Testimonial Series – Stop the Excuses

Our Dietitians at Nutritional Solutions find great joy in changing the lives of others, for the better. Clients have often shown a keen interest in sharing their  journey in health so as to encourage and support those who may feel alone in their personal journey. We will be publishing a series of testimonials in the hopes of inspiring our readers. Enjoy!

Which of these are the reason(s) you cannot lose weight?

“I’m big boned”
“I can’t help it – it runs in the family!”
“I’ve got a thyroid / other health problem”
“I’ve got a slow metabolism”

Well, let me tell you….if any of these are your reasons, you are very lucky! If you are big boned, you look thinner at a higher weight. If it runs in the family, you have a built in support system that understands and you can work together. If you really have a thyroid problem…..99% of all thyroid problems can be solved with the right medication, therefore no need to diet or exercise. Slow metabolism…..ok, no answer for that….except it is a bad excuse.

This is what all of these ‘reasons’ are….excuses. I have used these for 15 years in combination with ‘I have a wonderful personality’ and ‘it’s what’s in the inside’. Although inner beauty is important, there is no need to slowly damage your body by not looking after your health. And anyway….I was grumpy as hell when I was at my biggest.

My story is like a lot of people’s. For 15 years I’ve gradually increased in body weight.  I went through university and the famous first year syndrome and after that go to London and experienced the wonderful affordable cuisine of microwave meals at 5 for £3. When I came back, instead of embracing the return to wonderful healthy food that is readily available and the beautiful outdoors right on my doorstep, I embraced the excuses and laziness.

In 2013 I decided to make my ultimate dream come true, pack my bags and travel around the world for 5 months. The day I made that decision was one
of the most exciting days of my life. The excitement only lasted until all the planning was done. Then it hit me…..my travel photos will be of the most beautiful landscapes and architectural marvels of the world….they won’t be of me enjoying these things. Before this trip, I already traveled a bit, 18 countries in total….but unfortunately…….only 18 photos with me in it. Besides the vanity of wanting to be in my own photos, I was planning a lot of activities, which included the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. All of these wonderful plans would be for nothing if I can’t even enjoy them.

This is where my journey with Jade began. I wanted to lose 35kg in one year and I needed help. The first day I walked into her office I expected a magic diet plan that will ensure success. I was wrong…..

I had to be reprogrammed.  My body didn’t know what was good for it anymore. I numbed my taste sense over a long period of time and used sedentary activities to keep ‘active’. This is now where I have to be honest.  The first year was easy for me.  Jade was able to teach me how to balance and enjoy all types of food. She was even able to make vegetables my favourite! She also introduced light exercise, which I enjoyed so much, I even increase my routine to running 5km for 6 days a week.  I used to see exercise as torture….now it was my happiness drug. This healthy lifestyle was easy for me as I do not believe in diets, this was perfect. I didn’t lose my goal of 35kg, but I did manage 25kg. Which was wonderful. I was healthy and happy when I left for my trip.

So off I went on the journey of a lifetime. I had the most wonderful experiences that I will never forget…..especially the food! I still do don’t like photos of myself, but at least I don’t have to crop myself out anymore!

My experiences of a lifetime had a bit of an impact on my weight, but I trusted my new healthy lifestyle and believed that I will be able to lose the weight when I get back. I picked up 10kg on my trip because I refused to say no to enjoying some of the best food in the world. I was correct in trusting myself, I lost all the weight when I came back.

This story does not end with butterflies, rainbows and roses. I am now stuck at the same weight for the last 4 months. I only have 8kg left to lose…and I am unable to. Jade has tried everything to motivate me. With a new plan, motivational targets to work towards, encouraging talks of how far I’ve come and even getting annoyed!! Every week I have a new excuse, none of the above….but still fairly pathetic.

Somehow I think the only advice I can give myself is….stop stuffing your face and put your running shoes on.

Although my first couple of years on this journey was easy and fulfilling, the next phase will be the hardest. I have to keep remembering the most important thing I’ve learned….I’m the only one that can make the decision to live a healthy life. But that decision is worth it – I encourage all of you to make it too!

~ Natalie Grobler