A New Start for Heather Grant

A year ago Heather Grant weighed 93kgs and felt puffed walking up a flight of stairs. Today, Heather is 28 kilos lighter, fit, healthy and ready to run the 12km Bridge to Brisbane Run.

As well as feeling fantastic, Heather is now comfortable with how she looks and is thrilled that she can wear anything she likes.

"For years I wouldn't have a full length mirror in the house and hated having my photo taken. I didn't enjoy shopping for clothes because nothing nice fitted me and shopping expeditions would often end in tears."

Heather, 46, said she had battled a weight problem for years.

"I'd been big for 15 years. It all started after I had my two children and looking after other people became more important than looking after myself.

"I was the typical yo-yo dieter, losing weight then putting it straight back on again - plus more - each time."

"I think my biggest problem was that when I slipped up and broke my diet, I'd immediately feel so bad about myself that I'd just give up and tell myself it didn't matter. But it does matter!"

Heather thought about the things in life that were important to her and decided that being healthy was top of her list.

"My Doctor told me that I was on the verge of developing Type II Diabetes because I was so overweight. That scared me. Plus I had problems with my liver and back."

Although she was determined, Heather knew she couldn't lose weight on her own.

"I needed someone to help me break my bad habits, to show me what I needed to do and to help me stay on track."

Heather joined a weight loss program at the Wesley Weight Management Clinic's and started losing weight immediately,

"I lost four kilos in the first week and just kept the momentum going," she said.

"The Dietitians taught me healthy eating habits and how to make healthy lifestyle choices. I now eat regular meals and I always have breakfast.

"And best of all I don't go without. I love my coffee, but now I have a skinny cappuccino. I still eat chocolate too, but not every day like I used to."

Heather said her weekly meetings at the Clinic made all the difference in helping her keep her new healthy lifestyle.

"The health professionals motivated me and celebrated with me when I reached my goals.

"And if I slipped up one week by over eating or choosing the wrong foods, they told me not to give up and feel bad about myself like I used to. My Dietitian would say to me, "last week has gone now, next week is a new one"."

Heather said that her weight loss program taught her that daily exercise is vital to weight loss.

"The Exercise Physiologist started me off walking. I would get pretty puffed at the beginning! But as I got fitter my confidence increased and one day I decided I'd give running a go. This was a secret dream I'd harboured for a long time as I hadn't been a runner for many years.

"When I first walked into the Wesley Weight Management Clinic I'd decided that running the Bridge to Brisbane event was my goal - and now I'm going to do it!"

For more information about the Wesley Weight Management Clinic's medically supervised weight loss program or to book your obligation-free initial assessment with one of our Dietitians, call 1800 567 348 or complete our online enquiry form.