They uprooted from Oxfordshire, England to settle in Methven, Mid Canterbury.
It was a change which brought its own challenges and saw Clare turn to food for comfort and balloon in size to 135kg.
However it was only after being denied life insurance did she realise how bad her health had become.
“My confidence was low, I had medical issues and was refused life insurance.”
“I was not really living life,” she says.
She turned to the new Weight Watchers in November 2018.
And despite having tried the Weight Watchers of old in the past, this time got enviable success.
She lost 30kg in just 30 weeks.
Clare says she just followed the programme and increased her exercise.
“It’s about getting back to the basics, I’d tried everything before, including Weight Watchers but it’s changed so much.
“I went back on a whim.”
This time Clare also had the motivation and was more determined to succeed.
As a mum of two, she is still 5kg off her goal weight which is proving harder to lose.
But given “it’s for the rest of my life” she says the best course of action is to not give in.
Know your triggers, if you have a bad day pick yourself back up for the next “reset” and carry on.
Now still a member in Ashburton but a Weight Watchers coach in Methven, Clare wants to help others reach and maintain their healthy weight goals.
She has around 25 people in the township who are at varying stages of their weight loss journeys and wants to encourage others.
People are there for different reasons, she says.
Whether it’s to learn better eating habits, to improve health problems, to gain confidence or to lose 5kg or 50kg.
Two of the members are at goal, two have lost 20kg and one has lost 25kg.
It’s had a “massive impact” on them, she says.
Clare says keeping your body’s weight at a comfortable level and increasing exercise is good for mental wellbeing too.
She says just because someone is slim, does not mean they are healthy.
The programme helped her realise food choices needed to be an ongoing part of her lifestyle as the mental journey was often far longer than what was happening with a physical appearance.
She often still thinks of herself as being 120+kg.
But to keep on track she has set herself goals with rewards along the way; the latest is to get motorbike lessons.
Once she reaches her ultimate goal, just 5kg away, she is planning a skydive, something she never would have done beforehand.
Clare shares these Weight Watchers tips, which if repeated over time can develop into healthy habits for wellness success.
1. Set mini goals; We’re only human. For most of us, it’s daunting to think about losing 20kg or running 10km. So take small steps first. Whether it’s starting an exercise routine with a five-minute walk or bringing a homemade lunch to work a couple of days a week, you’re more likely to reach your goal when you break it down into small steps (or mini-goals). And you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly those steps add up!
2. Remember your “why”; A powerful, personal ‘‘why’’ can keep you going even when things get tough. Your ‘‘why’’ isn't necessarily the same as your goal; you might have a specific ‘‘weight-I'd-like-to-be’’ (goal) but your reasons for wanting to be at a certain weight are your ‘‘why’’ - the motor that gets you to your destination. Whether it’s to feel the best on your wedding day, or to be a positive role model for your children, write it down, and keep reminding yourself of it throughout your journey.
3. Don’t deprive or restrict yourself; Sustainable weight loss is all about making small changes to your eating pattern that still fit in with your lifestyle. So rather than saying ‘no’ to everything you enjoy eating, try eating more of the good stuff - foods that are rich in nutrients. Why not try adding an extra serving of vegetables to your main meals or more protein to your snacks? Sustainable weight loss is found through balance rather than restriction.
4. Drink more water; It's so easy and so beneficial - especially at this sweltering time of year. Aim for eight glasses of fluid a day, preferably water. Tea counts too! Another benefit of staying well hydrated is that you won't mistake thirst for hunger, which lots of people do.
5. Move for fun, not because you have to; Whether it’s walking the dog, swimming or playing with the kids, there are a million ways to get moving. Find what you enjoy doing and you’re more likely to stick at it. Exercise gives you a natural high – your day will be easier, you'll have more energy and get a better night’s sleep.
6. Create a network of support; Studies show people with social support are more likely to engage in healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. They’re also better able to cope with stressful events which can derail some people when trying to lose weight. Surround yourself with people who offer words of encouragement and motivate you to keep going through tough times.
