For years Sharlene Packree, a type-2
diabetic, turned to food for comfort instead of dealing with her problems. But
while the weight piled on, her problems remained and her health deteriorated as
she struggled to keep her glucose levels in check. Hitting rock bottom
persuaded Sharlene to turn her life around. In her quest to become healthier
and happier, she joined the gym, changed her eating habits and lost 25kg.
Sharlene
Packree rediscovered swimming – and lost 25kg in the process
Occupation
Height
Time required to reach current weight
Lesson learnt
Secret weapon
Before 86 kg
After 61 kg
|
Public relations consultant
1.57m
11 months
“I can do anything I set my mind to”
Aqua aerobics
|
The
Gain
Comfort eating was Sharlene’s biggest
weakness. Whenever she felt down, she would tuck into junk food, especially
pies. But as the number on the scale inched upward, Sharlene, who excelled as a
swimmer at school, began to avoid exercise too. At her heaviest, she didn’t
even climb stairs and battled to walk short distances.
The
Change
In November 2008, after a nasty break-up,
failing her exams and with her health suffering. Sharlene knew it was time for
a change. “I hated the person I’d become. The woman in the mirror was a
stranger,” she says. Sharlene joined a gym and rediscovered swimming: “I love
being in water, so I signed up for the aqua aerobics class and did laps in the
pool.” Within three months, the kilos had begun to melt away and Sharlene found
her old confident self returning.
The
Lifestyle
Sharlene knew that if she wanted to keep
the weight off, she had to change the way she ate, “I now eat smaller meals
five times a day, and try to include lots of fresh veggies and grilled chicken.
In-between, I snack on fruit and crackers,” she says. This way, she never feels
like she’s depriving herself – plus she has the energy to swim every afternoon
and go for brisk walls.
The
Reward
Sharlene’s slimmer body has given her the
courage to try new things: she’s gone bungee jumping and swimming with sharks –
and slipped into a bikini. “For the first time in years I can cross my legs
with ease, like a real lady,” says Sharlene, who has dropped three dress sizes
and loves wearing shorts. “I discovered that I can do anything I set my mind
to. The only motivation I need is a desire to improve my quality of life.”
Sharlene’s
Tips
Find an exercise routine you love. “Try
Zumba if you like dancing or aqua aerobics if you enjoy being in the water”
Try Zumba if you like dancing
Try aqua aerobics if you enjoy being in
the water
Make friends at gym. “A support system
makes a huge difference.”
Have fun. “Think of losing weight as a game
– and the winner is you”