🍎 When Ms. Waty, a 45-year-old teacher, finally marked the last stack of homework at 11.30pm, she knew she was just going to grab that packet of potato chips.
This was a cycle she couldn’t seem to break, and she’s one of the many dedicated secondary school teachers I’ve had the privilege of guiding.
This post is a gesture of gratitude for being a part of her transformative journey.
In her dedication to teaching and nurturing young minds, Ms. Waty had overlooked her health. She kept pushing off workouts, meal planning, and mindful eating, thinking she’d start ‘tomorrow. But tomorrow never came.
She admitted to me, in one of our first sessions, her love for late-night snacking and skipping breakfast to rush to school. Dieting attempts fell through due to the sheer lack of time and energy. She felt stuck.
🥗 To help Ms. Waty, I didn’t prescribe a strict diet. Instead, we started on what I call the ‘Foundation Stage’. Together, we worked on boosting her knowledge about nutrition, creating an environment for her to feel accountable, and fostering a disciplined mindset.
In the ‘Transformation Stage’, she learnt to control her cravings, understand her body’s needs, and cultivate a healthier relationship with food. The approach wasn’t a punishment but empowering.
Finally, the ‘Consistency Stage’ was about making all these new habits stick. Ten minutes of simple body weight exercises a day, developing a positive mindset, and the ability to tweak her routine based on her body’s responses became second nature.
👍 The story of Ms. Waty is a testament to how a shift in lifestyle can bring about massive changes. She traded her packet of chips for homemade fruit salads and short television breaks for quick workouts.
I’m immensely proud to have been a part of her transformation, and she’s just one of the many teachers who’ve taken their health back into their own hands.
For those struggling with a similar situation, here are five tips from Ms. Waty’s journey:
Understand that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable changes are key. Learn what your body needs, not what diet trends dictate. Fit in small workouts whenever possible, like a 10-minute session of simple body weight exercises. Make healthier versions of your favourite snacks. Maintain a positive mindset, celebrate small victories, and don’t beat yourself up for slips.
This journey has taught Ms. Waty, and many others, to take control of their health and time.
Their transformations inspire me every day. It fills me with gratitude and hope, and I hope, in sharing Ms. Waty’s story, that I can inspire you too. 💪