Here Teegan Jones, 31, tells the story in her own words.
After my beautiful daughter Willow, three, was born, I ballooned from a size 14 to a 22.
Feeling lethargic and rundown, I went to the doctor for tests.
‘You’ve got high cholesterol and diabetes type 2,’ he told me.
‘Diabetes?’ I said, shocked.
Surely I was too young?
‘Lose weight and exercise,’ he advised.
Going home, I was in tears. Since having Willow, I’d neglected my own needs. Skipping breakfast and lunch, I’d binge on fast foods or chips. I’d have double helpings at dinner, followed by chocolate.
My husband Lucas said I was beautiful. But I felt embarrassed living in leggings and baggy T-shirts, as I couldn’t fit into other clothes.
Looking for answers, I found the Healthy Mummy website. It had weight-loss recipes and tips. I began doing ‘meal prep’ each morning so I knew what I’d be eating each day.
Breakfast was cooked spinach, kale and an almond milk smoothie.
This is surprisingly yummy! I thought.
Lunch was tuna salad, and dinner was a chicken and veg stir-fry. I’d snack on fruit or celery sticks and homemade dip. As a treat, I’d have choc-chip cookies made with chickpeas, or mud cake made from pumpkin. And I kept an eye on my portions.
I’ll do some exercise too, I decided, walking around the yard and gradually adding squats in front of the TV.
Getting the bug, I bought a second-hand rower and cross-trainer machine to use after I’d put Willow to bed.
In 14 months I went from 108kg to 76kg and I dropped from size 22 to 12-14.
My doctor was thrilled.
‘Your cholesterol levels are fine and your diabetes has gone,’ he smiled.
I even won a competition on the Healthy Mummy website, nabbing a swimwear photoshoot to celebrate.
I’m so proud for not only achieving my weight-loss goals, but saying goodbye to my high cholesterol and diabetes forever.
Diabetes Type 2
- This is the most common form of diabetes.
- It usually affects mature adults, but young people can also develop it.
- Risk factors include lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insufficient exercise.
- Some signs may include fatigue, lethargy, weight gain and increased thirst.
- If you suspect diabetes, see your doctor.
For more information visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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