Thursday, January 29, 2009

One month after starting



Jodie

This is a progress update....I will post more as Jodie continues along... The top section is her latest update and the lower section is one month after starting...
What a champ!! Jodie has changed so much, and definitely not just physically! This girl is REALLY coming alive and is honestly unbeatable! Jodie, you are a testament to just hw drastically your life can change with just a few, simple, consistent changes....thank you for the journey so far! I am SO excited about the rest! Mwah! xox


(10th Jan 09)
"This morning I had a bit of quiet time to myself and was starting to reflect on the past couple of days after our talk.
Was thinking about all the little things I've changed so far and done that I wouldn't of normally done otherwise.
Eg, made a new friend last night, went and visited my grandma, actually listening to people and showing interest, not caring what people think of me etc....
I started crying my eyes out all of a sudden as I was starting to realise how good I'm doing and how my life is positively changing right before my eyes.

I am finally feeling that I might just become that person I've always wanted to be........Quite overwhelming really!
I can feel it within myself already, my whole attitude is changing.

I'm really liking the new me and am looking forward to seeing what I'm capable of becoming.......(and here come the tears again now as I write this)

Thank you Bridget!!!!!!!!"


(7th Jan 09)
"I'm sorry I haven't written this sooner, but my holiday was allot more full on than I had expected.
Oh and guess what! I managed to lose weight over the festive period. Only half a kilo but I'm just stoked I didn't gain any, like every other year!
I had the best time over the break, I felt amazing and had a bundle of energy to keep up with everything happening. I would of otherwise, been lazing around on the couch or sleeping in while Mitch went out and did fun stuff with his family!

Just wanted to say how ecstatic I am with my new life, my new me, and my whole new outlook for the future!
I wake up looking forward to the day and plan in my head each morning how I want my day to be and eat the foods to let me do so.
I've been so excited with all the new foods and ways of cooking them that I haven't had time to miss the foods I used to eat!

I'm sleeping so much better than I used to (I'd toss and turn till 2 sometimes 3am) and now I wake up not feeling tired anymore.
I think my poor couch is missing me too as I haven't sat on it since I started with you. I get home of an afternoon and just can't stop, I have so much energy I just have to keep moving. Whether it be cleaning, working, washing or most of the time preparing all the delicious foods for the next day. I would usually be straight to the couch when I get home to lay down as I would just be out of energy by then! Now I find myself on the go, right up till bed time!

I even feel myself being a nicer person towards my work colleagues and strangers. All this energy has inspired me to better myself in other ways not just losing weight and having more energy!

One thing I have noticed most is how all my friends and family have been so interested and envious of what I'm eating. I thought that I'd have a tough time not letting them talk me into eating junk food with them. Instead they've either just let me eat my own food or sometimes even asked if they could have some of mine instead! I find myself offering people for a taste of my meal now, because I know how much tastier my meal is compared to theirs. I think I've made about 8 people addicted to Salmon now, most of which had never tried it before!

The biggest surprise of all is how easy the transition has been.

You’re the best Bridget!"

You too can shine, no matter your challenges


Nicky (QLD)

Personally, I learnt SO much from Nicky. What an amazing girl, and gee, what challenges life has thrown at her already! At 26 years of age, Nicky has had to do one of the hardest things any of us will have to do in our lives...She has had to say goodbye to her beautiful mum, with whom she had such a great bond and connection.

I have never dealt with loss of this type before, so personally and professionally it challenged me. Together Nicky and I worked out a way to embrace her mum's presence and for her to continue her life, not trying to FORGET her mum, but to carry her along with her always.

This has been a beautiful journey and I will always cherish the opportunity to have worked with Nicky. Thank you hun, for trusting me so much and sharing something so private, precious and painful with me. You will forever remain in my heart and mind! xo

Now from Nicky....

