Healthy lifestyle still winner for Stacey

Rotorua's Stacey Irving has maintained her ideal weight after dropping a massive 115kg.
It's been five months now since she reached the 65kg mark after a three-year weight loss journey with Weight Watchers. Her lifestyle turnaround was so impressive, she was named one of six New Zealand finalists in the 2010 Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards.
"I didn't win but I was able to reach the top six which is an achievement," she said. "I still go to Weight Watchers meetings once a month and still follow healthy eating plan," Mrs Irving said. "For me, I've gained extra confidence and live a much healthier lifestyle, I discovered a love for the outdoors.
"Clothes shopping is a lot easier, there's a lot more range of smaller sizes. It was always harder to find clothes that were a size 22."
Mrs Irving said her lifestyle is more balanced which allows her to take part in a few indulgences.
"I still love yummy food and still indulged on Christmas but on Boxing Day I went for a walk on Mount Maunganui, one day out of 365 days is fine.
"I now have a lot more energy to do things with my three children."
 
STACEY'S ADVICE
- Join a weight loss programme. For me it was Weight Watchers and it wasn't just about eating healthy but overall how you feel about yourself.
- Try and find time everyday for regular exercise. Thirty minutes of walking is enough. You can also incorporate exercise in every day activities such as parking your car further away and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Do lots of activities with your family. You can find something you all love doing and it will also encourage your children to maintain a healthy lifestyle.