By Bridie Byrne
KIM Eastmure does not mind carrying a few extra kilos as long as they come only in the 10-toes-and-10-fingers variety.
Since going on a diet the Werribee Mercy Hospital midwife has shed 17 kilograms, the equivalent in weight of five babies.
“I am wanting to lose around 10 more kilos,” the 50-year-old said.
Werribee Mercy Hospital last week held a morning tea with dieters to celebrate their weight loss achievements.
The program began in January last year and gave staff the opportunity to attend weigh-ins and meetings during work time.
More than 80 staff members joined the program and lost 1000kg across all Mercy Health sites.
Ms Eastmure said she had been struggling with her weight.
“I have always been overweight and I had been successful with Weight Watchers before,” she said.
“About 20 years ago I lost a lot of weight but gradually it all crept back on and it seemed like a golden opportunity to be able to do it at work.
“Going to the meetings at work meant you didn’t have to get in your car and drive somewhere else.”
Exercise is the key to weight loss, Ms Eastmure says.
“If I can get out and walk then I can maintain my weight quite easily,” she said.
“I get up early and go for walk but I’m more conscientious when I have someone to walk with.
“My husband joins me and I have a big dog but that actually slows me down.
“I walk for about 45 minutes for around four or five kilometres, three times a week as a minimum and four or five when I am really good.
“My diet is much better. The way I cook is completely different and my husband is even learning some of the techniques.
“I am eating much less takeaway food and when I do go out I look for the healthy options on the menu.
“It was all about getting the structure back into my life and you have to find a system that works for you.”
