Steffany Porter admits the real crunch came when her doctor refused to provide her with medication until she took steps to lose weight.
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A lot of weight. That’s when her life changed.
Now sitting at a comfortable 79kgs, Steffany has lost a staggering 52kgs since August last year.
Along with enjoying a bath and trying on dresses, Steffany says running after her grandchildren on the beach has been amongst the biggest enjoyments post-weight loss.
“I couldn’t put my shoes on, couldn’t tie my shoelaces and I couldn’t fit in a bath property,” she says.
“Worse, I couldn’t play with the grandkids.
“But I actually ran – I couldn’t believe it, I actually ran – on the beach the other day when I was chasing my little grandkids.
“I am happy. I can share that happiness with my family and can hug them and squeeze them.
“On the inside I feel like I am 25 … but when I look in the mirror I get the shock of my bloody life.”
Steffany’s road to weight loss began with a decision to start dieting. And despite not being religious, she also said God played a hand in her decision.
“I was embarrassed and it was really depressing,” she admitted.
“I had high blood pressure. I was existing and not living.
“Then one day I just decided to start dieting. I’m not religious but God just made the decision easy to make.”
Her first steps included getting a referral to dietitian Peter Clark.
I'd seen Peter in the past and knew he was compassionate and supportive.
- Steffany Porter
She visits Peter every three weeks where they check on her progress and talk through dietary needs.
“I’d seen Peter in the past and knew he was compassionate and supportive,” Steffany said.
Stunningly, her weight loss is purely down to changing her diet.
Mr Clark says 70 per cent of Australians are dehydrated.
“We walk around dehydrated and our bodies don’t metabolise food well enough,” he said.
“Steff increased her water intake – she drinks about three litres of water a day – and found alternative foods to eat.
“She also eats six times a day with a lot of protein through the morning.
“Her protein comes from eggs, fish – including tuna, chicken … and she took a long term approach to her weight loss.”
Steffany stressed the need to avoid the scales every week, to not try to do everything at once and give your taste buds at least three weeks to get used to the healthy foods.
”And get a referral to a dietitian,” she added.
Mr Clark said even a small amount of weight loss can help.
“If you lose five to 10 per cent of your weight, you will see a significant change in your lifestyle,” he said.
