Mark’s story – Managing high blood pressure and wanting to prevent further chronic diseases

About two years ago I had to go for an eye operation. On the day of the operation I arrived at the hospital and as the nurse was preparing me for the op she took my blood pressure. There was silence and then she said, “Oh Oh”. I said, “What?” She said that my blood pressure was high, but thought that maybe it was just because I was nervous for the op. After the op she had to take my blood pressure again and again it was, “Oh Oh”. I was advised to go and see my GP. I went and was told that my weight was becoming a problem. I was not diabetic but the chance of me becoming diabetic was high. I decided then and there to do something about my weight. I went to the pharmacy to get my medication for my blood pressure and while I was there I ask the pharmacist if she knew of a good diet. She said she knows of a good dietician and referred me to Emily. I made an appointment immediately and have not regretted it. Emily did an assessment and recommended an eating plan and gave me some exercise ideas and encouraged me to start exercising. I started this plan and have since lost 20kg. I won’t call it hard work, but rather a change of lifestyle. I had to change a lot of things in my life, especially my eating habits and also making exercise a part of my daily routine. I started losing weight and was more and more motivated to see how this eating plan was working. Emily has been a great support.  At times it has being tough especially when one reaches a plateau and you don’t seem to be losing any more. A strong will power will help to break through this. I still need to lose another 12 kg in order for me to be at my desired weight. It has been tough but with will power and determination I know I can do it. It is not about depriving yourself of food; it is about eating the right foods and making exercise part of one’s weight loss program. With this eating plan one never feels hungry. Does this eating plan and change of lifestyle work? Yes it does. Thank you Emily for helping me live a healthy life.