to just start. I know that if I had needed more support, it would have been given to me. If you don’t make a decision today you will still be disappointed and dissatisfied with yourself tomorrow OR a year from now.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Make it a personal challenge. Do it for yourself.
2. If you have a bad week - then start fresh tomorrow. Have a good attitude. Your attitude determines your commitment.
3. Be patient and determined. It didn’t come on overnight - set yourself a goal.

Meet Corinne

Lost 10.4kg, 19.7% of her body weight and 8kg of fat

Turning 60 was my trigger to try to lose some weight and increase my exercise, in order to reduce my risk factors for medical conditions and events associated with ageing.

I had investigated joining Healthy Inspirations in or around 2014 or 2015, but ended up deciding it wasn’t ‘my time’ to start a food plan and exercise routine. With hindsight (a wonderful thing), it was probably exactly the time I should have started!

Even so, when I did register with Healthy Inspirations in October 2021, I didn’t think the food plan and exercise routine would work! Because nothing else I’d tried (on my own over many years) had worked.

I’m loving life now! I feel great, and feel I’m much more positive than I used to be.

The most noticeable benefit is that I feel ‘lighter’, both mentally and physically. Mentally, I just feel happier. The silly everyday stresses that used to drag me down just don’t seem to be there, anymore. Or maybe I don’t notice them, now. I seem to look at the bigger picture in life now, rather than the little niggles. I feel great.

Physically, I’m smaller, but stronger! I don’t get puffed out taking the dogs out now. I can walk for miles! I can move heavy things (sensibly) around the house and garden without calling for help. I can get the food shop bags from the car to the front door without feeling irritable that no one’s come to help... because I don’t need any help!

I was pleased to account for my food intake and definitely felt that was a major part in keeping to the food plan and gym circuit. But I enjoyed the challenge of really seeing if this plan really WOULD work. I stuck to any advice given, just to make sure I wasn’t doing anything that might jeopardise my chances.

I like going to the gym and doing the circuit at my own pace, even though I didn’t believe it would make any difference (it does). And the support from the coaches (and the other members) was always positive and encouraging.

I like being my new size. I feel more like the person I used to be. I felt I changed into someone I didn’t really know as I journeyed through life’s experiences, and I wanted to return to the person I felt was really me. And I’m back!

I would highly recommend Healthy Inspirations to any of my friends. Just do it. Don’t waste time ‘wondering if it really works.’ It does.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Just walk in through the door. I think that is the hardest part to do.
2. Stick to the Food Plan (there are lots of choices) AND the exercise routine. Neither are hard. I NEVER felt hungry. You can do the gym circuit and/or exercise at your own pace... because you still get quicker, and stronger!
3. Reap the benefits! This does work! And you will feel great!

Meet Debbie

Lost 14.5kg and 21.9% of her body weight in 9 months

I was unhappy with the way I looked and wanted to be able to play with my grandchildren.

I thought I would never lose the weight, as I’d tried a lot of “diets” and nothing was working. I was depressed and worried about my health. 

I feel amazing now. I’m happier and healthier. My clothes fit - some of them are actually too big. I find exercising easier. I feel fitter and healthier. I find it easier to get through my work day as I have a physical job. I’m sleeping better.

The weekly coaching support is invaluable. They support you through everything. I’ve had some personal issues and the support I got to help me through them was amazing. Due to the fact it’s a whole lifestyle change, if your mind isn’t in the right space you can’t concentrate on a healthy lifestyle and making good choices. The coaching is important as you can bounce ideas off the staff and ask for help when needed.

I get compliments on how I look, which is nice for the ego.

This was the best thing I ever did. Give it a go, it’s an amazing supportive organisation.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Don’t stress about setbacks, just reset the next meal or day.
2. When going out to eat, Google the menu first and choose what your going to eat so you don’t get tempted looking at the menu.
3. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

Meet Jodie

Lost 32.4kg and 39.5% of her body weight in 12 months

My decision to start a healthier lifestyle and lose weight began when I had seen a couple of photos of myself at an event that I had attended. My thoughts of being fit and healthy for my daughters up coming wedding was also a factor, and of course the real possibility of getting Covid 19 and my health being severely impacted due to being obese was a scary thought.

I had been a member of several other gyms over the past 15 years and quite enjoyed going to gym, although one of my last experiences had not been a positive one.

I have been able to lose some weight going to gym but it has always found its way back to me.

I had seen an advertisement on Facebook about Healthy Inspirations and they were offering a membership promotion, this happened to be ‘just at the right time.’

I had not heard of H I before so I was a little intrigued to find out more. I had spoken to a work college about H I and she said that she was a member and had lots of good things to say about the program. Further investigation found another social media post with a success story of another work colleague, and so this was the start of my journey.

After nearly 12 months with Healthy Inspirations my general well being has grown immeasurably. My thoughts on exercise and my diet has totally transformed’ which has made me a happier and healthier version of myself.

I am happy and am feeling more confident in myself, the way I look and feel, my ability to exercise and enjoying life. Especially buying a new wardrobe.

The weekly check ins with your health coach certainly help with your confidence to know that you are achieving your goals, along with some guidance and assistance when it’s needed.

I am living a healthier happier lifestyle along with the rest of my family. My weight loss journey has also had a very positive impact on my family.

Healthy Inspirations Blackwood is a fantastic place to be, the coaches and the other members are welcoming and always supportive.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Be committed and follow the program, it works.
2. Make your meal plan at the start of the week.
3. Exercise regularly.

Meet Leanne

Lost 20kg, reducing her weight by 23.8%

I had been steadily gaining weight for a few years, and was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. I felt like a fat, frumpy old woman. I had started diets numerous times, but could never stick to them. I never really exercised much, was always tired, always full of aches and pains with rheumatoid arthritis.

I had lost weight previously many years ago, so was hopeful that if I joined a weight loss program, I would be more likely to succeed, than if I struggled on alone.

I am so pleased that I chose to join Healthy Inspirations, and am very happy with the results I have achieved.

I no longer have constant aches and pains, and I have been able to reduce my medications down dramatically.

I’m amazed by the benefits:

• I have more energy, and exercise several times a week.
• Brain fog has gone.
• My cholesterol levels have reduced into a normal level.
• Sugar cravings have gone,
• BMI back into healthy range.
• Down 2-3 dress sizes
• Self-esteem improved.

Having a weekly weigh-in definitely made me more accountable with what I ate and my weight loss journey, and kept me on track.

The coaches were encouraging, supportive, often offering hints and tips, recipes and tastings.

Jodie gave me a piece of ribbon, which was a measurement of lost cm from my waist (26.5cm). That really buoyed my spirit to see how far I had come on my weight loss journey.

By incorporating resistance training in my exercise routine, I have gained strength.

The program is so simple to follow and it works. Give it a try. The coaches are very supportive, and provide great, tasty recipes to try. The resistance training is beneficial as we get older to prevent loss of muscle tone.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Plan your meals ahead of time. Do regular cookups of frittatas, slices, muffins, etc, pre-prepare salads, so you always have the right foods readily available. Keep a supply in the freezer.
2. Stick to the plan, follow your coaches’ advice. They know what they are talking about. It actually works.
3. Do not let other people sabotage your weight loss efforts. Be strong and say NO when they are offering you foods and drinks which aren’t on your programme. Be honest to yourself.

Meet Liz

Lost 16.6kg, reducing her body fat by 4.7%

I had got to my peak of the highest non-pregnancy weight and felt bloated, unfit, sluggish and unhappy in my physical appearance. I had no will power to lose weight. 

I had never been able to stick to any weight loss program previously to reach a goal of weight loss. I had tried all dietary programs including Weight Watchers, Lite n Easy, Jenny Craig, Optifast and Impromy shakes. I had also tried gym memberships. I was hoping that the combination of the gym and dietary healthy eating plans would be successful. I was willing to give it a go.

I have more energy when walking in the hills in Coromandel Valley. I’ve even picked up an intermittent jog with the dog at times. I’m so motivated every day to do some activity whether it be walking and/or doing the circuit at Healthies.

The weekly coaching was one of the crucial aspects of the program. It was so helpful to have the weekly guidance and advice and stepping on the scales to affirm all the successful work. It’s total accountability. It’s very motivational too, seeing the results of all the hard work.

My husband has told me I am less stressed generally with a more positive attitude to everyday events and situations. I am also happier and content in myself. I am very proud of myself and love the person I am now; physically, mentally and emotionally.

This is an all rounder approach to a healthy lifestyle and weight loss goal. There is nothing else that achieves those goals in the same way.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Commit to going to the centre at least 3 times a week including the weekly weigh in and try to walk at least 5 times a week for at least 30 mins.
2. Totally commit to the eating guidelines to reduce the foods that have always been a stumbling block to weight loss.
3. You need to do this program for yourself (for no one else) and commit totally for the long haul.

Meet Nat

Lost 30kg, 32% of her body weight and 25.8kg of fat

Just over 2 years ago I decided it was finally time to do something about my weight. Whether it was seeing the advert for HI regularly on Facebook or the reunion with some school friends I’m not sure, but my mindset changed. I had been trying different things for many years with minimal success but I’m not sure whether my mind was really in it.

I wasn’t confident that when I joined HI that it was going to be the plan that actually worked for me however it has been. After my time here and the success that I have had I have complete faith in the program.

My lifestyle has changed dramatically since beginning at HI. I am now very active and regularly catch up with friends for long walks rather than dinner out. I also love coming in to the gym and having fun with people there. It’s becoming known that I love a challenge and have participated in quite a few, raising funds for different organisations. I really enjoy my new lifestyle and my health reciprocates this (although sometimes my body isn’t so happy!)

The weekly coaching is invaluable to continuing the journey of health and weight loss. It keeps your head in the game, or gets you back on track when you slip off slightly. I can’t rate the support highly enough.

Small steps are just as important as big ones. The help and support at HI is invaluable. The dietary suggestions, the exercise and most importantly keeping the mind engaged to losing weight is second to none.

My 3 top tips are:

1. Enjoy what you are doing. Have fun.
2. Small steps lead to big changes over time.
3. Keep your mind focussed.