Developing the confidence to exercise and change her eating habits has given 38-year-old Isabella a new lease of life, helping her to shed the pounds, get fitter and keep up with her 9-year-old son.
The busy mum from Chaddesden was nominated by her advisor, Stuart for committing to the programme and embracing lifestyle changes to lose 13% of her body weight in seven months.
Isabella shares her story so far:
“I put on a lot of weight during the pandemic and couldn’t shift it. A friend told me about Livewell, so I signed up and booked into the activation group at Tiptoe in Sinfin.
The six-week new starter groups are amazing for building confidence. Everyone is in the same situation, looking to lose weight but feeling a bit nervous. Advisors, Stuart and Casey put us at ease, leading informative healthy eating discussions and exercise classes as part of each weekly session. I looked forward to each week particularly the circuit classes we did together at the end. The activity prepared us for the next stage of the programme – we felt ready to take the next step at the Livewell community classes and then gradually the leisure centre ones.
Taking on board the eating advice, I reviewed my portion sizes and started drinking more water from the moment I got up. In fact, I drink a glass of water before reaching for something to eat as I didn’t realize that the brain recognizes hunger and thirst as the same triggers.
Before Livewell I ate alot of fast food and takeaways. Now I batch cook stews, casseroles and other one pot meals that can be packed out with veg. My son and I enjoy freshly cooked meals that are easier to prepare than you think, it’s just a case of planning. We still tuck into a takeaway once a week but it’s a treat rather than the norm.
Once I’d been to a few Livewell sessions, I tried Zumba, yoga and pilates at Springwood Leisure Centre and Derby Arena, which I aim to do every week. I’m not really a gym person, I find it more motivating to exercise in a group and bumping into the other ladies from our activation group is nice as we get the chance to catch up and compare notes.
I walk my son to school at least three times a week - around 1.5 miles a day. He loves that I can keep up on a brisk walk whilst he cycles to the park or into town – something I could never have done before. We’re able to be much more active together, I have oodles more energy and I feel fitter than ever.
Stuart has been supportive all the way through, staying in regular contact by text and email and keeping me up to date on new things I can do with Livewell.
My goal is to keep my healthy habits going. It’s simple but it’s got me this far and they really don’t feel like habits anymore, it’s just my way of life.
I was shocked but pleased to be put forward for Client of the Month. If it helps anyone to get started or get out of a rut, then it’s a bonus!”
Isabella’s typical meal and exercise habits before and after Livewell.
|
|
Before |
After |
|
Breakfast |
Sausage and egg muffin |
Water, tea with lemon |
|
Lunch |
Subway/sandwich with lots of sugary or fatty sauce |
Egg wrap
|
|
Dinner |
Takeaway – Chinese, Indian, pizza, fast food |
Fish or meat stew with lots of vegetables |
|
Snack |
Chocolate, crisps, cake |
Fruit – pineapple, orange, grapes. |
|
Exercise |
Nothing |
3 classes a week 3 walks a week |
