A 40 Day Health Challenge recruit broke down in tears when she learned of her weight loss and progress at the half way mark in this week’s digital episodes.
Jeannette Traynor, from Dublin, told personal trainer Karl Henry, GP Dr Sumi Dunne, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy and Dietician Sophie Pratt of her challenging work-life balance.
For 40 days, Jeannette and 15 other contestants aim to eat well, move more and focus positively on mental health.
Personal trainer Karl announced the recruits weight loss results on the latest episode.
Jeannette took on the challenge so she would be “fit at 50”, but her jaw dropped to hear she had already achieved it at 49.
Karl said: “First and foremost, your weight on day one was 82.6 kilos.
“And today, this morning, your weight 78.7 kilos. That’s some weight loss.”
Before taking on the challenge, Jeannette told how she went to the gym three times a week, but like many women across the country, she felt like she was “doing all the right things but just seeing any results”.
An emotional Jeannette couldn’t hold back the tears as she realised all she has accomplished.
She said: “I thought I was exercising and nothing was shifting. So I’m delighted.”
Starting out, her metabolic age was 60, but the experts revealed that it is now down to 53.
The mum-of-three continued: “I’m doing it for myself. That’s how busy life gets… you’re always looking after people.
“But I think I’m taking account for myself, keeping busy this time of year. So I’ll keep it up.”
Fitness pro Karl praised the Dublin woman for her motivation and commitment to the challenge.
He said: “You’re just totally incredible because for so many different reasons, this planning, the organising… we’ve seen shift workers over the years. All of us really struggle.
“You have a child with neurodiversity. You are inspirational. You’re out until 2.30am in the morning. You’re exercising.
“You’ve every reason to give up but you’re actually doing it.”
As a member of Ballyfermot Running Club, Jeannette hopes to run a marathon next year in a bid to regain some of her “sparkle” that has dimmed as she entered perimenopause.
Chicken Satay Noodles
Serves 2 (each serving contains approximately 528 kcal)
Suitable for vegetarians if an alternative to chicken fillets is used.
Ingredients:
2 nests wholewheat noodles (100g)
1 shallot (35g)
1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil (15g)
2 skinless chicken fillets (250g)*
1 bell pepper (150g)
1 garlic clove (4g)
50g mangetout
1 ½ tbsp peanut butter (100% nuts) (25g)
*Suitable vegetarian alternatives for chicken fillets are:
260g tofu
415g mycoprotein such as Quorn chicken style pieces
335g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
The method:
Add the noodles to a saucepan and cover with boiling water, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes or according to packet instructions until soft but have a slight chew.
Drain and set aside until needed. Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Peel the shallot, then cut in half and thinly slice.
Add the oil to the pan and then sauté the shallot for 1-2 minutes until softened. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and then add to the shallot and sauté for another 5-6 minutes or until chicken has lightly browned.
Remove the core from the pepper and then cut into thin slices. Peel and mince the garlic.
Add both to the chicken with the mangetout and sauté 2-3 minutes. Spoon in the peanut butter, stirring until melted. Finally fold in the cooked noodles until evenly combined. Divide among bowls to serve.
Dietitian Sophie Pratt said: “Peanut butter is included in this recipe as peanuts contain magnesium which helps with bone health and nerve and muscle function.”
HOW TO WATCH THE EPISODES
THE latest episodes of the 40 Day Health Challenge are now available at the 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from Thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio during the 40 days.
