How exercise and nutrition helped Andrea lose 42kg
A stranger's suggestion started Andrea on a journey of sustained weight loss.
Andrea was sitting on a street bench puffing when a stranger came up to her and said she should give an integratedliving Wellness Centre a try. Andrea decided to take the lady's advice and so began a new chapter in Andrea's life in which she's lost an impressive 42 kilograms. More than three years later, Andrea is very glad for it.
“That person did me a favour,” Andrea said. “I am so grateful for the renewed energy, weight loss and increased body strength. It’s not a magic process. Consistent effort on my part has been a significant factor in the equation – so has the support provided by the team at the Wellness Centre.
“They are a refined and well-organised group of professionals, all of them," Andrea said. "The Centre Coordinator, exercise physiologists and nutritionists are well-qualified and passionate,” she said.
The Wellness Centre hosts different forums that cover important information on different health issues. Andrea decided to attend a nutrition course as she knew her weight was beginning to impact her life.
After listening to what they had to say, she decided to have a private session with a Dietitian called Lauren.
Andrea lost her first five kilos under Lauren's guidance and has continued her journey with the help of other professionals, including her doctor and naturopath.
“Lauren remains my diet conscience and supports and motivates me when the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus test me,” Andrea laughed. “She still checks on my progress with a regular phone call, providing nutritional advice as I need it.”
Throughout her life, Andrea had achieved short-term success with weight loss but always regained the weight. Her career as a teacher working late nights to mark assignments and exams, led to some bad habits, including reaching for the sweets jar too often. Over time, the sugar caused considerable damage to her body. She developed foot problems and couldn’t walk properly, and she used to trip up a lot.
Andrea now approaches nutrition and exercise as a way of living, and it’s working. Twice a week she attends the Centre, and on the other five days of the week, she walks and swims. She finds water helps with inflammation.
"My health has improved so much,” Andrea said. “I no longer require blood pressure medication, and my cholesterol levels are also decreasing. I hope to be able to stop those tablets soon, too. When I started with integratedliving, my inflammation levels were very high. My markers are getting much closer to the healthy range. My sleep is better, and I feel well.”
Andrea says it's imperative to prioritise diet and movement at this stage in life, and they bring her numerous benefits. She no longer trips on footpaths or gets short of breath. Daily chores are not a problem, although she admits she still needs a prod to do the window cleaning.
The welcoming environment of the Wellness Centre has provided Andrea with a new social outlet. She says the friendly team there are always ready for a laugh and treat their clients with great care.
Andrea has nothing but praise for the individualised programs and genuine concern they show for everyone who attends.
“All participants have different conditions, yet each person can progress at their own pace,” Andrea said. “It’s a fun time for social interaction as well as health support. It’s a very safe environment.”
Andrea moved to Ballina for a teaching job 24 years ago and has remained there ever since. She still works casually a few weeks a year, monitoring exams in a local high school and presiding over HSC exams for another school. Andrea is also a keen pétanque player and treasurer at her club. “Now I walk to town to bank the money every week,” she said.