Being a loving wife, daughter and mum of two grown-up children, Patrice Bell got used to spending much of her day looking after others, leaving little time or energy for her to focus on herself. Thankfully, all that changed recently when Patrice decided to put her health first.
Patrice says, “Being a little bit too generous with my time left little of it for me. I often ate on the run and definitely enjoyed eating as part of get-togethers with family and friends. I would pick at foods constantly and whenever I had a coffee I would also grab a couple of biscuits. I didn’t really make the time to exercise either. Using the time felt a bit selfish to me and there was always washing and ironing to be done. Over time I began to really feel unhappy with the way I looked.”
Why was Patrice so determined to be a great mum and wife? Perhaps part of it was that she wasn’t able to be around as much as she would have liked when her son and daughter were growing up. As a result, when she was able to stop going out to work, she was extra determined to make things just right. As well as putting her husband and children's needs above her own, Patrice helps her elderly mother with daily tasks.
Patrice admits to using food to ease personal and family traumas. For example, her daughter’s break up with a long-term boyfriend (someone that Patrice describes as "the perfect son-in-law") triggered more comfort eating.
Being an outwardly positive person, friends and family didn’t notice Patrice’s increasing unhappiness with herself. A growing feeling inside Patrice made her realise that things had to start to change and her weight was the first thing that needed to be tackled. The shock that she weighed more than she did when she was nine months pregnant was when she realised that enough really was enough!
Years ago Patrice has lost weight using the Jenny Craig weight-loss program. However, the weight had crept back on and she couldn't justify spending the money on the ready-prepared food plan. She was introduced to The Biggest Loser Club through the book The Click Diet which was recommended to her by friend and fellow member of the Ulysses Motorcycle Social Group for Mature Rider, Sandra Mitchell. After a chance conversation with Sandra about her unhappiness with her weight, Patrice was invited to join a local support group who were inspired by The Click Diet and were using The Biggest Loser Club to monitor their food and exercise. At that moment, Patrice's transformation began.
Click to enlarge photos
Patrice before
Patrice after
Simplicity and flexibility
Patrice says, “The simplicity of The Club appeals to me. The balance of calories in vs. calories out is just easy to understand, plain good sense. It allows for a lot of individual flexibility.
“Before The Club I ate loads of yummy snacks and cheese and biscuits, cakes and desserts. Dinner often involved a lot of creamy sauces and cheeses, too. I now cook more stir fries and salads.
“I have also modified the ingredients of the meals I used to cook so that they’re now less fatty and salty and I eat smaller portions, all with lots of fruit and vegies. I have the occasional diet cola and I drink water most of the time. I still enjoy a glass of wine or champagne, but it is always in moderation.
"The Club has lots of information about good food choices and you can tailor the exercise program to suit your own lifestyle. I found the recipes easy to cook and tasty. In fact, there isn’t anything that I dislike about the plan."
Having made the commitment to find a little more time for herself, Patrice confirms what other mums in her position have found – that everyone in the family feels happier when she is happier. She says, “Now, I have so much more energy. Some days I race through the things I need to do. I was never able to do this before. If I were to ever have some business cards printed, I would put my title down as human dynamo!”
What are people saying?
Patrice says, “My friends have been really supportive and it has been great to hear their compliments on the new and slimmer me. My fellow 'Click Clubbies' have really encouraged me and part of my success has been down to their support; their kind words and their congratulations, it all means so much to me.
“My husband didn’t really notice much of a change at first. That was until other people asked him if he was pleased with the slimmer me. He made some admiring comments or two then!”
Other members of Patrice’s family members haven’t said much at all even though Patrice’s transformation has been very noticeable. Could it be that some individuals are a little envious? Patrice says, “I do think that some people do not quite know how to cope when their friends, family and loved ones lose weight and feel better (or just different) about themselves.
“Personally, my friends have been great with their comments on the slimmer me and they have been wonderfully supportive.”
The most important person in this lose-weight, get-healthy journey is definitely Patrice. She says, “I feel great and have a lot more energy now I am not carrying around that excess weight like a bag of potatoes on my back!”
Patrice's tips for you
If you’re thinking about changing your life, Patrice has some encouraging words and urges you not to hold back or waste any more time. She says, “Initially, it is all a bit daunting like any change to a routine. Try to think about how changing your lifestyle today will change your life for years and years to come. It is so worth the effort and you will feel fitter and healthier and happier.
“If you have children, think about changing your lifestyle not just you, but for them. You’ll have so much more quality time to enjoy with them – and hopefully more quantity. Sometimes it’s hard to gain the motivation you need to change your life. For lots of us it is a health scare that’s the catalyst. Don’t let it get to that stage, take the opportunity now!”
Patrice has reached her goal weight of 68kg (she started at 77.4kg) and is now in maintenance mode although she continued to lose a little weight and currently weighs in at 65.7kg. Congratulations Patrice!