|
I had been feeling really unhappy about my appearance and weight gain for a long time but wasn't willing to really accept myself. I put on a brave appearance and tried to convince myself that I looked OK. I realise now that I wasn't ok with it because I kept finding reasons not to go out because then I wouldn't have to worry about "what will I wear?" I really felt that nothing looked right. I started using the excuse that if I lived in the city instead of a little rural town, I would be able to find some really cool clothes... But when I did get to do clothes shopping it really left me feeling quite depressed because nothing I tried on made me feel attractive. It just really highlighted to me that I was no longer slim, and even worse, I was overweight. My husband would try to get me to go out with him and I think he was beginning to take it quite personally when I wasn't very enthusiastic about it at all. Even though I would put on a brave face I really lacked confidence and wasn't happy about what I had become. I wanted to change but had really got into a rut of bad eating - chocolate makes everything feel so good...for a little while. If I mentioned to others that maybe I should lose some weight and they didn't disagree with me I really resented it. I could think it, but if others agreed, didn't that mean I really was overweight? I couldn't keep fooling myself but I also really lacked the motivation to do anything about it. I would try and cut down and exercise but it never seemed to last. It just seemed easier to buy bigger clothes. I really hit rock bottom when I looked at our family photos after our holiday and was trying to find a profile photo for my facebook account. The only one I kind of liked was of me from the neck up! And there were lots to choose from!!!
The moment I decided to do something about it:
I was working at a retail store with my Aunty and one day she told me that she really wanted to lose weight and she thought it would be a really good idea if my Mum (her sister) did too. She said that she had been thinking about going back to Jenny Craig and she asked me if she thought my mother would go as well. I can remember telling her that if I could afford to go back as well I would because it really does work. I remember thinking all day I wish I could go as well because how could it not work, I wouldn't have to think about what to eat as it would be all done for me, I would just have to obey.....I could do that. I even rang Jenny Craig that day to make some enquiries for my family. I can still remember talking to Andrea and it was that initial phone call and her lovely personality that made all the difference in me convincing my Aunty and Mum that they should go back. I felt a bit disappointed because I really felt that it could really work for me too but I couldn't see how I would be able to go because my husband had been hurt at work and was on A.C.C - how could we afford it?
That night I tentatively brought up the subject with my husband. I was hoping that somehow there would be a way I could go as well. He was so supportive and said that if I wanted to go I should and not to worry about the money because he knew that I would figure it out if it was really important to me. He also said that he knew me and could see that I wasn't happy with myself and if I felt better about myself then the whole family would benefit. I couldn't believe it I was going to do this and I really felt that I would succeed. Although I hadn't even lost any weight yet, that night I felt really motivated and positive. And so my journey began.
The first meeting:
The saying 'first impressions count' is so true and I will always remember our first meeting with Andrea, we were all so motivated and the staff made a big difference because you could see that they were so genuine and really believed in the program. By now our group had increased to also include my niece and we all wanted to be together for the first meeting. There was lots of laughing and fun. Poor Andrea - we were so loud. It was the one time we didn't mind having our photos taken and they were terrible! More laughing, but it was ok because they were going to get so much better. Andrea explained that after meeting us she matches you up with a consultant she feels will be best for you and she was right. Jenny has been with me every step of the way, so now I wasn't alone on this journey. It made a big difference to know that the consultants have been on the program as well. So they know what you are going through AND they know all the excuses as well. Not only was Jenny really encouraging but she was firm when I needed it.
The food:
The best part of anything at that time had always been the food so when you think of diet you think carrot sticks and lettuce! But I was so wrong. The food was so yummy, even my family wanted to eat it! I can remember saying that it was going to be so hard to give up my chocolate and then being told that I wouldn't have to. Chocolate puddings, choc-chip cookies, choc caramel crisps, choc fudge cookies..... And not only that but pies, sausage rolls, chicken fettuccine, wedges and chips and the list goes on and gets even better. So there went another one of my long standing excuses - diet food is boring. I think what really worked for me was the fact that I didn't have to think of exciting things to eat as it was all done for me. Let's face it, how many of us have thought when we see someone rich, famous and slim "if I had my own chef cooking the right foods for me I could look like that too!" Well you do get your own chef and consultant.
The cost:
Initially when I thought I couldn't afford to do the program this excuse actually worked in my favour. Because I was spending the families money this actually motivated me more as I didn't want to waste it - what would be the point of buying all the meals then "indulging" too much on extra food. That wouldn't be fair on them. It has been one of the best investments I have ever made. In return I am now a more confident and happy person. You can't put a price on that can you?
Some reasons why it worked for me:
Doing the program with others was really good; we turned it into a fun thing to do together. As we lost weight our clothes would get passed down the line to the next person. Plus once a week our meetings together became our social outing of the week.
Your own personal consultant that you felt really was there for you at anytime. As well as the other staff members who make you feel a part of the "Jenny Craig family". They are always friendly and happy for you as you reach your next milestone. I was so fired up and motivated in the beginning which was a good first step but I was helped to keep that fire of enthusiasm burning. If it ever went out it wasn't a problem as I was given strategies to get it going again. No obstacle or excuse couldn't be overcome if I wanted it badly enough.
As you reach the next milestone and see the changes in yourself and others do as well - it's such a buzz.
You are taught about nutrition, portion control and how to eventually prepare your own meals. You learn how to stop and ask yourself "will it really be worth it if I eat that, can I make a better choice?" but also if you do have something extra now and then, that's ok too. I've learnt to not think of it as CHEATING but as an occasional INDULGENCE - no food is bad. The more you think you can't have something the more you think you have to have it.
When I was asked to write this it came at a really good time for me because I could feel myself slipping back into some of my bad habits again. I have come to realise as I write this that it's important to remember this journey that I have been on didn't end when I reached my goal weight, it should be viewed as an ongoing journey. I will always love food, so to keep from wondering onto the wrong track sometimes and staying on it, I need to not always walk it alone. I should take advantage of the new friends I have made at Jenny Craig because they will always be there to guide me and keep me on track. Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.
Thanks for helping me then and now!
Pearl
* results not typical
|