Dietbusters gives Helena a new, lighter lease of life

EMBARKING on Dietbusters didn’t just put a spring in Helena Law’s step – it also helped her to step back outside after spending three years living like a recluse. Helena, a 62-year-old retired retail assistant from Greenmeadow, had lost all her confidence and stopped going out after an insect bite on her leg became infected and plagued her health for three years. Helena’s medication made her more susceptible to weight gain and she became locked in a cycle of irregular eating and physical inactivity. Conscious of the problem, Helena tried various diets but found them confusing and stressful. The turning point came when the hospital referred her to the Dietbusters weight management programme. She said: “I tried lots of diet schemes but all they talked about was food and they didn’t seem very sustainable. They didn’t mention physical activity at all. I found they were also quite pushy and made you feel under constant pressure. Dietbusters was different because it’s not about an extreme regime, but making sensible changes to your diet and improving your fitness levels. Since doing it, I eat more now – but the right things.” Since completing the 12-week programme Helena has lost nearly three stone and also dropped three dress sizes. “I’m still sticking with the new, healthier habits it has created for me and I want to lose a bit more. It’s such a brilliant scheme and helped me get my life back,” she said. “The dietary information and support really opens your eyes to all the hidden salt and sugar in foods you would never suspect – things like bread and diet yoghurt. There was also really useful guidance around portion size and the importance of having regular meals. I used to skip breakfast and lunch, just having coffee instead, then a meal in the evening. That’s all changed now.” Helena was initially apprehensive about the circuit training part of the programme as she wasn’t previously taking regular exercise. She said: “I was nervous, but soon realised there was no reason to be. The class was very manageable because you can take it at your own pace. So I started walking then built up gradually and you’re not alone – there are others who are new to exercise too.” Her typical daily diet now comprises wholemeal toast with a banana for breakfast, soup and a yoghurt for lunch and a home-made pasta dish with fresh vegetables for dinner. She also goes walking and does gym exercises. Helena has avoided piling on the pounds over the festive period by not buying excessive amounts of food or stocking up on treats. “I didn’t buy big tubs of sweets or go overboard, but we still managed to enjoy good, varied food in moderation. I also had very little alcohol because I’ve been cutting back on that and not missed it. It all adds up over time and reduces your overall calorie intake, so has a positive impact on your waistline. I didn’t put anything on at Christmas – in fact I lost two pounds,” she said. “I can honestly say Dietbusters was a complete revelation and really got my confidence and life back on track. You make friends and all support each other on the path to a healthier lifestyle. I absolutely loved it and haven’t looked back since.” The council-run scheme, which is free for those who meet certain criteria, features a weekly exercise class and practical tips and guidance about food and drink. Eligibility criteria includes being obese, having type 2 diabetes or being eligible for free prescriptions. Alternatively it is possible to pay £42 for the 12-week programme. Fiona Dickens, a trained dietitian and public health manager at Swindon Borough Council, said: “We get lots of fantastic feedback about the Dietbusters scheme and January is a time when people often take stock and want to make positive changes. Unlike fad diets, this programme is all about taking realistic action to reduce weight over a sensible period and maintain those results in the long-term. "Being overweight or obese is increasingly common across the country and Swindon unfortunately follows this national trend. However, there are things everyone can do to keep track of their weight and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. That could mean enrolling on Dietbusters, signing up for Change4Life’s Sugar Swaps or simply committing to do 20 minutes of some form of physical exercise daily.” Find out more about Dietbusters by asking your GP or going online at www.swindon.gov.uk/dietbusters. You can check whether you’re a healthy weight by calculating your Body Mass Index at www.nhs.uk/livewell Find out more about Dietbusters by asking your GP or going online at www.swindon.gov.uk/dietbusters. The council also offers a scheme called Alive ‘n’ Kicking which aims to help children, aged between 5 and 16, lead a healthier lifestyle. For more information and to register for the programme, please call: (01793) 465412 or email [email protected] If you’re looking for ways to reduce your sugar intake, sign up for a free Sugar Swaps pack with Change4Life, available by going online at www.change4life.co.uk