Sky-high confidence for Tracy after Eatwise

Tracy Cullen, 50, was unhappy with her size and weight. Feeling unfit and experiencing regular tiredness, she wanted to start her weight-loss journey. With weekly one-to-one support from Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) through the Eatwise programme, Tracy lost a substantial amount of weight, became fitter, and has improved her mental wellbeing.

Having decided that she wanted to make a change, Tracy spoke with her nurse. She was not only feeling the physical effects, but her weight was having a mental impact, too. “I lacked confidence and self-esteem,” she said. Tracy was then referred to WBFL and encountered her practitioner, Jules Howe, a Community Connector at the service.

This contact progressed to Tracy starting a one-to-one Eatwise programme – 12 weekly sessions of healthy eating education, advice, and support designed to nurture long-term lifestyle changes.

“I was given encouragement every week,” Tracy said. “Jules was very supportive and informative throughout the programme.”

Jules describes Tracy as “an absolute pleasure to work with,” saying: “I have loved supporting her and guiding her… and seeing her achieve fantastic results.”

Tracy has made substantial progress with the Eatwise programme

The sessions covered dietary advice and alternative healthy foods. Tracy learned how to read food labels by understanding the traffic light system (red, amber, green) and how to weigh up the nutritional values on packaging. Both help her make decisions when shopping and to continue choosing healthier options. Her journey was tracked through non-judgemental, encouraging weighing at each session. As added assistance and to make this journey more accessible, she was also given a free gym pass.

As a result of Tracy and Jules’ work together, Tracy feels healthier and has more energy. “I’ve also dropped dress sizes, lost weight, and feel better about myself,” she said.

Jules noticed such a positive change in Tracy after completing the Eatwise programme. She said: “Tracy's confidence has gone from really low when we first met to sky-high, and it’s such a reward to have helped her achieve this. Massive well done, Tracy. I know she will continue to strive forward with her goals.”

Tracy does aim to continue this journey. To continue choosing healthier foods and lose more weight. With her physical and mental wellbeing already positively impacted, she now also has the tools to make even more progress and enjoy further benefits.

For a final word about her experience with Eatwise and WBFL, Tracy said: “I would recommend and encourage anyone who is offered the support to take it, as I’ve seen and felt the benefits of doing the programme myself.”

Update: Since the time of writing, Tracy given us a lovely update on her journey. She is still continuing to eat healthier and exercising, and is now only three pounds away from losing four stone.

Wellbeing for Life is part of Adult Wellbeing Services and is delivered in partnership by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) and the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP).