Lost 11.6kgs and 13.94% of her body weight

I was always able to maintain a healthy weight by exercising and eating well until the dreaded 50’s. As a busy mum of five amazing humans, sharing meals is pivotal to our family relationships so food plays a big part of all our gatherings. My nursing role also became more sedentary despite organising stair climbs at the old RAH and office squat challenges. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment I started to put on weight, however it slowly crept up over about 8 years until one day I decided it was time to get my old self back. I am also a social butterfly and eating out, additional snacks and a few too many “treats” were all contributing factors. I tried several different approaches and would lose a few kilos only to gain them and more after losing the momentum many times. I started to go down a slippery slope and found it harder and harder to climb out of it without drastic action.

Health-wise I was experiencing Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux disease (GORD) and taking medication to control this. I also have a strong family history of Type 2 Diabetes and was becoming acutely aware of the health risks I was exposing myself to. My increasing BMI placed me in an unhealthy range predisposing me to additional health issues in the future. I was beginning to feel lethargic all the time, experiencing joint and muscle pain constantly. I was also losing my positivity which made me doubt myself and affected my self-esteem in a negative way. I guess I was losing myself in a way.

On New Years Day 2020, I was looking back at Christmas photos taken a week before and was not happy with what I saw. Scrolling through my phone on this day I saw a promo for Healthy Inspirations which caught my attention. I clicked on the link to get more information and the next minute a friendly voice (Coach Nola) called me, and I set up a visit a few days later. To be honest I was very close to cancelling the appointment, but I am so happy I didn’t. In my first Vision Statement I wrote and recited daily that I was making a commitment to be the best version of myself and be healthy in mind, body and soul.

I have now lost and kept off over 10 kilos and the program and personal transformation gave me the inspiration and motivation to keep reaching the goals I set myself. Casting back to early 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic, I commenced a new role in SA Health which was all consuming and saw me quit my membership due to a few factors, work pressure and I attempted returning a couple of times after that. I re-joined again in November 2022 and intend to stick with it for a long time yet.

I have been extremely vigilant with eating on plan and attending the gym regularly. Prioritising this as part of the journey was the biggest challenge, which I was able to overcome thanks to the support of my family.

I feel great!! I have improved my flexibility, improved mobility in my shoulders and knees, can hold a plank like a boss and I love the beautiful Healthies sisterhood and the support this little community provides women of all ages. I have inspired numerous dear friends to join the Healthies journey with each of them gaining the benefits. I love feeling fit and having energy to do the things I love. I no longer take medication or experience any of the symptoms I had previously.

My Top 3 Tips

  1. Never give up. Back yourself 100% to be the best version you can be. Everyday
  2. Stick to the program – it works!
  3. Keep moving – the exercise program enhances the benefits of a healthy mind, body and soul.