Testimonials

Firefighters fighting the bulge

It’s not unusual to indulge over summer and find yourself carrying more weight than you’d like. The Pukehina Fire Brigade (below), however, has decided to do something about it. Eight of their team are shaping up with the help of the HFG weight-loss guide (Oct 2008) and guidance from fellow firefighter and nutritionist Nicky Francis (Shapeshifters). By taking small steps, they are eating healthily and developing exercise habits to achieve consistent weight-loss.

Two key steps in their programme have been making sure they eat breakfast, and exercise.
Like a lot of Kiwis, some of the firefighters struggled to eat breakfast (within one hour of getting up). But they persevered. They started small – with a few bites of whole grain toast or banana – and little by little, they ate more, until they managed a recommended portion size. Breakfast is the meal which gives our bodies a kickstart in the morning, helps our brain function at its best, as well as rev up the old metabolism. Already, the team are commenting on how they are functioning much better with breakfast on board.

Exercise is important in weight-loss and for general healthy living. And keeping exercise enjoyable is essential to keep you motivated. The firefighters enjoy surfing, kayaking and simple activities such as running through water. This is an excellent cardio and resistance workout. A simple power walk, or, if you live by a beach, like these firefighters, building/ digging the biggest sandcastle with the kids can be a fun, physical activity that counts as exercise! Get creative, have fun, and get moving!
Following these two simple steps, the total group weight-loss has been an inspiring 78 kilos to date. Well done!

© Reproduced with permission from Healthy Food Guide magazine. For more healthy tips and recipes see www.healthyfood.co.nz