Woman who lost 34kg dishes out dietary advice

A woman who lost 34kg this year has given some timely advice for those trying to accomplish Junk Free June this month.

Auckland woman Nicola Jenkins suggested a personal, motivating purpose beyond simply taking part because it's a popular challenge may be the answer to achieving it.

Mrs Jenkins shared her personal story of reaching a dietary goal earlier this year after meeting some of her mother’s friends who had dropped considerable amounts of weight.

“I was having a girl’s night . . . and there were two women there who had dramatically lost weight and they looked amazing. Their confidence was increased and I was like, ‘I want to be that way’."

“I just didn’t like how I was feeling. All I knew was that it was going to be really expensive and difficult but it’s what I wanted.”

After she reached her goal weight of 71kg, down from 105kg, after seven months of dieting, she said, “Lots of people started to ask how I did it.”

Nicola Jenkins before her weight loss achievement. Photo: Supplied

Mrs Jenkins created an extensive food plan which included only natural foods, and restricted a lot of what she normally ate.

“You couldn’t eat any sugar, limited dairy, low fat. You had to cut the fat off all the meat. The only carbs I had were Salada crackers and Vita-Weat.”

Mrs Jenkins also had a wedding to prepare for, which added to the motivating factors.

After completing her own eating challenge, Ms Jenkins said people participating in the popular fundraiser of Junk Free June should expect it to be a challenge, and said the first week would be the period that proves those who really want it.

Les Mills fitness instructor Natasha Vincent said establishing a reward for hard work can help someone push past the pain of the challenge, because you're getting something in return.

“It really depends on the person, but having a reason is very motivational.”

Ms Vincent also said stories like Mrs Jenkins’ one should not be seen as beyond anyone’s reach, and encourages people to keep up the good work they’ve put in.

“A change like this is more common than people think.”