Meet Nic!
Nic started her Healthy Weight for Life program in 2016, when she was facing physical and emotional pains due to her psoriatic arthritis. “I was in a world of pain with my arthritis,” she said, “I hoped [the HWFL program] might give me the kick start to losing some weight and easing some of the arthritis symptoms”.
In fact, Nic’s father (Greg) was already a graduate of the program and inspired her to take her health into her own hands. “Dad started it off, then me and now my brother. My brother has lost 60kgs and is still going strong”.
By following the HWFL program and with the support of the HWFL team, the 42 year-old channelled her determination and enthusiasm to wow her friends and family. She reduced her body weight by nearly 20%, which also stunned her rheumatologist who originally struggled to convince her on the benefits of losing even 5 kilograms.
Her pain symptoms, mobility and mental energy improved significantly as she progressed through the program and now 2 years down the track she is still enjoying an active life, including exercise every day and a boot camp every week!
On the program, Nic loved the ease of meal preparations while using the KicStartTM sachets. She used this opportunity to focus on establishing healthy habits for the long run. The key to long-term success for Nic is using the Free Foods list to make healthy snacks and following well-balanced meals of quarter carbs, quarter protein and plenty of veggies. “It is a good guide,” she added.
“It is achievable – one step at a time. the more you move the more you want to move. And if you slip up today, tomorrow is a new day – start over again”
Nic – HWFL graduate
Nic finds that keeping activity interesting, fun and social is important for sustainability and prevents boredom. She includes walks with friends, weekly aqua classes and challenges herself with a personal trainer. Caring for the body and mind is also important for overall wellbeing. “I love that each exercise is so different and offers my body and mind something different.”
What about roadblocks? With winter here, cold mornings, darker evenings and rainy days can all be common annual challenges. Nic suggests: “make an appointment for exercise”. “I wouldn’t cancel a hairdresser appointment,” she says, “so I don’t cancel my exercise”. She also finds having exercise buddies to motivate and keep her accountable are also helpful. “Catching up with friends at the same time …keeps me getting up and going along”.
Her words of encouragement to all of us: “It is achievable – one step at a time. the more you move the more you want to move. And if you slip up today, tomorrow is a new day – start over again”. Nic demonstrates how you can exceed your own expectations, as she has now reduced her weight by over 38% (she thought this was unachievable when she first started) while getting fitter and stronger.
And her journey hasn’t ended yet. Motivated by her own health journey, she is now as passionate as ever to inspire and support others to reach their healthy weight and active life goals. “If I can inspire or motivate one person my role is complete” she says, “This has been an amazing journey and in fact I have just enrolled in my Certificate 4 in Weight Management.”
Nic’s next big goal is to knock 25 minutes off her P.B. at the City2Surf this year. Well done Nic, keep up the great work!
Like Nic, if you would like to share your own health journey with us and the HWFL graduate community, please contact us on: [email protected].
Looking for interesting and healthy recipes for your next meal? Click here to view HWFL’s collection of recipes!