“The thought was always there for me,” says Carmel. “I used to drive past the Clayfield clinic in Brisbane, and always thought to myself ‘one day’. However, after returning home from an overseas holiday, I drove past again and knew I just had to do it. I was getting unhealthier, and had to do something about it. I didn’t want to end up with diabetes. I took the first step, sent an enquiry and made my first appointment.”

Carmel said her main motivator was simply that she was in the right frame of mind at the right time.

“People say things like ‘if I can do it, you can do it’”, says Carmel. “However I don’t believe that. You have to do it when you’re ready to do it. From enquiring, to my initial assessment, I was in the right frame of mind. I paid for my LifeShape 9 program upfront and committed myself to the next nine months on the program.”

One thing Carmel enjoyed most from the very beginning was the supportive, one-on-one consultations with qualified clinicians offered by the clinic.

“Weekly meetings were what kept me on track,” says Carmel. “I prefer the one-on-one consultations offered by LifeShape Clinic over other programs with group sessions. I have been overweight most of my life and tried many other weight loss solutions. I was never able to get down to what they considered my ‘ideal weight’. Even when I did lose weight on other programs, it always crept back on. My LifeShape Dietitian was so lovely and never judged me. Everyone I encountered throughout the program was just as nice and supportive. The feeling from the beginning was we’re going to do this, and do it together.”

That they did, and the weight started to consistently come off for Carmel.

“It was easy,” says Carmel. “After five kilograms people noticed the changes. Then after seven, even more people noticed and so forth. I used a combination of meal replacements and a main meal at night, which was nice. I really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes from the LifeShape cookbook. One of the most important things was that I never felt deprived. I have simply adopted some healthier eating and drinking habits. If I want a glass of wine, I buy a good quality bottle and enjoy a glass, not three. I definitely appreciate good quality food now.”

Regular physical activity also played an important part of Carmel’s 14.5kg weight loss on her LifeShape 9 program^.

“Prior to joining, I was going to the gym and feeling fitter, but wasn’t losing any weight on my own,” says Carmel. “I enjoy doing my exercise early on in the day to get it out of the way! It’s just easier that way. It’s challenging getting up early for the gym, but then I don’t have to worry about fitting it for the rest of the day. I also still see my personal trainer once a week, and do lots of walking.”

An added bonus of the program is that Carmel has also inspired others to make some positive changes to their lives.

“I’ve inspired some of my sisters to start taking better care of their health,” says Carmel. “So that’s nice. They’ve all been so supportive of my journey. One of them even came to a LifeShape Kitchen cooking demonstration with me. We got a few ideas from that one. I always sit down to eat a proper good quality meal now and love preparing new snacks for myself. It’s also such a great feeling to buy new clothes for myself and know they look great as well. Although it has been expensive to buy a whole new wardrobe!”

So with such great results, where to from here for Carmel?

“The main thing is, I feel good!” says Carmel. “I feel healthy. That’s the main reason I did a program, for good health. I’m at a stage in my life where I know I want to continue on with it. I feel comfortable in this healthier lifestyle I’ve worked to build, however I’ve opted for a support program to stay on track. I think it’s really important to ask for support until you know you’ve really got this.”

Need Help Finding A Healthy Balance for You?

If you need a little extra help finding a healthy balance for you, consider seeking the help of an Accredited Practising Dietitian for tailored advice. A healthier, happier you starts with just one phone call to 1800 567 348. Alternatively you can register your interest online.

^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.