Operation Transformation's 2016 leader Lucy Dillon shares her achievements since leaving the show, her advice for the 2017 leaders and how to find the motivation to get fit after Christmas!
Speaking to RTÉ LifeStyle, she said: "In January 2016 I weighed 17 stone and now in January 2017 I weigh 14 stone which means I had a total loss of 3 stone and I'm down three dress sizes (from size 20 to 14). I can safely say that these days, I am living life to the full – I feel amazing.
"This time last year I was setting out to be one of the nation’s Operation Transformation leaders. I was full of both excitement and fear as I didn’t know what was ahead of me. With thanks to all of the help and encouragement I received, I am a changed girl, both mentally and physically.
"I exercise regularly and love prepping and planning my daily meals. I lost three stone in last year and this year I plan to finish what I’ve started with only less than 1.5 stone to go. LET’S DO THIS."
Achievements since Operation Transformation:
Career - I have a new job working with Meath Local Sports Partnership as a Programme Assistant. Our vision is to get “more people, more active, more often” in Meath. I work closely with communities in helping them become more active.
Social - I share my daily food and exercise plans with over 7,000 followers on my Facebook blog and Snapchat (lucydillon1).
Fitness - I went from couch to 10k! Plus, I was the ambassador for the Dublin Women’s Mini Marathon & the Cook Medical Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon.
Mental Health - I overcame depression and have been off medication for over 6 months now.
Faced a Fear - I am definitely over my fear of heights now! Last year I couldn't even climb a ladder but since the who I made it to the top of Table Mountains in Cape Town, South Africa last month.
Advice for the 2017 leaders:
- No weight loss journey will ever be the same, take one day at a time and believe in yourself.
- Always be prepared for the day ahead and get rid of all the junk food in your house. We all know when we have a bad day we don’t just stop after one bar or one packet of crisps!
- Stick to your fitness regime (exercise is my ingredient for feeling good) it releases endorphins which help trigger that positive feeling in your body.
How to choose your leader:
Pick a leader that you feel you can relate to whether it be their weight, personality or lifestyle habits.
How to find the motivation to get started:
You are your only motivation – nobody else will do it for you. You have to make a commitment to yourself for change. Clear your cupboards from foods you know won’t help with your weight loss. Plan your meals, do your food shop and schedule in time for exercise a few days ahead. Once you start to feel better and see the results you won’t want to turn back.
Operation Transformation airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8.30pm on RTÉ One. You can catch up on RTÉ Player. To follow the 2017 leaders head over to www.rte.ie/ot.
