Returning form the UK with ‘excess baggage’, Jennifer joined Weight Watchers and ran the entire City2Surf.
Name: Jennifer
Age: 27
Height: 1.66 m
Was: 87 kg
Lost: 23 kg
Weight: 64 kg
The Heathrow injection
Returning to Australia after three years living in the UK, I had to face the fact that I’d slowly gained weight. My size 18 clothes were tight and I’d lost my energy and enthusiasm. Feeling like life was passing me by, I decided it was time to make a change.
I had made it to my 10% goal with Weight Watchers when I was 19 years old, but slowly put the weight back on. I realise now that I hadn’t been in the right mindset as I just wanted to change my appearance. This time at 28, it resonated that it’s not just aesthetic changes that are important but your lifestyle as a whole.
Small changes add up
With my wedding on the horizon, losing weight and getting healthy became my goal with a deadline. I joined Weight Watchers Unlimited and started making small changes. I cut back on three flat whites a day to a skim cappuccino. Now I enjoy one long black with a dash of skim milk. I also make sure I keep hydrated with plenty of water as sometimes hunger can be confused with thirst.
I quickly learned that planning ahead is important for successful weight loss. If do a big grocery shop at the start of the week, I have loads of ingredients on hand to make to make healthy, filling meals. I got into the habit of packing my lunch the night before so I can grab and go in the morning. I know if I don’t plan ahead - I’ll buy snacks or head to the biscuit tin at work when I get hungry.
Online assistant
The Weight Watchers online tools are like your personal weight-loss assistant. Working in education, I’m around computers all day so it’s easy to log on and track meals, snacks and exercise. If I slip up, it’s often because I haven’t taken the time to plan ahead. Best of all, tracking makes you accountable to yourself.
The online recipe builder was really useful. I would create my own recipes and substitute ingredients for healthier options. My favourite recipe is the spaghetti carbonara. It tastes like a treat but is low in fat and easy to make.
Exercise goals
Along with my healthy eating, I started walking to work which I still do. I get bored easily when it comes to exercise, so I always set myself a challenge. During my weight loss, I joined my local Curves gym and decided to train for the City2Surf. When the day came months later, I was amazed that I ran the entire 14km.
Not long after City2Surf, I developed a knee problem and was told to take three months off running. I worried that with less exercise I would put on weight, but I adjusted food intake and was able to keep losing weight.
Enjoying every moment
By the time of my wedding, I had lost 23kg and fitted into a gorgeous size 12 wedding dress. I felt comfortable and pretty in a shorter style gown and high heels.
Since losing weight and gaining my confidence, I’ve re-evaluated what’s important to me. In the past, I felt like I was never an active participant in my life and was just plodding along. Now I have a passion for life! There are so many things I can and want to do in life - and I’m in the driver’s seat.
Jennifer’s top tips:
- 1. Plan your meals ahead.
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2. When you slip up, get back to it straight away and don’t dwell.
- 3. Have fun! Enjoy your transformation.
Ready to lose weight? Now is the time to get on line! Join Weight Watchers Online today.
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