Christine Bailey struggled with her weight since her early teens. She left school at just 15 years old, which meant she had money to buy the sugary, fatty treats that her mother would never allow. When her father tragically passed away she turned to food for comfort and her emotional eating caused her weight to soar to an unhealthy 140kg.
Meeting her husband Michael in 2001 set Christine’s life back on a happy path. She was overjoyed to learn she was pregnant just 2 years later but the pregnancy caused her weight to creep up even further. Christine and Michael have since welcomed the arrival of 3 gorgeous children, Ryan, James and Catelyn. But by now Christine’s weight was a worrying 177kg.
As an overweight mother of three, everything felt like an effort – even just walking the children to school. Playing in the park with them was impossible and Ryan, James and Catelyn could not put their little arms around her for a real hug.
Christine knew it was the time to change her lifestyle and lose weight, so she applied to the Biggest Loser TV show. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be and she didn’t make it onto the show as a contestant. However, in February 2010 she found The Biggest Loser Club.
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At her heaviest
Time to change
30kg lost in 6 months
Amazing transformation
Journey not over yet
Changing ways
Christine said bye bye to her old fatty diet, and followed The Club’s online menu plan step-by-step. She says, “I switched to The Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacement Shakes and for dinner I made home-cooked meals from the online recipes.”
She also relied on the online diary, not just to track her calories, but also to monitor her emotional eating. “I learnt what triggered my binge eating and whenever I was stressed I went for a walk instead of stuffing my face.”
Fitness became part of her lifestyle as she followed the exercise plans, training 3 times a week. Nevertheless, she reveals, “The first time at the gym I actually cried when my trainer put me on the rower. I cried because I knew I had to do it and the reality set in that it was going to be a hard, long road for me.”
But more determined than ever, Christine kept reminding herself why she was doing this and pushed on through.
These newfound healthy habits helped her to gradually shed the kilos. “Weighing in every week, I watched the number on the scales get smaller. Each kilo lost was celebrated,” she says. Christine lost 30kg in the first 6 months, and once she reached the 100kg mark, she enjoyed a well-deserved pamper session and makeover.
New outlook on life
Today, Christine weighs 77.8kg and has lost over half her starting body weight. That’s a massive 100kg loss! Along with her dedication, sacrifice and hard work, she credits The Biggest Loser Club as the reason for her success.
“The Club’s weight loss program has taught me about good food and exercise and, more importantly, how to maintain this new, healthier lifestyle over the long term. It has given me a new lease on life. When I see how far I’ve come in a year it’s hard to believe I’m the same person.”
Christine now loves exercising and trains for 1 hour every day to reach the goals she sets herself. She says, “In July last year I decided to do a 10km walk. Then I started running and did a 10km run in November and another one in May.” She is now training for the Tuggerah Lakes 10km Fun Run in November.
A bright future ahead
While most of the weight loss battle is complete, for Christine the journey is not yet over. “I couldn't get past 80kg when I was 18.” Thinking positively she adds, “Overall I'm aiming for 70kg and I know I'm going to achieve that goal because I've come this far.”
Her optimism is refreshing, yet she remains realistic about the daily challenges she faces. Currently she is going through stressful changes with her autistic son, James, which has caused her emotional eating to resurface, but she is now aware of her triggers and tries to select healthy options. “We’re all human, but The Club’s online diary and exercise plan always keep me in check. So even if I have a bad day I quickly get back on track.”
She also relies on a good workout to refocus and let off steam. “I’m so glad for my exercise, because it gives me strength,” she says. Exercise has become such a big part of her life she is completing a swimming instructor’s course.
Christine’s new healthy lifestyle has allowed her to join a waiting list for a hernia operation she has needed since 2007. Plus, her husband, Michael, has also shed an impressive 40kg. And we’re pleased to report that the children can now wrap their arms around their mum for a great big cuddle!