Rouna’s story
Although Rouna didn’t gain much weight while pregnant with her daughter Gia, Fanta cravings led her to drink 2 litres daily – a habit that contributed to her weight ballooning after the birth. She tried a low-carb diet involving injections, but regained the weight. She’d become asthmatic and was struggling to walk short distances. ‘Every time I looked at photos of myself, I felt depressed,’ she recalls.
While driving to work in October 2012, Rouna saw a billboard advertising Weigh-Less and went to a meeting. Gym wasn’t yet an option for this working mom with limited free time, but she followed the food programme, eating every two to three hours, and ‘eating the right portions, which I never used to do’. Following advice from Reena Vidyanand, her group leader, she’d make a shopping list and organise a menu for the week.
‘Losing 1,2kg after the first week was a turning point. It was the first time I’d lost so much weight just by eating the right food.’ At first Rouna cooked separate meals for her husband, Pravesh, but he soon switched to healthier meals with Rouna and Gia. Pravesh was a ‘solid rock’ throughout, and Gia was a motivator: after each group meeting she’d ask to see Rouna’s new weight-loss milestone sticker awards, and would question her mom if there were none! Within a year, Rouna had shrunk to 54kg. ‘Pravesh is thrilled to have his slim wife back,’ says Rouna, now a devotee of aqua aerobics and spinning classes. ‘I now know that what I put in my mouth is reflected by my body. Nothing tastes better than a “slim fit”!
Now: 54kg | Size 10 Then: 70kg | size 14
Photo: Craig Scott
Rouna’s typical food day
BREAKFAST: All-Bran Flakes with skim milk
SNACK: Apple and fat-free yoghurt
LUNCH: Whole-wheat pita bread with tuna salad
SNACK: Pear
SNACK: Weigh-Less popcorn
DINNER: Grilled chicken and vegetable pasta
DRINKS: 2 litres water
Rouna’s top 3 tips
- STOCK UP
My tip for sticking to my eating plan is always to have what I need for my diet.
- DON’T BE PUT OFF WEIGHING FOOD
On the first week on the diet you need to weigh your food, but as time goes by you know the portions visually.
- DON’T GIVE UP
On your journey, there are ups and downs. Stay focused. The reward is amazing.
