‘Downsize this Coastie’ Proves Winning Weight Loss Formula

Tania Milner from Ruatoria is living proof that small and gradual change combined with a ‘can do’ attitude is the key to permanent weight loss.   In 2009 Tania started her journey slowly shedding 80kgs following this winning formula over two years and today three years later she can confidently say the weight has stayed off. 

“I knew that as a whānau we needed to make some changes, I could see my daughter getting big and following along in my footsteps, which I didn’t want to happen so we decided to get off the couch and get moving together”

Walking and bike riding became quality whānau time which also included a visit to a popular gym in Gisborne to try an aerobics class.

“My daughter and I had never done anything like that before, exercising in front of 100+ people, yeah right! But you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone to realise how strong you are, being obese for over 25years you start to believe you ‘can’t’ do things but you soon realise you can once you take the first step”

Tania’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed and as a positive role model she is focussing her efforts on supporting her own community to achieve the same.

“The key things I share in my programme ‘Downsize this Coastie’ is that this is not a diet, it’s a change in lifestyle and a change in mindset, we take small steps and take each day as it comes because really success is about picking yourself up and carrying on”

The aim of the ‘Downsize this Coastie’ initiative is to reduce the risk of obesity related illnesses by providing a positive, supportive and inspiring environment to make change. The programme is delivered to adults in the Ruatoria area and participants are supported to complete a 12 week downsize challenge and to improve their nutritional and fitness habits.