When Shaynee first decided to join a LifeShape program just days before Christmas a few years ago, she was met with shock from friends and family.

“Everyone said it would just be too hard to join before Christmas,” remembers Shaynee. “However, I had to do it. I got to a point where I realised if I didn’t do it, I would never do it. Honestly, looking back, it was really not that bad! Over Christmas I was so busy anyway, I even managed to navigate the Woodford Folk Festival and camping just two weeks into my program.”

From the beginning, Shaynee was quick to recognise the key differences LifeShape Clinic programs offer over other weight loss solutions.

“LifeShape Clinic looks at all aspects of your lifestyle, without changing your life,” says Shaynee. “That’s what attracted me to the program. I’ve tried other options in the past, however they were so restrictive with everything I could and couldn’t do. This program works by simply introducing healthier aspects into your current lifestyle. They work in with your life, rather than other programs that you have to adapt to. During my Initial Assessment, my Dietitian helped to identify what my stumbling blocks would be. I was working 60+ hours per week, commuting a lot and have an active social life - I love eating and drinking. I didn’t want to lose that.”

So, with this in mind, the LifeShape team was able to tailor a program to Shaynee’s needs and help her achieve her goals.

“I felt supported the whole time,” says Shaynee. “I never felt judged either. Nothing was impossible. There was always a sense of you can do this, and I always had the structure to get where I needed to go. My sessions with the Exercise Physiologist were actually useful - I was always honest if I didn’t want to do something. I told them from the beginning I didn’t want to do weights, or join a gym, or own another treadmill. So instead we looked at simply incorporating walking into my day. It wasn’t like other programs where they tell you to do 50 squats a day.”

Shaynee also found the team care approach was integral for her 20kg weight loss^.

“Working with the Dietitians every week was really good,” says Shaynee. “In other programs you have to weigh everything, or eat a special diet. I never called this a diet or felt deprived. The LifeShape program looks at normalising your food. At no point did I find it unmanageable, even working 60+ hours a week. It’s amazing that I haven’t dropped anything from my life. I have simply learned strategies that help me make healthier choices. I absolutely hate paperwork, and the thought of keeping a food diary was a bit much at first. But I ended up liking that structure. Each week the Dietitian would go through it with me and ask what was happening on certain days, was I tired etc. As a Nurse, I didn’t think my eating was related to my emotional challenges. However, my sessions with the psychologist helped me to identify patterns of my eating and now I’m more confident in identifying my trigger points to know where things can unravel.”

For Shaynee, the benefits felt from her program extend far beyond just weight loss.

“From a health point of view, there has been a huge impact,” says Shaynee. “I see my GP twice per year and he was shocked at how much younger and healthier I look. The weight loss has made such a difference. I feel more energised. I can do my Pilates so much better now, and I can feel my abs developing. It’s the little things like that that give you motivation. My desire for sugar is gone too. Once upon a time, my idea of a good holiday was curling up with a book and a snack. Now, I want to go walking or cycling, and that’s something I will keep up.”

Shaynee has some empowering advice for anyone thinking of joining a program.

“Before the program, I never thought I could lose the weight,” admits Shaynee. “But I did and you can too. That’s what I say to people. It has really worked well for me and it will work with all kinds of people. You can definitely fit this around a busy lifestyle - you’ll find the time when you notice the changes. There’s flexibility with consultation times to see the team afterhours. It’s all a psychological battle in your head. It’s not about losing weight at all, it’s about making a better lifestyle.”

^Your results may vary. To find out what you can achieve on your LifeShape Program book a no obligation initial assessment with one of our Dietitians.