Angela’s experience: transforming health and lifestyle with Wellbeing for Life's Eatwise programme

Retired Teaching Assistant Angela and her husband moved from Rotherham to County Durham to have more access to the open countryside they enjoy. Following a visit to her new GP, blood tests results identified that Angela was at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A conversation with a dietitian led to Angela being referred to the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Eatwise programme. She’s since lost two stone in weight, changed her eating habits and is enjoying longer walks in the countryside she loves thanks to the support from WBFL.

Angela felt unsure about joining the programme, but her husband said: “Give it a try and see what it is like, what have you got to lose?” That’s exactly what she did, and she hasn’t looked back. Initially concerned that it would be another diet – more of the same, she now knows that the Eatwise programme is very different.

Angela said: “I was anxious at first about the group environment of the programme but felt instantly welcomed by WB FL Practitioner Sharon and group volunteer Louise. I felt supported by the group, and I’ve met people who are on the same journey as me. That’s been helpful, and I’ve even stayed friends with one lady.

“Eatwise is more than a diet, it’s about changing behaviours and understanding more about food, portion sizes and food labelling (which was a game changer). I now know to use smaller plates, eat less processed and more homecooked food; I can eat anything in moderation.”

Angela and her husband have always enjoyed a walk; however, they are now taking daily walks of around two hours rather than 20 minutes. Angela has even taken part in some chair based exercise sessions as part of the programme. She said: “Some days I find it hard to motivate myself, but I look at my results and feel the benefits, that’s what drives me. The weight is still coming off, even since I’ve finished the programme.” Angela’s husband has also seen the results and benefits and has now joined the Eatwise programme too!

When asked about the benefits Angela said: “We’re going on holiday this year and body image has been an issue for me however, this is changing, and my self-esteem has improved.

All the hard work is done now, changing my habits but the foods I choose today are a new habit – like brown instead of white pasta and sourdough instead of white bread. One thing I still find hard to do is to drink enough water – it’s not that I’m drinking tea or coffee instead – I just don’t drink much of anything. But I’m still working on that one.

Wellbeing for Life Practitioner, Sharon said: “Angela is an excellent advert for our Eatwise sessions. She was ready for her behaviour change and motivated. She took all the information on board, set herself small specific, manageable goals each week and soon became committed and confident that she could change her bad habits for good.

“Each week she produced her food and activity diary that showed a steady increase in her step count, got a lot out of our chair based exercise and resistance bands sessions and now enjoys long walks in our beautiful countryside. Well done Angela!”

Asked whether Angela would recommend the Eatwise programme she said: “You’ve got to want to make the change. If you’re ready, then do it. The results from my GP really shocked me and that’s what spurred me on. The weight loss has been steady and is sustainable. I’ve developed new habits and the support from Sharon and Louise, along with the rest of the group has been amazing. Everyone is really rooting for you to succeed.”

For more information about Wellbeing for Life, contact the team on 0800 876 6887, email cdda-tr.wbfl@nhs.net or visit the website at www.yourwellbeingservices.uk.

Wellbeing for Life is a part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.