Saturday, 16 December 2006

Tessa Sanderson: I stopped comfort eating and lost 2st

Olympic champion slimmed from size 16 to 12

As a former world-class athlete, you'd think the last thing 49-year-old Tessa Sanderson would have to worry about was her weight. She was the first British black woman to win an Olympic gold medal and has enjoyed an incredible career spanning 25 years.

But after her retirement from sport in 1997 she found it hard to control her weight.

Without the gruelling training she was used to doing each week, she wasn't burning food in the same way she had before. She also started to comfort eat and her figure ballooned to a size 16.

What was your first experience of comfort eating?

The problems started when I retired from athletics in 1997. Within 18 months I'd put on 2st. I was still eating the same amount of food as I had while I was training, but the difference was I was no longer burning it up. I'd also started doing a lot of social eating, so my weight slowly began to creep up.

What made you decide to lose weight?

I went on holiday to Jamaica recently and my mum, who lives out there, couldn't believe how much weight I'd put on. Mum has always been really honest with me and she told me straight that I was fat! It was even worse when I collected my holiday photos – I was shocked by how huge my face was.

You lost 2st in total. How long did it take you?

It took me 12 weeks. I went from a comfortable size 16 to a size 12. I wasn't even this slim during my athletics career. My sister had bought me a fabulous pair of size 16 Levi jeans and now they just fall off me.

When did you realise you were comfort eating?

It was only when I met weight-loss specialist David Brookes at a charity function two years ago and we were talking about binge eating. I immediately recognised that I had all the signs of a classic comfort eater. He encouraged me to listen to his CD on dealing with comfort eating. It pinpoints the reasons why we comfort eat and explains how to overcome the emotional triggers. I had to be really honest with myself and it made me tackle things head on. My dad was suffering from prostate cancer and all the family was worried, so subconsciously I was eating more.

What were your guilty food vices?

I loved fizzy drinks and used to have about three cans a day. Also, I didn't think twice about snacking on crisps and chocolate, like KitKats and Cadbury Fruit & Nut, especially if I was out and about driving.

Why do you think the CD worked so well for you?

It was so easy to use. David has such a hypnotic voice that you can't help but sit and take notice. I'd listen to it in the car or put it in my portable player when out walking. If you're going through an emotional time it brings it right to the surface and tells you not to substitute food for your emotions as that won't help you achieve your goal. Eating is a part of life, but you don't have to overeat.

What was your diet like before?

I used to have a big breakfast, then lunch, which would always include a packet of crisps and a fizzy drink. I'd always have a properly cooked main meal, but I'd have a huge portion. I used to love apple crumble, but I haven't tasted it for about four months and I don't even miss it now.

How did you change your food habits?

I've balanced out my eating and I only eat when I'm hungry. David's motto is 'Are you feeding the need or needing a feed?' I don't even snack any more. I'll have a bowl of porridge or poached eggs with toast for breakfast and that'll keep me going until 5pm, when I'll have dinner. I tend to eat a lot of chicken with steamed vegetables.

How often do you work out?

I still like to keep fit so I try to walk two or three miles a day.

How has your weight loss changed your outlook on life?

I feel so much more confident. I've always been a confident person, but I feel even more so now. My clothes feel comfortable and I'm determined to remain this weight. I'm 49 and I'm very proud to be that age. I feel great and I'm looking forward to the next year.

What plans have you got for the future?

I'd love to host my own daytime lifestyle show. It would be great to be the next Oprah Winfrey. British TV is certainly lacking a good quality daytime programme and I definitely think I'd be the right person to host it. Now all I need is for someone to give me a break!