A photo inspired 41 year old mom to change her life. She is now down 5 dress sizes!
Mom-of-2 Tracey has lost 42 lbs, is lighter than her pre-pregnancy weight and the healthiest and happiest she has been in over 12 years.
Her journey to improved health and body confidence all started with a single photo.
She shares how it inspired her to transform her health and get her confidence back.
Tracey Bentley from the UK is one of 6 INSPIRING moms who were invited to take part in The Healthy Mommy’s EPIC BODY CONFIDENCE photo shoot in London. The last of 3 photo shoots around the world this month (others in New York and Sydney); all part of World Healthy Mommy month.
And Wow! These ladies rocked the photo shoot like true professionals. Here is Tracey’s story.
Before discovering The Healthy Mommy
At 41 years old Tracey’s body and health was starting to deteriorate. With a BMI in the obese category and issues with her gall bladder. She says “I was getting older and my body was just falling apart. I just thought my body would always be this shape”.
The photo that changed her life
After being photographed during a fun night out where Tracey she felt she was looking good, she was shocked to see the photo the next day. “I felt awful” she said.
For many years Tracey was convinced that as a tall woman she could get away with being heavier but says “the weight just kept piling on”. And it wasn’t until she saw the photo, that she realised she needed to make a change.
Tracey started to get her body moving and following the success stories of mums on The Healthy Mommy online support group. Impressed with their results, it wasn’t long before she jumped on board.
Starting her Healthy Mommy lifestyle
Tracey signed up to The Healthy Mommy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges in May 2018 weighing 196 lbs.
Weight loss results – 42 lbs
42 lbs (down from 196 lbs to154 lbs) and 5 dress sizes (down from size 16 to a Size 6/8)
Tracey’s BMI has also gone down from ‘obese’ to a healthy range and she has no more issues with her gall bladder.
How did Tracey lose the weight?
By following the Healthy Mommy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge meal plans (adjusting for gluten-free varieties).
The App recipes cater for Gluten Free
Due to health issues Tracey’s doctor advised her to go gluten free so she simply adjusted her Healthy Mommy meal choices to be gluten free.
She says “The Challenge App has so many gluten free recipes to chose from” and now that she has got used to the change she has learnt how to modify ingredients in the regular recipes for gluten free alternatives.
“The Challenge App gives so many alternatives for wheat products and the admin on the forum page are always able to suggest other items.
“The Healthy Mommy has helped my whole family”
With the convenience of the Weight Loss Challenge in the palm of her hand Tracey says “The App has helped in so many ways… from providing some new amazing recipes, helping me discover new foods to try and helped with portion control. (This is where I went wrong for many years)”.
It’s not just Tracey who has benefitted from following her Healthy Mommy lifestyle, her kids have too.
Tracey’s entire family (including her 14 year old and 11 year old son) now eat well balanced, nutritious meals.
She says “My kids are both so on-board for helping me become a healthier, happier mom and love the new recipes we have found so far.
The Healthy Mommy has helped to make my son more aware of his own health. He’s only 11 and still carrying his ‘puppy fat’ but he has the physique of a rugby player.
My daughter is using the recipe hub to help her with her home economics lessons. So not only is Healthy Mommy helping me, but my daughter with her Home Ec classes”.
Family favorite recipes
Moroccan chickpea stew, bolognese jacket spud, chilli & brown rice and mac & cheese are all favourites in Tracey’s household.
Tracey’s weight loss tips
- Drink plenty of water. This is so important with aiding weight loss and also when you think you are hungry you may actually be thirsty instead.
- Prep a couple of different snacks a week if you can. Buying gluten free snacks is so expensive so prepping some snacks has helped save me quite a lot of money.
- Choose recipes that you would cook normally for your family but try to make them the Healthy Mommy way.
“I still can’t get my head round the fact that I’m the lightest, fittest and healthiest I’ve been for over 12 years.
It’s mind boggling how eating such great delicious food can help you lose weight but it actually works. If I can do it, anyone can.
The Healthy Mommy has helped me so much that I can’t even put it into words.
So if you’re still on the fence about whether to join or not…. just look at us all happy healthy ladies on the Facebook page and decide for yourself.
The Healthy Mommy team would like to thank Tracey for sharing her weight loss journey and for being such an inspiration to us. We love that she is the lightest, fittest and healthiest she has been in years.
Are you ready to become a Healthy Mommy?
Our Challenge is designed by moms FOR MOMS – to help them reach their goal weight and tackle their health and fitness.
The Challenge is home to customizable meal plans, 24/7 social support and realistic exercises moms can do AT HOME.
To find out more on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge click here.
*Images and references to pounds lost are as supplied by the individual in the story. The Healthy Mommy assumes information and photographs supplied to be true in nature and is not responsible for any false misrepresentations or claims relating to their programs or products.