How I lost 34kg

Denise has maintained her 34kg weight loss for the last eight months; Photos: Supplied

Two years ago, Denise Caruana, 47, had given up on the prospect of losing weight. After suffering from a number of health issues and struggling with obesity since a child, she sought the help of a local weight loss program. Fast-forward 12 months, she had lost 34 kg and has maintained her weight loss for the last eight months. She tells Prevention how her life has changed.

Before my weight loss, I was sick of myself. I had a few health issues and basically had given up on ever being able to lose the weight. I had tried many weight loss programs over the years, having struggled with obesity since I was a child.

I'm sure that there’s not one overweight person that would say they enjoy shopping for clothes - when I was obese, it was a nightmare. I would fake sickness so I wouldn't have to attend social events. Physically I was always out of breath, lacked motivation and would have to have ‘Nana naps’. Life is so much better not carrying the extra weight around (I actually lost an average 12 year old child).

I found a local weight loss program and credit a lot of my healthier life that. It’s given me so much support, education and motivation. I now realise that eating healthy and exercising is a way of life. Just like housework, it never ends.

The program consists of portion control and counting calories, which includes BLTs (bites, licks and tastes) and of course exercise. I have only walked as a form of exercise because with four children, a gym membership wasn't going to work for me. I can walk anywhere and at any time that fits into my busy day.

Now I feel fantastic. Apart from the health benefits I have gained from the weight loss, the best thing is the clothes shopping! I try and walk everyday. I aim for one hour but if I can’t, I will do at least something, even two 20-minute brisk walks is better than nothing.

More: Clean up your diet

I am so much happier now, I feel energised and I feel confident. I try and treat myself with something at least once a week to make me feel special, a new blouse, or a new pair earrings I save at least $40 a week in take away food.

While I do struggle on a daily basis to ensure that I make healthy choices, this is now a way of life for me.

People say to me that I look great and how lucky I am that I have kept the weight off. I assure them that there is no luck involved, no magic potion, it all comes back to choice and being aware of everything you put in your mouth: "Chew less, to look and feel your best".

The Heart Foundation and Cancer Council Victoria have launched a public health campaign Live Lighter to help people make small, healthy changes to combat obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. Head to their website for more information and meal and activity plans.

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