"Before I met Bridget I felt like I was just eating and eating, although it was healthy food, I kept putting on weight and couldn't work out why. I thought that if it's healthy then there is no problem how much I eat. But I kept feeling hungry so I would eat some more. I am a typical emotional eater but didn't know what to do. My mum passed away and things just became so overwhelming. I felt like I was drowning and just kept eating. I put on nearly 10kg in a month and was desperate to stop this.

After a couple of months I phoned Bridget to arrange a meeting. I was quite excited thinking that I would get a diet plan, an exercise plan and be told exactly what to eat and when.

After our first session I realised this was not what I was going to get. Instead I realised how emotional nutrition can be.

We organised fortnightly sessions and after meeting with Bridget I felt like I was on a high.

She taught me so much about myself and it was interesting to hear an outsiders point of view of my eating patterns. I realised just how much energy I was eating and how much I was using and noticed that I was eating a whole lot more! No wonder I put on weight!!

The main focus of our sessions was to work out why I was an emotional eater and move away from that.

Bridget has taught me a whole new philosophy which revolves around enjoying life as it is right now! And being grateful for things I have and things I have done. 'This too shall pass' was something that I will never forget.

I now feel that I have the tools to be able to deal with anything. I also have a lot more energy, am losing weight and just feel better about myself. I can't stop telling my family and friends and they are now enjoying these benefits too! I realised that nutrition is not just what you should or shouldn't eat, it's a whole lot more. Thanks Bridget!!!

It's funny, I was just thinking back over what I was like when we first met. So much has changed!! I am so grateful for all your support and your friendship. I definately know that we crossed paths for a reason.
I will call you to meet up when I'm on the coast."

Nicky Thompson, Brisbane, QLD

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Terry loves Salmon! :)

Terry is a client from one of my Clinics. When he first came to me he was very apprehensive that dietary advice could make a difference....he also "hated salmon"... :)
I am pleased and confident to say Terry has a completely renewed attitude and approach to nutrition, salmon (now LOVES it!!), and life in general! Nothing is holding him back and he is moving full steam ahead with the vigour and energy of a person 20 years younger!

Go Terry! :) xo


How I came to see Bridget...

As a person with type 2 Diabetes and long term chronic psoriasis, I agreed with my doctor some 4 months ago, to proceed with a G P Management Plan. This plan specified a series of goals to be achieved in order to control my blood sugar levels, and prevent further complications associated with diabetes. The plan required me to see a Dietician, who happened to be Bridget. When I first met Bridget, I initially felt a little threatened and apprehensive that my daily diet would be reviewed. I had concerns over my high sugar levels and needing to take extra medication. My energy levels were low and I suffered from headaches.
Bridget is a good listener and her encouragement and enthusiasm helped my confidence. Her practical suggestions were not overwhelming and I felt ready to make changes.
Bridget stressed that she was available at any time to help. Her support made me feel that all changes were a joint effort. There was no negativity, just a positive view to the future.


Where I am at.... (As at November 08- Terry has since lost more weight)

Since my first visit to Bridget, approximately 3 months ago, I feel I have turned my life around. I have had a complete diet turnaround! My energy level has increased and my sugar levels have reduced dramatically. I also have less headaches.
I feel more in control.I have achieved a weight reduction of 9 kgs ( my target is 10 kgs ), and I have halved my blood sugar levels. Of the 7 individual targets set by my doctor, I have already achieved 6 of them.


How do I feel?

Because I now take a greater part in preparing and cooking food
for healthy living, I feel that I am contributing more than I did previously.


It feels good to share the responsibility with my wife.


I also like the feeling of control. I control what I eat and subsequently how my body feels.


One of the benefits of eating healthy food is that I have a lot more energy.No more feeling lethargic or having to have those long midday naps/sleeps.


What have the changes meant for me?

With Bridget's help and support, both my wife and I have a far more healthy life. We share the load and in addition to feeling better now, I have no doubt that we will reap the benefits long term. I look forward to using the decisions that I make to take responsibility and control future outcomes regarding my health.





Thanks to my doctor and Bridget I feel that my life is now back on track and with my wife look forward to many happy years with our grandchildren.