Success Stories - Jenifer

"I GOT BACK ON MY BIKE - and it worked!"

2 stone lighter (12.7 kgs) and positively radiating good health, Jenifer from Motueka near Nelson, is proof that simply walking and making easy food changes can lead to real physical and mental health improvements.
Originally from the UK, Jenifer found herself feeling very unfit,  uncomfortable in her clothes and generally rather down.  Family stresses and a liking for baking and puddings had meant a steady weight gain for this lovely lady and faced with a hilly section and several tiered gardens, Jenifer was finding it very hard work managing her large productive family garden.  
When her practice nurse Judy from Greenwood Health informed Jenifer that her cholesterol levels were high, Jenifer knew she needed to start moving more - and eating smaller portions.
Jenifer decided the easiest thing to do was simply to walk down to her rural property's letterbox, 3kms there and back.  Not wanting to disrupt her day Jenifer decided the best time was first thing in the morning so she began walking around 7am.  On her first attempt she had to stop several times on the way back - but with support from her husband, Jenifer dug deep and persevered. 
She was soon contacted by Tamsin, her Green Prescription Support Person who encouraged her to continue with this manageable goal of regular walking - and within 4 weeks Jenifer was noticing it was easier and she didn't need to stop.  Something good was happening to her fitness and mood.
Always fond of bike riding and swimming, and with encouragement from Tamsin, Jenifer then dusted off her bike and once again set a realistic goal of one flat road ride, being dropped off by her husband on a safe route - andso it started.  Jenifer loved biking and gradually, week by week she continued her rides, gaining her confidence and really beginning to notice her fitness improving.
As a very competent cook, Jenifer sometimes found it challenging to provide for her family and at the same time control her own portion sizes,  and found her biggest barrier was 'pudding!'.  Sensibly Jenifer decided she wouldn't deny herself some treats, but simply choose to have half her usual portion size if they were out for a coffee/slice or she would share her treat with husband Martin.  At home Jenifer swapped high fat/sugar desserts to healthy fruit and yoghurt. These changes, combined with her almost daily morning walk and bike rides slowly but surely saw her weight decrease.  Being able to pick her own vegetables meant salads were on the menu a lot more and she got pleasure from providing home-grown produce to other people - they began to notice and complement her on how good she was looking!
Jenifer started to be able to wear clothes she hadn't worn for years - 'it's like having a whole new wardrobe' she said!   Regular phone calls from Tamsin to help keep her focussed on her realistic aims and reviewing her successes each month also helped Jenifer stay  on track.  She was now really experiencing the great mood-lifting feeling from doing some exercise she enjoyed.    Jenifer's goal now is to ride the Otago Rail Trail which advises cyclists to be able to ride 10kms in 1 hour.  Imagine Jenifer's delight when she found she could ride 16kms now in 45 minutes and was able to ride some of the Hanmer Springs bike trails with her son.
With simple morning walks, easy food changes and support and encouragement, Jenifer glows with vitality.  She advises anybody trying to lose weight and get healthier to " just START - the first bit is the hardest but with support, encouragement and motivation from Green Prescription, family and friends, anyone can do it".   Well done Jenifer!