A 57 year old woman from Killeagh has lost almost 40kg since starting a weight loss journey last November, and she says it’s the easiest thing she’s ever done.
Esther Kearney says she always struggled with her weight, especially from her 30s onwards. “I was at my heaviest when I started this particular weight loss journey, but I always struggled with my weight.
“My confidence was hugely impacted. My fitness levels were also affected, even climbing stairs could be tough. Everything was just difficult.”
Esther had tried to lose weight before, but no matter how much she tried, the results never lasted. “I was always on a diet but nothing worked. You name it, I have tried it. I’d get so far [with my weight loss], but it didn’t last. If I didn’t reach my goal weight, I’d go home and have a chipper as I was so disheartened.”
Esther started her most recent weight loss attempt last November after she bumped into a friend of hers that she hadn’t seen for while. “She looked absolutely amazing. She had lost so much weight, her skin was glowing, she looked so vibrant and healthy. She told me she was going to Youghal Nutrition Club, which I had never heard of. She arranged a wellness evaluation for me, and that’s where I started.”
The wellness evaluation took 45 minutes and Esther spoke to a weight loss coach about her goals, feelings and history. “They weigh you, but the scales also analyse your body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat and metabolic age. I decided then I’d join.”
Esther made some changes to her diet, mainly being more conscious about the food she is eating.
“Youghal Nutrition Club operates as a breakfast club, so you go in the mornings and have your breakfast, which consists of aloe vera in water, a herbal tea and a shake, which contains lots of nutrients. It tastes lovely, usually I don’t like shakes as they taste powdery, but these ones don’t.”
Esther is on two shakes and two snacks per day, as well as having dinner.
“I live alone. Before, I wasn’t interested in dirtying three saucepans to make food, it was just easier for me to get a Chinese on the way home from work. Sometimes I used to just have a few slices of toast and a cup of tea for dinner. I was very busy in work, I was just grabbing sandwiches here and there.
“Now, when we are in club, we have a food diary, where we plan three days of food in advance. I make sure I have the ingredients I need and I have everything in the fridge. Sometimes I prepare two or three meals in advance. It doesn’t take forever, and I am not at the cooker all day every day.”
Esther says sticking to her new routine is the “easiest thing she’s ever done”, adding that she’s gained lots of confidence since losing 39.8kg, which is almost six stone.
Previously, she was on blood pressure and cholesterol medication, as well as B12 injections, which she’s now off completely. “I am not on any medication and I am definitely feeling the benefits. It’s all positive.”
She’s grateful for the support of the club. “I can relate to someone coming in and its their first day. I know what it is like, it’s so intimidating, but the minute you walk in the door you are made to feel so welcome. People are very warm and everyone is on the same journey as you.”
Esther adds that members often share recipes among themselves and they offer support if someone has had a tough day.
What advice would she have for other people who want to lose weight? “Just go for it. Don’t overthink it.”
You can follow Youghal Nutrition Club on Facebook and Instagram.
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