BOPDHB Checkup December 2017 | Page 25

SWEAT Biggest Loser Challenge Congratulations to Tauranga Hospital ICU Nurse Chrissie Collier who has taken out the top prize in our Biggest Loser 12 week weight loss challenge. 71 people from both SWEAT gyms in Whakatāne and Tauranga hospitals signed up to the challenge. Participants weighed in fortnightly and had full access to SWEAT gym facilities including Group Fitness classes. Over the 12 weeks Chrissie had the biggest weight loss of 13.7% (start weight- last weigh in). We asked Chrissie what was her secret? What was the motivating factor to sign up? I had gained weight again!!! That was my motivation. A combination of healthy eating and exercise led to my weight loss. Healthy eating and exercise has paid off for Tauranga Hospital ICU Nurse Chrissie Collier, Winner of the 2017 Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge. with a reduced amount of meat. I drink a lot of water. I occasionally enjoy a glass of wine or cider. If I have something ‘naughty’ to eat, it’s just a bite and I enjoy it. Any tips for people wanting to lose weight? Having a goal helped me. I trained and competed in the City to Surf half marathon as well as Toi’s Challenge in Whakatāne. The hardest thing now is keeping the weight off for good instead of yo-yoing up and down as I do each year. For me, I always have to train for something. I’m planning on doing the Queen of the Mount on Boxing Day, the Alps to Ocean bike ride in February and the Kepler Walk in March. Thank you SWEAT for the Challenge. How often did you go to the gym? I try to go to the gym two or three times a week. I enjoy the Group Fitness Pump and Circuit classes. I also do weights to tone up and my husband and I like to go on the stationary bikes while watching the bike tracks around the world on the big screen at the gym. Did you change your eating habits during the 12 weeks? [email protected] Knowing what to eat and actually keeping to the plan can be hard. For breakfast I have a piece of toast with avocado and tomato. Lunch – Greek yoghurt with fruit. Dinner- lots of veges or salad 25