A cluster of family health scares and a milestone birthday were the turning points to better health for Alison Fleming. At the age of just 45, Alison’s sister Sue had a stroke; it was a shock for everyone. Yet ill health was a part of Alison’s family life. Her father has a long history of health problems including bowl cancer and heart disease, suffering from his first heart attack in his 40s. One of Alison’s aunts also has cancer of the bowel and another has heart disease. So with her 40th birthday approaching Alison, a registered nurse, decided it was time to focus on her health.
Reaching the milestone
Two months after her sister’s stroke Alison turned 40 and her present to herself was a health check. Alison says, “It was now or never! I wanted to act before I developed any medical problems. I had a full medical and fortunately I was given a clean bill of health. However, given my family history I knew that if I wanted to prevent future health problems I needed to lose weight and get fitter right away.”
Alison hadn’t tried any other diet plans in the past; The Biggest Loser Club was her first lose-weight, get-fit venture. Like many other members Alison came to The Biggest Loser Club via the TV. She says, “I love The Biggest Loser shows and have watched both the American and Australian series since day one!”
She chose to become a member because she says, “I liked the online nature of the Club. It made it easy for me to access the resources anywhere, anytime. I work long days and travel over 60km each way to work and I'm always busy running around after my two daughters.
“Being so busy, it was difficult for me to commit to being in a certain place at the same time each and every week as you have to do for a more traditional meetings approach to weight loss. I also appreciated the privacy of an online program.”
Loving the diary, loving the forums
“Having got to know about the features," says Alison, "I came to really love the diary and the forums. It is great to be able to record everything I eat and drink easily, anywhere and at any time. It’s great that ‘treats’ can still be a part of my life too, but I always make sure that I keep the balance right.
“The forums are a great place to catch up with people’s progress and for all of us Club members to support each other – through the ups and the inevitable downs.
“The results function is also a favourite – it’s great to look back at what I have achieved over time, to literally see just how much progress I have made. I just like having lots of graphs and charts to refer to.”
Click to enlarge photos
Alison before
Alison after
Bikini top
So, how did she do it?
Alison says, “I was determined and committed. Nothing was going to get in the way of me achieving my goal. The Biggest Loser Club provided me with a framework and plenty of resources to make the journey easier.
“Initially I followed the menu plans carefully, until I became brave enough to try some of my own recipes. I still regularly cook some of the recipes in the plan. My whole family (husband John and daughters Ashleigh, 15, and Brooke, 13) enjoy the meals, but we eat different snacks. The girls and I enjoy shopping for new clothes. I exercise on my own as that is my special time!
“I didn’t tell the family that I had joined The Biggest Loser Club at first. I just got on with cooking the meal ideas on my program and soon the girls started to call them ‘Mum’s gourmet recipes!’ Our family favourites are the chilli beef and beans and the chicken nachos.”
Do it for you!
If you want to lose weight and get fitter, Alison urges you to do it for you. “You have to want to do this for yourself, not because someone tells you you should. Remember, it takes time and commitment but it is so definitely worth it. The Biggest Loser Club plan is really a lifestyle change and not a diet. You can have the odd treat, just make sure they are small and that you account for them in your diary. Oh and talking about the diary, do record absolutely everything that you eat and drink in it – it all adds up!”
Like so many ‘Clubbies’ Alison has learned to love exercise too. She says, “Exercise is such an important part of this new lifestyle and I really enjoy it now. I joined a gym this year for the first time ever and I love it, especially the classes. Recently I injured my leg and couldn’t get to the gym for four weeks. I just couldn’t believe how much I missed it!”
Alison weighed 77kg when she started her program with The Biggest Loser Club in February 2008 and is a now a trim 55.9kg. She has lost a total of 21.1kg with The Club. She would especially like to say add, that in the past two years, she has lost a grand total of 39.5kg!
Alison ends by saying, “The Biggest Loser Club is a great resource that’s easy to use and affordable. There are plenty of features available on the site, but to get the most out of it you need to spend time getting to know all the aspects of it and really make the most of your membership. Participate in the forums – everyone is very supportive and you can be sure that someone can provide the answers you have questions to as they know or have experienced just about everything! Technical support is also very helpful. If you ask a question, you can expect a personal answer within a day or so.”
The first bikini top and shorts for nearly 25 years!
Being so much lighter and so much more positive, Alison says that she can now walk into any shop and buy clothes in the latest fashion and be confident that there will be something that looks fine on her. She says, “I have bought a bikini top and board shorts for the first time since I was 16!” Now that’s got to be something to celebrate! Well done Alison!