We are sharing success stories to find out why people decide to see a dietitian, what happens on the journey, what the hardest part of that journey is and what results are achieved. This week we chat to Robyn White, who started seeing Registered Dietitian Kezia Kent after she had her second child.
Tell us about your journey with the dietitian?
My husband and I went to see Kezia Kent after the birth of our 2nd daughter. I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life and decided that I needed to focus on my health and fitness so that I could be an example for my daughters. What I loved about Kezia instantly is that we could be honest with her. I was not an easy client. I told her I had Irish blood in me and loved potatoes, that I had given up wine obviously for 9 months during my pregnancy and had no desire or intention to give it up again so it needed to be in my eating plan, and that I had a small obsession with Woolworths Hazelnut Cappuccinos! Kezia included all of these in my eating plan! Additionally Kezia always explained very thoroughly the importance and effects of each food group. I always left her sessions feeling I had gained knowledge and power. Kezia’s words constantly pop into my head, “Remember the word “die” is in diet, we do not diet, this is an eating plan and way of life!” This has really changed my perception and thinking around food and eating!
Tell us about your results?
My very first appointment with Kezia was the first day I was allowed to exercise after my C-section surgery. That day I ran/walked 5km in 58 minutes. Exactly 5 weeks later I ran 5km in 38 minutes! It was a huge accomplishment! My eating plan (even with having only 4 – 5 hours sleep each night because of the baby) had increased my energy levels drastically. I had honestly not felt so energetic and “good” in many years! In 16 weeks I have lost 12 kgs and the greatest feeling is being able to feel like I am maintaining that easily. And I finally fit into the clothes I was wearing before both my babies! Exactly 4 months after having my second daughter I ran my first ever half marathon! What an amazing feeling.
What was the hardest part of the journey?
Honestly, having the willpower to order a jacket potato over chips when we went out for meal (that Irish blood)! I sometimes had to seriously give myself a pep talk. But it got easier and eventually I was choosing sweet potatoes over normal potatoes. What a change for me!
On par with that, my husband and I are very sociable and have a very sociable family and circle of friends. It was hard to go to braais and events and not want to snack on chips and biltong, but we did not stop being sociable. We took our own healthy snacks, learnt how to make our own healthy dips and still enjoyed the social events.
What are the top three tips you can share?
- Exercise is so important! I make it a priority. Even with work, being a wife and mother to a toddler and a baby, it is a priority and I always feel so good afterwards.
- Listen to your dietitian, they know better and they are way more qualified! I learnt so much from Kezia and will be eternally grateful.
- Balance, balance, balance! Balance is the key! I always remember Kezia’s advice that you have to have that one cheat meal. But have the self-control and willpower to eat healthy again the next day. Great advice!
What the dietitian says
The most exciting moment for me was when Robyn came in with her husband and they both said to me, almost simultaneously, “It’s time for that health change”. That determination and drive from the get go will put a smile on any dietitian’s face. I knew immediately that Robyn wanted to improve her eating habits not just for herself but to ensure that the family is as healthy and adequately nourished.
Robyn knew it was not going to be easy, especially with a busy household, but she went forward with the plan knowing that she cannot follow this way of eating for a couple of weeks, it needed to be a lifestyle change. A lifestyle that does take a degree of planning, changing the snacks at social events, getting your friends on board and of course ensuring that it is manageable for all, even if potatoes are served with dinner. I reassured Robyn that my stance in general is not to exclude or cut out food, but rather encourage the addition of more nutrient dense foods as well as enjoying those small delicacies in life in a responsible manner. How boring would life be without that small bite of chocolate!
Robyn has lost a significant amount of weight but more importantly a large percentage of body fat. But her confidence in herself is far more of an achievement.
Well Done Robyn!
To find a Registered Dietitian in your area visit: www.adsa.org.za
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