Healthy is not about being skinny, it is about nourishing our bodies with nutritious food and keeping our bodies fit and active. We have one body; we need to look after it. 

I have always had a roller coaster battle with my health, weight and body image. I was bullied throughout most of my school life for being overweight, and this contributed to the negative relationship that I developed with food, my weight and myself. You name a diet, I have most likely tried it. My weight has gone up and down and alongside my weight, my self-confidence would follow the same pattern.

Over the past three years I have been on my own "Project Me" Journey. This journey has involved me developing a more positive relationship with myself, making changes to my diet and getting active. I have lost about 32 kg’s so far, and I have never felt better about myself.  I feel healthier, have increased my energy, I feel fit and I feel strong! 

My philosophy at the moment is to eat nourishing healthy natural food 95% of the time and to also go out for dinner and enjoy those occasional ‘not so healthy’ meals without feeling guilty about this. I track most of my meals and this suits me, but it is not for everyone. I am also an active gym ‘go-er’ and you will usually see me at the gym most mornings getting my workout in before work. 

I have been nursing for almost 5 years.  Part of my nursing role is to offer and refer my clients through to the Green Prescription Programme for support in making healthy lifestyle changes

Green Prescription offers multiple benefits to satisfy a range of client needs. Clients have been able to utilise Green Prescription to make changes to their eating and food preparing habits. These changes range from something as simple as replacing takeaways with home cooked meals to being able to make better food choices through to an increased understanding of nutrients and their side effects on our bodies.

Increased physical activity is another key component of Green Prescription. Motivated clients have reported a wide range of health benefits including weight loss, increased mobility, and improvements in medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An improvement in mental wellbeing is another valuable benefit noted by Green Prescription clients. Many clients have said they have more self-confidence, less anxiety and generally value themselves more.

There are sometimes challenges associated with motivating clients to make the most of Green Prescription. These can be overcome by identifying individual barriers and preconceptions, and working with people on a personal level. Motivational interviewing techniques are a great way to help support clients in preparing themselves for change and setting themselves some goals. As a referrer you need to look for opportunities to offer Green Prescription and be honest and confident in your discussions about healthy lifestyles and lifestyle goals. 

If you or anyone you know would benefit from a Green Prescription and would like to know more, please contact the Healthy Lifestyles Team at Sport Northland on 0800 ACTIVE (0800 22 8483).