Guiding Laura to a new way of eating amid mental and physical health issues

Laura* was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of sudden weight gain, all while coping with physical and mental health issues. Unsure where to turn, she accessed Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and entered a 12-week one-to-one Eatwise programme over the telephone. From here, Laura’s eating habits changed and her confidence was reinvigorated with the tools she gained.

Before the Eatwise programme, Laura thought she was eating correctly. It was only as she started that the realisation dawned on her that what she was doing was not healthy. She was obsessive about controlling the amount of fats, sugar, and salt in her food, and was even denying herself meals. Laura said of how WBFL supported her with this realisation: “They are not telling you that you are wrong, they show you how to build on or adjust what you already do.”

It was Sharon Milner, Wellbeing Practitioner, who worked closely with Laura. Acting as an encourager, a motivator, and a point of extensive knowledge to help Laura bed in the small behavioural changes over the 12-week period.

Eatwise is 12 weekly sessions of healthy eating education and support to make small adjustments to your lifestyle. It is focused on balance; adopting new habits that are long-lasting but still enjoying your favourite foods.

Although Laura found it a difficult journey at times, it did get easier. She said: “Because this team make it easier for you to want to put in the effort. [They] help you to find ways that you will enjoy making the effort, even if you have challenges in your day-to-day life.”

Through regular sessions, Laura felt not only supported, but empowered. Of this, she said: “I know that I can build little by little every day and that I have developed new habits that will benefit me in the long run.”

The Eatwise programme has been more than an experience: it has guided Laura to a new way of thinking. A new way of approaching eating. A process which she is now going to continue and reap the benefits of.

Speaking of her achievements from the programme, Laura said: “It is never too late to change your habits or to learn something new. I certainly have in this process, and I am here for it.”

*Names have been changed for confidentiality purposes

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.