Late in 2008, Sydney-based health service manager Mary Craven started The Biggest Loser Club Second Chance Challenge fearing that it might be too late for her to turn her life around. But after dropping a fantastic 33.2kg, she has proven that it’s never too late. Mary says, “I feel great. I feel positive and confident and it’s been years since I felt this way!”
Starting the Challenge at 177.1kg, 58-year-old Mary says she couldn’t walk for 20 metres without back pain. She would dread work meetings and even avoid social occasions because she felt so self conscious.
When Mary didn’t get a place in The Biggest Loser Series 3, she reapplied for the 2009 Couples series, but again wasn’t selected. Without the opportunity of the Second Chance Challenge, Mary says, “I really don’t know what would have happened.”
Click to enlarge photos
Mary before
Mary boxing
Post workout
Mary after
Mary after losing 33.2kg
Starting off
Once Mary started the Challenge, the enormity of what lay ahead of her became a reality, so she began with little steps.
“I am a compulsive eater and have been for as long as I can remember, so the first thing I had to do was get my eating in order," says Mary. "I set myself small goals and as I got it under control I began to grow in confidence.”
To help gain control, Mary relied on the Meal Replacement Program. “I started using the Meal Replacement Shakes, which were a great way to control my calories and kick-start my program. I also used The Club website, which is fantastic! I use the online diary to keep a close eye on food and exercise. I like the recipes too, especially the stir-fries and salads."
Having not exercised for a very long time, Mary started with swimming and gradually worked her way up to the gym.
“I did a session with a personal trainer called Sophie in Canberra and she knew just where to lead and where to support me; she wasn’t scared of pushing me and I began to see what I could do, instead of always focusing on what I couldn't do. She made me realise I wasn’t an invalid and that I should stop feeling like one.”
Continuing the routine
The Second Chance Challenge finished in April 2009, however, Mary is continuing with her new healthy lifestyle and has a daily routine to help her achieve her continued weight loss.
“My day usually begins with a breakfast of no-fat plain yoghurt with frozen berries, a skim de-caffeinated coffee at morning tea and lunch is usually a summer salad with sardines, tomatoes, apple and onion with balsamic vinegar. Dinner could be fish baked on a bed of Asian greens with soy and olive oil and rice. I used to be a constant grazer, but now I like to plan my meals."
As well as having a strict menu, Mary is a regular at the gym. “I have joined the local gym in Neutral Bay and work out with a personal trainer, Mark Richardson. It has really helped speed up my weight loss and I have just signed up for another six months with them. They are great!"
A new lease on life
Since shedding over 18% of her starting weight, Mary feels like a completely new woman. “Life holds so much for me now and I feel so alive! I am looking forward to a trip to Darwin and an upcoming drinks party, which I would have avoided in the past. My daughter and I have also signed up to Latino dance and exercise classes. I can’t shake my stuff like the movers at the front of the hall, but I enjoy going at my own pace!"
On top of this newfound energy, Mary has also seen improvements in her health. “A few months ago my thyroid function test was bordering on low, but now it is normal. I was on numerous medications for high blood pressure too, but I have since been able to stop taking one of them and my blood pressure is now very controlled.
“My daughters are very relieved as they were really worried about me before I lost weight and regained my life. Looking back, I am sorry that I didn’t do what I needed to right from the start, but I’m pleased that I was determined enough to change.
“The best thing of all is that the future now holds some options for me whereas before it didn’t. I would limp to work and limp home. Every day was spent worrying about where I would sit in a meeting or how I would get into a chair or how far I would have to walk. I am having fun now – I even enjoy the gym! The rowing machine is my favourite and I am determined to do a 2500 metre row. I want to achieve this and then I will work to beat my time. Who knew that underneath this body there was a Rolls Royce engine?”