16/6/2015

I am not a diabetic, but I didn’t feel healthy, spending most of my working hours sitting at a desk, frequently nibbling away at sugary ‘foods’.  I knew better, but needed encouragement to change. I had no energy, wishing I could fall asleep at my desk any time during the day.  Just doing the short walk from the car park to my building was a drag.  I was overweight, and each night when I lay down to sleep I suffered severe heartburn.

I didn’t have any excuse not to go the program, except I was too tired. That alone I guess, made me realise that I ought to do something about my very average state of health.  I also knew if other people attended, I would be more accountable.

I always knew that too much sugar and processed food wasn’t good for us, but didn’t realise the huge extent of the problem.  The content of some of the videos was amazing, and I felt actually angry with the processed food manufacturers at what they are doing when they make ‘food’ that the average person would think is healthy.  It was hard in the beginning to just have juice and unprocessed food, but the thought of the shame at fronting up the following program session to say I’d weakened, helped me to stick at it.  There was definitely support within the group and it was exciting to hear the stories of better health and weight loss from so many of the participants, and also to feel it myself.

Attending the program, watching the videos, and keeping in touch with others who were working to change their lifestyle to a healthy one, definitely spurred me on to cut sugar out of my diet and make a conscious effort to eat mainly fresh food.  My weight dropped and I don’t feel as tired at the end of the day as I did before.  I’ve noticed now when I walk from the car park to my workplace, that I actually feel energetic. I used to suffer severe heartburn when I lay down every night – that has now gone!  Previously, I didn’t fully realise the potential for damage to health, from the consumption of mainly processed foods.  Before purchase, any packet items now have their ingredients scrutinised carefully, to decide whether they are worth purchasing or not, and the fridge now mainly contains fruit and vegetables.  For the first time in years, I feel I am doing something positive for my health … that I can keep doing.

You have nothing to lose except poor habits, and poor health.  What you gain is an amazing sense of achievement, in doing something you thought you would never do.  You can actually walk past items in a bakery for example, that you once would have considered a ‘treat’, and your brain will tell you that it doesn’t want it. It’s true – your taste buds actually do change. If you ever want to give yourself a gift, make it good health!  

I’m just grateful that the program was put together, to encourage us to live our lives not only longer, but much better.

Maureene.

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