It’s been about 10 years or so since Kirsten played water polo at world-class level. Back then, it was normal to train six days a week, twice a day for two hours at a time. Food was the fuel Kirsten needed to give her the energy to excel in her sport. And, she could eat pretty much what she wanted as so much was being burned off. It wasn’t until a few years later when a drop in training combined with antisocial working hours saw Kirsten become increasingly unhappy with her burgeoning weight.
Kirsten’s job as a sports presenter on radio wasn’t conducive to a healthy lifestyle either – she would work from three in the morning until noon and sit through the entire work shift. Afterwards, she would be too tired for exercise. The antisocial nature of the work also meant less time to catch up with friends and family plus, at weekends, all she really wanted to do was to catch up and sleep. She says, “It was all work, work, work and food was just a quick fill up to help keep me going. Eventually I knew that something had to give!”
Kirsten hadn’t seen either series of The Biggest Loser, but her sister was a fan; she encouraged Kirsten to apply and the rest, as they say, is history.
In full view of the Australian public, Kirsten spent a gruelling few months at the White House with the other Biggest Loser contestants and has been hailed as one of the most competitive female contestants ever. At the beginning of her Biggest Loser experience, she and all the other contestants were given a rundown of The Biggest Loser Club, an online weight-loss support tool.
Kirsten says, “At first, we were using a paper food diary – we had to write down what and how much we were eating. It was the only way we could keep a track and it was a bit of a pain. Starting to use The Club was great. For a start, we were able to use the online diary – just fill in what you eat and the computer works it out for you. It’s a fast and sometimes scary way to learn what I had been eating. You also learn how much is the right amount for you – it really makes you think. Each of us learned what and, just as importantly, how much we can and shouldn’t have – the program is structured for each person. Although I thought I knew a lot about food and nutrition before, I didn’t really. Now I know so much more, especially about calorie values. I have a much better idea about what I should eat and I can make educated guesses when I’m out.”
Kirsten has spread the word to family and friends about the Biggest Loser Club’s ease of use and individually tailored plans. She says, “My dad has joined the Club and so has my sister. Dad is using it to add up how much he eats and exercises so that he stays around the same weight and at 72, that’s the right thing for him. It’s also a good way to maintain his weight while suggesting some variety. My sister is also very enthusiastic about the whole site – it’s a great way to eat, learn and get healthy!”
“For me, right now, it’s all about maintenance and I’m enjoying my food – although the kinds of foods I am loving today are very different to those I would have picked a few months ago”.
So what advice does Kirsten have for people who want to change their life for the better but haven’t taken the first step yet? She says, “Get started today – get onto The Club and find out what you should be eating and get some gentle exercise, such as walking. Change your lifestyle gradually otherwise you will fall off the wagon. Make small changes if you’re not ready for the full-on new you. Change dinner or breakfast, for example. Start the day with oats or All Bran and ditch the sugary breakfast cereals. Whatever you do, don’t waste another day. Stay motivated with little goals. Long term, this could mean you want to lose 50kg but you could have, say, 50 small goals so celebrate every time you lose a kilo. Try on those pants that used to be tight and feel how great it feels that they are a bit loose!”
But you have to be ready to make the changes says Kirsten, “I heard all this before but now I know that it is true! Now that the show is over, I am going to carry on using The Biggest Loser Club as there is just so much information in there that I still need to find out!”
Was it all worth it? Kirsten gives an emphatic “Yes! I am happier. I have more energy and now, I enjoy every day.”