The Howâd they do it? interview series is designed to share how members of the Alfred community improved their health and energy.
This week, we have chatted with my mum, Susan Alexander, about prioritising selfcare, and having measures of success other than weight.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Iâm a 60-year-old mother of 4 and grandmother of 10. I enjoy bushwalking, jogging (more like a fast walk these days), farm work and gardening.
I work part-time as a nurse looking after mothers whoâve just given birth and their babies.
From your heaviest, how much weight have you lost?
I have no idea. I like to focus on my overall health and well-being, and the fit of my favourite clothes is my measure of success. So I havenât weighed myself in months.
Why did you want to lose weight?
I read an article which said women aged between 45-55 years usually gain around half a kilo per year.
Already being much heavier than in my younger years, I knew I needed to change my ways or run the risk of gaining more weight. Probably to the point it would significantly impact my health and quality of life.
Tracking what I eat (and moving more) helps ensure I havenât had to upsize my clothes and I can still lead a physically active life.
Was there anything holding you back from losing weight in the past?
Not prioritising self-care or knowing how to say no to others nicely!
One of the things weâre trying to do at Alfred is to help people take control of their health. Whatâs been the biggest change to your health youâve noticed from losing weight?
The biggest change to my health is Iâve stopped the gradual weight gain slippery slope. Iâm also currently enjoying more physical activity than in the past! Life is good.
Whatâs your favourite meal?
Breakfast! I love a hot breakfast at a café, however, I usually enjoy a Porridge bowl most mornings (porridge, banana, Greek yogurt, walnuts and maple syrup) at home.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself at the beginning of your weight loss journey?
Just do it. Be consistent and create good habits.
Got a message for the Alfred community?
The natural decline of muscle bulk as we age, slows our metabolism.
To prevent continuous weight gain in middle age and beyond, you need to take steps to build and maintain muscle, and modify what goes into your mouth.
Being more mindful about being physically active and what goes into your mouth is a good way to reduce age related weight gain.
Alfred and my Apple watch help me to do this. It takes no time, and even less with the new version of the app.
And make taking care of yourself a habit for life.
Thanks Sue (I mean Mum!)
If youâd like to share your story, please get in touch here.