Jennifer lost 23kg with Weight Watchers Unlimited.

 

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After

Before Name Jennifer Age 27 Height 1.66 m Was 87 kg  Lost 22 kg  Weight 65 kg  24/05/2010 “It’s not just aesthetic changes that are important, but your lifestyle as a whole”

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 figure out how to get the POINTS values down, or 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 my daily POINTS allowance 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.
2. When you slip up, get back to it straight away and don’t dwell.
3. Have fun! Enjoy your transformation.