A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes when she was 37 years old saw Rachel Woodrow, from Waikanae, completely changing her lifestyle. She lost a third of her bodyweight, started exercising regularly and is now symptom free.
RACHEL'S TIPS
I most often stick to 1,200-1,500 calories a day and most of the food is clean and whole. No one is perfect right?
I change the rules regularly – diets lose their shine so I don't “diet”. I make rules like “no eating after 8.30pm” because after 9pm my willpower has gone to bed and I used to do quite a bit of damage surfing the cupboards at night.
I acknowledge and understand that losing weight is 20% exercise and 80% diet. Going for a walk is not going to undo even a small chocolate bar.
I play games to make up my steps with everyday activities. For example, putting the washing basket quite a way from the line and walking back and forward to get each item.
I regularly document my journey with photos and create comparison photos to remind myself how far I have come.