Colleen reckons she had tried “every diet you can possibly put a tick to,” despite failing each time. Several decades of yoyo dieting had played havoc with her metabolism resulting in significant weight gain over the years.
“I’d done low carb, low protein, high protein, diet shakes – you name it – and it was very frustrating not being able to lose weight,” she said. “Typically I would reach my goal and then relax, and before I knew it I was back to square one again but heavier than before.”
Get a life
Six years ago, Colleen and her husband Arthur decided to leave their home on the Gold Coast to become grey nomads and travel around Australia with a caravan in tow. Sadly for Colleen, this long awaited trip proved arduous because of her weight, and sightseeing on foot was almost impossible.
“I found it hard to do simple things like walk to the toilets in the caravan parks or walk to the corner shop,” she said. “I couldn’t get my breath and I wobbled when I walked. Arthur said I made so much noise, panting and puffing, that he refused to walk with me. I knew something had to be done because I wasn’t really enjoying life.”
Not only did Colleen find it hard to get around, but her increased size meant sleeping was difficult within the confines of the caravan and she would often wake in the middle of the night, sweating and out of breath. To adult insult to injury, she was unable to sit on camping chairs and would have to take her special heavy duty chair with her when visiting friends.
Twelve months ago, she realised she couldn’t go on like this. She was missing out on the trip of a lifetime.
Click to enlarge photos
Colleen before
Colleen halfway
Colleen after
Enter the Biggest Loser Club
After watching The Biggest Loser on television, Colleen was inspired to join The Club. “I was sick of having to avoid swimming pools and getting around in stretchy pants with a couple of big, old shirts,” she said. “I wasn’t taking care of myself and I looked terrible. I hated that.”
Colleen describes joining The Biggest Loser Club as a life-changing experience. It provided all the support she needed and taught her about nutrition and exercise. A self-confessed former junk food addict, Colleen says she has well and truly kicked the habit, opting for healthy alternatives every time.
“The constant feedback from The Biggest Loser Club is fantastic. I use my diary all the time and I never feel I am missing out on anything. What’s more, I’m never hungry and that’s the great thing about the program.”
Good companions
It wasn’t long before husband Arthur joined Colleen in her weight loss quest and now the two of them revel in their new-found healthy lifestyle. Whereas once Colleen opted for the “safety” of her caravan, she is now enjoying getting out as much as possible and exploring interesting walking tracks and new places with Arthur.
“We walk every morning for 40 minutes and it’s a lovely way to start the day,” she said. “Arthur is also enjoying my cooking, which is based on The Biggest Loser Club recipes, and has lost eight kilograms in the process. We don’t call this a diet anymore. This is for life. It’s forever.”
Colleen says she feels great, even on the weeks when she loses little or no weight at all. “My confidence is back and now I’m actually making an effort with the way I look. Instead of wearing my house clothes every day, I now dress each morning as though I’m going out. I just feel so much better.”
Good bye big clothes
Gone are the big stretchy clothes replaced with tailored shorts and shirts and slimline tops. In fact, Arthur is so pleased with his wife’s younger appearance that he recently bought her an expensive pair of designer jeans that are now almost too big, although as Colleen says, it’s a nice problem to have.
“I so wanted to lose weight and now I’ve done it, but the difference with this program is that it is ongoing. I’ll stay with The Biggest Loser Club because it’s working and I need the support.”
In a few weeks time, Colleen will catch up with her adult children who haven’t seen her for a year. “I will be wearing a black slinky top with a low back and a black skirt that I bought ten years ago, but never wore. I can’t wait to see their faces.”
Content and happy
Colleen is delighted that she can finally enjoy her travels. “I am so content and happy these days because I can see the whole of Australia now instead of being stuck in the caravan. I never want to go back to having to sit on the one chair and not being able to move around and enjoy myself. Never, ever.”