Inspiration Ambassador Nicola Prinsloo
Sick & Tired of Feeling Sick & Tired Nicola Prinsloo
tells us about her fat loss journey so far…
Since my first appointment with Tabitha back in January 2020 there have been many changes, both physically and emotionally. I have had time to reflect and realise now how unhappy I was with myself. I have been able to rid myself of negativity and provide my mindset with a more positive approach to taking care of me. As with most mums we look after everyone else first and we take a back seat. Tabitha was and continues to be a motivator for this. At each visit she is so thrilled and excited to see the benefits of her expertise and this in turn helps me going forward.
I am not saying I hit rock bottom, but, due to self-neglect over the years, I had to now listen to my body if I was going to be of any help to those around me. I wanted to be present in my life and enjoy what life has to offer. I needed to be fit and healthy to do so, and not just exist.
I am 46 years old with lots of baggage, more than most I think (experiencing huge trauma that not everyone thankfully has had to face first-hand). I should at this stage point out that I have also had a fulfilling and rewarding life thus far with an incredible husband and 2 amazing boys. I am also extremely fortunate to have many glorious friends both close and further afield who are so different in their own ways but bring out many different sides to me.
My health/eating journey has been a somewhat private affair with some people having some insight to what I experience,but,overall Ido not generally share too much. That has changed a little now that I am feeling so much better – I just want everyone to do what I did and learn what I have learnt so far with the help and understanding from Tabitha.
To be honest I am sometimes judgemental (I am only human) of others when they try and dispel my newfound understanding of health and wellness. The judgement comes from a good place as I know if they followed my path, they would be so much healthier and possibly not need all the magic potions to help them feel better. I want them to understand that gut health is so important, and many medications mask the actual problem. I would love my friends and family and everyone for that matter to live long, healthy, and strong lives.
I have for many years experienced “tummy” issues. Even as a child I would suffer with nausea, vomiting and heart burn. I was born in N. Ireland and came to South Africa when I was around 8 years old. As a child in N. Ireland we generally ate what I would say is bland food. I was young so was not exposed too much to “fancy” eating habits. Since growing up in South Africa and living abroad for 5 years, lots of new foods became the norm. Some foods were delicious, nutritious, and left me feeling great, others not so much. But like a lot of us do, take a pill to fix the physical ailments as opposed to looking into why or what is making us feel this way.
Over the years I have experienced bouts of illness and have been hospitalised, had scans, blood tests, bowel samples taken etc. and not much else done about fixing or correcting what the underlying problem was.
Before starting this way of eating I experienced the following:
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Brittle nails
- Bloated tummy
- Candida
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Pelvic pain
- Fatigue
- Dull complexion
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Hormonal issues
I am happy to say that I no longer suffer with most of these.
I have been hospitalised with what presents as gastro but did not stop there and doctors became baffled and ended updiagnosing a viral infection. When visiting my gynaecologists over the years I would often complain of pelvic pain – was told it is my bowel. I have been to GP’s and homeopaths and been given medications to help but this help was always short lived.
During the end of 2019 (around August/September) I started with what would become months of suffering with diarreha. This got to a point where it was back to the doctor. I had scans, bowel samples and blood tests and then sent home with medication. I then followed up and was told to see a Gastroenterologist. I found a specialist surgeon who I had seen before (due to heart burn – turns out I have little ulcers too). He carried out a gastroscopy. It was determined that I hadmicroscopic colitis as well as at this point a remarkably high white blood cell count.
To cut a long story short – was sent home with stomach inflammation medication and a steroid. I started looking into the steroid and decided this is not something I want to be using forever. Fortunate for me I met a lovely lady through a friend who suggested I see Tabitha.
Over time (prior to first appointment with Tabitha) I have been mindful of foods I like and those I do not. For me, I have realised that I am quite happy to not have meat in my diet. Prior to the start of my new journey I would include meat in all meals as this is what became the norm. However, all meat dishes would be disguised in a sauce of sorts. It did get me thinking about a vegetarian lifestyle – but the big question – what to eat, how to eat it, and would I still have enough protein in my diet. So, with these questions I just never bothered.
Once meeting Tabitha, I felt, THIS IS IT – SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO HELP ME 😊
Our first consultation covered so much, and Tabitha really listened to what I had to say, and we discussed everything. What was wonderful for me was by the time I got home I had received an email outlining all we had discussed as well as a menu to follow for the first week. It helped so much as I was ready to face this as well as it provided not much thinking on my part. I was so tired and run down by my first appointment and Tabitha made this so easy for me to do. The only thing I thought strange was the amount of food I had to eat, and I was allowed to eat carbs!!! – after being brainwashed for so many years about having to eat less and cut out carbs, I was confused. Since listening to Tabitha and reading more accurate information I am now back to understanding my body and listening to its needs. With all the information out there for us to consume my own inner voice became silent.
I am now back to eating what I enjoy and NEED for ME!
As with most lifestyle changes or diets we generally either also want to lose or gain weight. In my case I wanted to lose weight alongside becoming healthier. Our priority was for me to become healthier but as a side benefit, I lost a lot of weight too. WIN, WIN!!!
Tabitha has made me smile again. I have energy again and no longer have that awful afternoon slump. Friends and family have noticed a difference and yes, with loads of questions. I have friends who have been exposed to our new way of eating and are now sharing pictures of their meals as they are so proud to show us.
I could ramble on about all the benefits, ha!ha!, but in closing I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Tabitha for reminding me what is important as well as giving me the bounce in my step back.