Madelene van Heerden, a wife, and a mother of two, embarked on a life-changing journey when she decided to participate in the “60-day challenge” with Nuwe Jy.
Weight gain often creeps up silently, driven by various factors. For Madelene, it was overeating and emotional eating that led to her weight gain. The burdens of life, circumstances, and emotions found solace in the comfort of food, causing her weight to spiral. However, she reached a point where she knew that she needed a change, a turning point. It was at this juncture, at the end of January 2023, that she decided to enter in the Nuwe Jy 60-day challenge, marking the beginning of her transformative journey.
“Overeating & eating because of how I feel. It was so easy just to put everything in my mouth because of circumstances and my emotions.”
The decision to join the Nuwe Jy challenge was born out of a desire for help and a sense of community. She recognized the need for support and guidance, and she believed that being part of a group would help her on her path to change. Her journey officially commenced on the 1st of February 2023.
Her experiences during the program was nothing short of amazing. She found herself in a supportive community that included the Slender Wonder team with Supreme Aesthetics and the 10 finalists. The camaraderie and encouragement she received were invaluable as she navigated the challenges of her weight loss journey. The regular weigh-ins provided her with concrete milestones that boosted her confidence and belief in the program.
“Weighing every second week at Supreme Aesthetics also helped a lot, in the beginning, it was difficult just to get the hang of it and to understand and trust the program and the scale. Thereafter every time I went for a weigh-in and dropped 2 kg or more, I felt so good. My confidence just grew after each weigh-in, I started to feel lighter and lighter, I started to feel better about myself about how I look, started to believe in myself and in the program and it all just adds up to a winning recipe”.
Throughout her journey, she discovered the importance of planning, portion control, and the impact of drinking water. The program taught her to make healthier choices and adapt her eating patterns. The phases of the Slender Wonder program kept things interesting, introducing new elements and foods as she progressed.
“It’s so nice that Slender Wonder has different phases, so in each phase you look forward to something different and new being added to your diet. Your eating pattern also keeps changing. For example your diet starts with black coffee, after 6 weeks you may drink white coffee with fat-free milk for 14 days. So, the diet also remains interesting. And as you go along you also get smarter, and you learn what works for you and what is easy, fast, and fun.”
For her, a significant milestone was entering the 70s on the scale. It was a moment of triumph and an affirmation that change was not only possible but also happening.
No journey is without its challenges, and for her, it was adapting to the use of spray and cook instead of olive oil and accepting the daily injections. However, with the unwavering support of Dr. Anmarie and her team, she overcame these hurdles. The program’s structure and water enhancers also helped her stay on track during social occasions and holidays, ensuring she didn’t veer off her plan.
“It was also definitely difficult to be on holiday where everyone eats and hangs out and you only have your portion, yet Slender Wonder makes it a little easier for you with their water enhancers, to also drink something nice while the others drink something besides water. The hardest part was being out of your daily routine and still sticking to your plan. Yet through planning it is also possible”.
As of now, Madelene is on the Stabilization plan, focusing on maintaining her hard-earned progress.
The transformation she achieved is remarkable. Starting at 94 kilograms, she now stands at 66.60 kilograms. In just five months and fifteen days on the Slender Wonder program, she lost an amazing 27,4 kilograms.
Before the Slender Wonder diet, she had tried various diets and strategies but found them ineffective. The Slender Wonder program, with its comprehensive approach and support system, proved to be the game-changer she needed.
When asked what sets Slender Wonder apart, she believes, is the extensive support it offers, including supplements and daily injections that enhance the weight loss process. The program teaches not only healthy choices but also instills trust in the journey by introducing changes progressively.
“Slender Wonder just has so many factors or parts that help you succeed. From the supplements and injections which really help to the fact that they teach you how to make healthier choices. There are different phases you are taken through and each one is designed to assist you in your weight loss goals. Your portions do get bigger, and your food options do expand, but you are walked through each phase with long-term success in mind”.
The support system played a pivotal role in her success. The encouragement from fellow participants and the guidance from the Dr Anmarie and her team fuelled her determination.
She emphasizes that you need to trust in yourself, believe in the process, and consistently self-motivate yourself.
“You have to trust yourself and trust the journey. If you understand and trust this then it is much easier to get the results every time you go to weigh yourself. I also didn’t weigh myself at all at home in the beginning, so when I went to weigh in at with Dr Anmarie, it was amazing every time I saw the results on the scale”.
Madelene shared how her physical health greatly improved, and how she now has more energy and resilience. Psychologically, her self-confidence has grown, and she feels more focused and in control.
When asked if she has any advice for anyone else struggling with weight issues she said, “Don’t think you are a failure, get your mindset right, and don’t be scared. Food is an addiction; you have to be in control of food and not the other way around. Don’t give in to temptation. No excuses and just start, don’t wait for Monday. If you eat the wrong foods now, keep that in mind with the choices you make for the next meal, don’t give up all day and make the wrong choices”.
As she continues her journey beyond the challenge, she plans to stay aware of her choices and maintain her focus on healthy eating. She is determined to prevent food from regaining control over her life.
“I’m just so grateful to be small, I can’t remember when I was this small. It feels to me like I have never been at this point before. It’s just so nice to put on clothes that just work. Everything I wear fits and looks nice and feels so good to feel pampered. I don’t want to hide myself anymore, and I can actually believe all the compliments that I receive as well as accept them with open arms. Every compliment received during this process also contributed to my good results of wanting to lose more, to look and feel even better. It’s just so nice to be little again and I’m so, so grateful, I never want to go back”.
Madelene’s story is one of empowerment, transformation, and triumph. It is a testament to the power of determination, community support, and the belief in yourself that change is possible. She is living proof that, with the right tools and mindset, anyone can embark on a journey to a healthier and happier self.
