Be inspired by the weight loss successes of these amazing Shape readers
Learn from women who’ve succeeded in their weight loss goals and know that you are capable of achieving your own goals. Our favourite Jillian Michaels quote says it best: “Some people live their dreams. Why not you?”
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| Gail Barry, 30, April 2011 | Johannesburg | Weight loss: 45 kg “The day after my 29th birthday I sat looking at party photographs from the night before. I was hung-over and weighing 120kg. I used to make jokes about my weight, only it really wasn’t funny and it hurt to see the fat photographs of myself. Four days later I joined Weight Watchers with one simple goal: I was not going to look the same on my 30th birthday.”Besides losing the weight, Gail also found a new love for exercise. Even though in the beginning she could only run for 30 seconds, she persevered and now can run for an hour non-stop. Tip: “Get a gym buddy. They are great motivators if they’re as committed to working out as you are. It also helps if they can run and swim faster than you so that you have a goal to work towards.” |
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| Bronwyn Barnardo, 28, June 2011 | Cape Town | Weight loss: 51 kg “Reaching for a bag of chips or a slab of chocolate was my way of dealing with sadness. By the time I was 25 I weighed 122kg. It made me feel terrible.” Bronwyn lost the weight by keeping a food journal and getting a personal trainer. She has since started road running and hopes to enter her first race soon. Tip: “Eat six times a day to keep your metabolism boosted. Only eat carbohydrates at breakfast and lunch. If you crave a late night snack, have a sugar-free hot chocolate.” |
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| Buyi Zama, 33, September 2011 | Las Vegas | Weight loss: 22kg “I hadn’t realised the full impact of my weight gain until I boarded my flight to Las Vegas. I could barely fit in my seat. I was uncomfortable and embarrassed.” Buyi started her weight loss journey by experimenting with healthy recipes she found in magazines. She realised she could still enjoy her favourite recipes, by just adding vegetables and using whole grains. Tip: “Don’t eat in front of the TV. This way you can pay attention to what is on your plate. It makes it much easier to gauge when you are full.” |
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| Siphiliswe Ndlovu, 34, October 2011 | Johannesburg | Weight loss: 30kg “As an emotional eater, the stress from studying meant I was eating unhealthily, indulging in cakes and takeaway foods. My weight had reached 123kg but I’d convinced myself that I didn’t look that bad.” It took a extremely high blood pressure reading of 190/135 (120/80 is the recommended BP) for Siphiliswe to realise she had to change her lifestyle. After joining the gym and following a healthy eating plan, she was able to drop from a size 24 to a size 12 pants. Tip: “Put down your morning muffin. Every morning I’d buy a muffin or croissant from the bakery. This started a whole day of bad eating. I lost about 5kg just from avoiding the bakery.” |
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| Juliet Hazell, 32, November 2011 | Cape Town| Weight loss: 25 kg “I was working 60-hour weeks, partying, and exercising like I was possessed. But I felt alone and was regularly eating the contents of my fridge to run away from those feelings. I was an all-or-nothing person. If I exercised, I did it excessively or not at all. If I ate, I gobbled everything in sight.” Juliet learnt that her extra weight had been an emotional safety net. She turned to Yoga and meditation to help her relook at what is important. Now, having regained her inner strength she is feeling great on the outside too and has completed the Ironman. Tip: “Take the long view. The desire to use food as a crutch is an everyday battle. I learnt how to find balance through healthy eating and exercise. You can’t rely on medication and therapy alone to make you happy.” |
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| Sharde Visage, July 2011| Durban | Weight loss: 22 kg “When I abandoned my date because I had nothing to wear, I knew that something had to change. Everything in my cupboard was too tight. I was so depressed with my weight that instead of going out on a date and having fun, I spent my time staring in the mirror, studying every fold, bump and bulge. I hated who I had become.” Sharde faced up to her unhealthy ways, and realised she had to stop drinking alcohol, and start getting to the gym as much as possible. The combination of exercise, the right diet and pure determination led Sharde to reach her weight loss goal. Tip: “Remind yourself of why you’re doing this. If it was a fat photo that sparked you off, or a negative comment someone passed then use this to push yourself. |
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I subscribed to your mag. two months ago. Since then I joined a Herbalife weight-loss challenge which started on the 2 Nov. I’ve lost 2.7kg thus far & I’m beggining to loose focus. I have taxing 12 hours at work daily & haven’t been able to make it to the gym in months. Reading these success stories make me realise I’m making excuses for myself so I could quit. I’ve always done this thing of starting something & giving up in the middle of it. I come up with all sorts of excuses. Either my health or finances.
If these ladies have done it why can’t I? I will be one of these success stories. I owe this to myself. I will have my picture in your mag.
oh i’m so inspired by all these success stories they gave me hope that I can also lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. I’m starting my journey this month & soon I’ll be at my goal weight. Thank you so much ladies!!!