The Mitchell family’s journey towards a healthier lifestyle
Earlier this year, Donna, a mum of two from Cheltenham, received a letter after the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measured her five-year-old daughter, Millie, at school. The letter indicated that Millie was classified as overweight and recommended the family join the Beezee Families programme to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.
The 12-week programme offers effective, age-appropriate, evidence-based behavioural weight management support for children and young people.
Understanding the challenges
“Millie is a happy, bubbly little girl who loves her food but struggled to say no or stop once she is full,” Donna shared.
“Our lifestyle was also a contributing factor. As full-time working parents, we had fallen into a poor routine and would often opt for convenience processed foods for dinners and snacks. We relied on iPads and television to keep the children entertained whilst we worked from home and then felt guilty for being working parents. Fatigue would lead us to compensate with treats such as McDonald’s, sweets and takeaways, and our family outings were also largely food centric.
“Additionally, as an emotional eater myself, I was unknowingly projecting that behaviour onto my daughters by using treats as a display of love or as a comfort mechanism when they were upset.
So, for us, joining Beezee was a total game changer and a significant step in addressing these issues.”
Building a healthier lifestyle
Donna chose to join the online Beezee Families programme as it worked best around her family’s busy lifestyle.
Our qualified nutritionists deliver the programme in weekly online group sessions. It covers a variety of topics including transforming habits and routines, portion sizes, exercise, calories and nutrition, snacks and food labelling. In addition, the programme offers fun physical activities and weekly challenges.
“The online classes were engaging, fun, and informative, designed with children’s interests in mind. Millie really loved the ‘activity raids’, and the support provided was invaluable. Weekly challenges encouraged us to think creatively about spending quality time together while also considering our health.”
The family’s lifestyle began to steadily change and instead of resorting to screentime after 5pm, the Mitchells began to incorporate physical activity into their routine.
“The girls joined me on dog walks, we now cycle more, and we plan active outings like woodland walks, park visits, and swimming. We limit treats and have made healthier food swaps. The programme’s WhatsApp group was a great platform to share healthy recipes, exercise ideas, and to connect with others on the same journey.
“The outcome has been transformative. Millie has lost weight, as family we’ve adopted healthier lifestyle habits, and our sleep has improved. Yes, we do sometimes falter, more so during school holidays, but the key is to learn, reflect, and try again.
“It’s not just about weight loss; it’s about fostering healthier relationships with food and creating lasting healthy habits. Thanks to Beezee, we’ve learned that the journey to a healthier lifestyle is a family affair, and it’s a journey we are committed to continuing.”
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