Your Journey

What major changes did you make to your food, exercise and thinking?

Food: I replaced the 2 Freddo Frogs that I was eating at work each afternoon with a piece of fruit: apple, mandarin or banana & stopped relying on food/chocolate to make me feel better. When I wanted something hot for lunch, rather than buying Nachos at the cafe next door, I kept multiple servings of the WW Classic Vege Soup in the freezer at work, so all I had to do is heat it in the microwave. I became more aware of eating foods that satisfied my hunger, rather than satisfying other needs.

Exercise: Before my journey, I didn't exercise. I'm not a sporty person, but I like challenging myself. Now I go to a gym and with the support of the personal trainers, try to improve each. I discovered different ways to exercise: walking/jogging whilst my daughters rode bikes; cardio boxing; pilates and that I didn't have to let the weather determine whether I would exercise or not, I could find alternatives and change the routine as I pleased.

Thinking: My thinking changed from putting everyone else's needs and desires first and leaving the crumbs left for me; to ensuring that there was a balance. There were things that I needed to do for me and it wasn't selfish. Looking after myself by exercising, eating sensibly; meant that I had more energy and enthusiasm to play with the kids; take them to a park; kick a ball in the backyard and go bike riding.

Your Achievements and Rewards

What goals did you set yourself and how did you achieve them? What rewards and incentives did you give yourself?

I had no idea how possible it would be to get to goal weight. So I set really small goals/milestones. 5%, 5kg, 10%, 10kg, 15%, 15kg, 20%, 20kg, GOAL. I used dress sizes (ie throwing out the old size), new hairstyles, makeover, manicure, facials etc as rewards. Exercise wise I had a personal trainer who tracked and increased the weight/repetition/intensity of the workout with the aim to improve at least one thing each week.

What is the most important thing or experience your new lifestyle has given you?

I can run/jog/ride a bike/kick a ball with my children without having to say "we have to stop now, Mummy's tired". I have a life full of energy.

Your advice to others?

*Know your motivation. Why am I doing this? Recognise and celebrate every step closer that you get to this point *Don't try to change everything at once. Focus on one thing at a time, then something else (pick the easy stuff first). It didn't take a week to become overweight, it'll take more than a week to reach goal *Believe that you can do it. Believe in the plan. My mantra at the beginning was "I am going to MAKE this WORK!" *Don’t deprive yourself of snacks and dessert. Find an alternative

A humorous moment during your weight loss

My reward for reaching 15kg was a makeover at a local TV Studio. It included changing my hairstyle from long & brown to short & blonde. For the last 12 months, it has been a bit bizarre talking with someone & then they suddenly realise who they are talking with & they come out with: " What have you done! You look fantastic!! If I was 20 years younger.." or they walk past you, stop, turn around, pause for a few seconds & say: "is that you Tracey? Wow, you look different! I didn't recognise you".