Peace Emezue: My weight loss story

Weekend Magazine: What was life like before you decided to cut down on your weight? Peace Emezie: I was hardly ridiculed because I was confident of myself. I did realise I was fat, but I never felt fat, because I carried my weight well so my friends accepted me the way I was, but I […]

Weekend Magazine: What was life like before you decided to cut down on your weight?
Peace Emezie: I was hardly ridiculed because I was confident of myself. I did realise I was fat, but I never felt fat, because I carried my weight well so my friends accepted me the way I was, but I started having health issues and that lead to a serious decision to lose weight.
I am asthmatic and my attacks were frequent and serious. I had arthritis and my sugar level was so high to a level that the doctor said I had early stage of diabetes. When I visited the doctor, he advised me to embark on this journey.
How long did it take you to achieve this?
It took about seven to nine months to lose the weight. I started in March last year. It was with great determination and a lot of discipline that I was able to achieve as much as I did in that time.
How many dresses sizes did you drop?
I dropped four dress sizes.
What did you weigh at the time you began your weight loss programme and what is your current weight?
I used to weigh 115 kilos and weigh 77 kilos now.
That’s a lot…
Yes it is. (Laughter)
Could you describe the experience of those first few days?
The first few days were very, very emotional and hell, in every sense of the word, because I had to stop my old habits and change my lifestyle. At the time this came, I can’t say that I was prepared for what was coming, but I needed to be healthy so, I went for it.  It’s not so easy to switch to a new life style.
How did you overcome those hellish days?
When faced with a life or death situation, I didn’t have a choice than to make a decision to start the programme.
People sometimes associate such dramatic changes to illnesses. Have you come across such and how do you defend it?
It was a personal journey and I didn’t feel it was necessary to explain to anybody; instead I was selling the idea to my friends and encouraging them to eat healthy. That marked my introduction into my current passion and business. I train people on weight loss programs, helping them with exercise routines. I also help them plan their diets. For some, I go as far as shopping for food items with them.  Many ask if they don’t eat rice what else can they eat? In such instances, I help them with alternatives.
Have you reached your target?
I haven’t reached my target. I have about two dress sizes to go.
How do you feel now that you are here?
I feel wonderful and impressed with myself, I must say.
In all of this experience, what would you say is the greatest lesson you have learnt?
I learnt that you can achieve anything you want, if you set your mind to it. And there is an inner strength in everybody and in discovering my own; it opened my eyes to a world of potential, in business my personal life and world view generally.
A lot of people use slimming teas, herbs and all sorts of concoctions in their attempt to lose weight. What is your take on this?
I won’t advice people to use slimming tea and drugs to lose weight. A lot of them have their peculiar side effects.  Some people may achieve success with them but not for long in a lot of cases. People who go this route usually end up regaining the weight because it was not natural process of weight loss they followed.
What in your view is the best way to go?
In my view the most effective way to lose weight is through eating right and exercise. I say so because it is what has worked for me and there is the result all over me to show for it.
I cut down on all forms of carbohydrates, sugar and caffeine. I went on natural food like vegetables, fruits and high in protein meals.
Eating right is the ultimate way to lose weight and exercise.
Some people are of the opinion that fruits like avocado pear and water melon are not healthy when dieting because they contain fats and sugar. What is your take on this?
Avocado is good, because it has nutritional values, but if possible, it can be avoided while the weight loss process is on.
Watermelon is also good but it’s a fruit that should be eaten alone because a cup of watermelon contains 89 per cent carbohydrate, seven per cent protein,  four per cent  fat with 9.2 grams of sugar and 6grams of fiber. It takes 30 minutes to digest. So, mixing it with other fruits will prolong its breakdown. Watermelon is good, but it should be eaten alone as a meal like breakfast.
Does it matter that one eats late,   even if it’s a healthy meal?
 It’s not good to eat late even if it a healthy food, because of digesting process.
Is it simply better to cut down on calories or one can maintain the same intake but exercise more?
No. It’s better to cut down on calories and exercise. If you cut down on calories and exercise for just 30 minutes daily, it’s fine.
In embarking on a weight loss regime what would you advise people to have it  at the back of their minds?
I advise people to cut down on all fatty foods, sugar, caffeine and exercise along side. It will be amazing how much weight will go.
For very fat, it’s better to cut down on calories. It’s faster and easier to lose weight that way or you can eat raw foods like vegetable and smoothies. This also helps to lose weight faster.
A lot of women want to lose weight but get discouraged, especially in the first few months, where there is no obvious result. But with raw food, trust me the effect is amazing.
Weight loss is not what you embark upon without being prepared, because it should be a lifestyle choice and its one of the hardest hurdles to overcome on the journey of maintaining a lifelong healthier lifestyle.
Based on personal experience, it’s not easy but it must be done, because the eventual outcome of bad health (diabetes, arthritis, unhealthy heart, etc) can prove fatal if allowed to run their course.
A lot of what you have said is largely dependent on one’s mental state…
Yes, but the benefits of overcoming the mental barriers outweigh the negative. One develops a great sense of Self esteem, achievement and focus.
As it is often said anything you set your mind to do you can achieve. As simple as this may sound, a considerable overhaul of one mindset is necessary.
How would you advice people to redirect their mindset?
First come to terms with your situation. Then learn about the solution and see a doctor. Get a lifestyle coach/ personal trainer to take you on exercises or surround yourself with people who can encourage you.
Next, is for you to set goals. Set a course of action to achieving them goals using a time table, along with a fridge and kitchen overhaul. (laughter)
Finally, patience is key! Don’t expect magic, be patient with the process and be consistent. The reward will be evident in the mirror, sooner than you think.