Over the past number of weeks we’ve been searching for an inspirational Irish woman to share her story of how a positive change to her diet or lifestyle has impacted her life for the better.

We were flooded with entries from women all over Ireland, so much so that in addition to our overall winner Special K decided to reward two runners-up with a hamper full of goodies also. Meet out runners-up, Jacinta and Grace. 

________________________________

 

Jacinta's Story:

I’m finally nearing my destination from 14st to 12st.

At first I thought I was meant to be large, it was easier to believe my genes were against me, and that it was my mother’s fault, everyone’s really, except mine. I hid behind my job and the clothes it offered! I worked on an oyster farm and spent my days hidden in oilskins and rubber boots – no make-up of course! And so time passed and my 20s were gone before I knew it. 

Faith took me from that oyster farm and placed me firmly in the line of normal clothing and the face of fashion. I felt so lost and continued to over-eat to ease the pain of not knowing how to fit in or what to wear.

Then I landed my current job – An Garda Síochána! Another male-dominated role and a uniform to hide behind. Thankfully the organisation made me become more health conscious and helped me to take responsibility for my actions, not just professionally but also personally.

I lost that victim chip I had in relation to my body shape and started exercising and eating more healthily. Not alone has my body shape changed but so has my attitude to the food I choose to use. I only make wise choices now – sensible breakfast (Special K became my life saver!), light lunch and healthy dinner.

I’m on my way!

But one problem remains and now that I’m reaching my 40’s, I had begun to feel that I needed to except that I would never look fashionable or feel feminine. Again I hide behind a uniform, little make-up and no hairstyle. I’m lost as a woman.

Is it too late??  Please tell me it’s not!

Jacinta

 

 

Grace's Story:

In April of 2012 a terrible event occurred - my beloved cousin and best friend ended his battle with Cystic Fibrosis ?at the age of 19.

This left me broken hearted and at a loose end, so I decided to do something - I decided to?change the way I think about things. My aim was to complete the Dublin City Marathon in under six hours in aid of Cystic Fibrosis in October of 2012. 

I did not have much time, in April I weighed over 15st and had never been into ?jogging (or exercise in general), so I took on this mantra to get me to the finishing line: Nutrition, Exercise and ?Restoration.

Food is meant to benefit my body, not harm it. Exercise is to not only make me feel better but also stronger?- I will not wallow in self-pity. Restoration - do not be so hard on yourself, give yourself time and enjoy the process - you will fall? off the wagon, get over it and run after that wagon! There were many slip-ups along the way - not only with exercise but also with food. ?

Food is my real issue but if I can offer any advice it is this - your weight is a product of the problem, not the problem itself, so find out?why you depend on it. Also buy a food weighing scales cause Irish people (particularly Irish mammies) fill up their plates and have no real?idea of portion control. This is a lifestyle change and will take time so know this, one bad meal won't make you fat, just?like one salad won't make you lean. DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF! 

In October I crossed that finishing line in 5hrs and 54mins and raised over €1,000 for CFAI, ?during the race I even ran past St. Vincent’s Hospital where my cousin died and my aunty (his mother) and my cousin?(his brother) were there to cheer me on. I just thought of all those people in that hospital who wish they could be healthy enough?to do a marathon, or even just be able to go for a walk. That is what it is really all about; health is something we owe to ourselves. I am now down to 12.5st and want to lose more but that does not matter, not really, because I am healthier, fitter and a little easier on myself. I hope you enjoy my story, I know there are many women out there who are facing tough situations and being healthy can be a real struggle.

Grace Mulvey

 

Kellogg’s Special K – What will you gain?