Slim Down and Shape Up
by Charlotte Coyle
Although the cameras have stopped rolling on TV3’s Downsize Me, Aucklanders who missed the chance to slim down on the show now have an alternative.
Downsize Me’s diet guru Damian Kristof has decided to carry on the show – minus the cameras.
Slim Down and Shape Up is a new weight loss programme run by Mr Kristof’s naturopath clinic Discover Naturopathy and Auckland gym Fitness Station.
Mr Kristof says this programme targets people who liked the show but would rather not “go on TV and shake their fat around”.
The eight week programme has just had its latest intake of 14 men and women eager to loose some weight.
Programme co-founder Jenny Barlass says instead of focusing on the scales, the competition winners will be the man and woman with the greatest body composition change.
“This means we don’t just look at the fat lost, but also the muscle gained,” she says.
The winners both receive a full make over from an image consultant, including a new wardrobe worth $1000.
Slim Down and Shape Up participant Joanne Brown says for her the competition acted as a great motivator.
“At first I really wanted to win. But the competition also helped in terms of the support I got from the group,” she says.
The programme, which has run since March, uses a similar nutrition and exercise plan as the Downsize Me show.
The weight loss regime includes a full biological assessment – analysing blood types and body composition in regards to fat, muscle mass and fluid balance in the body – a personalised eating programme, fat loss exercise programme and personal training sessions.
Mr Kristof says it differs to Downsize Me in that the emphasis is put on supporting and motivating the competitors.
Seven motivational seminars are a key point of Slim Down and Shape Up, covering topics like the power of the mind, sports nutrition and cooking classes.
Ms Barlass says the programme’s aim is all about allowing people to make informed decisions on their health.
“After the eight weeks we really hope people will implement what they have learned into their day to day living. It’s about a lifestyle change.”
Ms Brown says she had tried all sorts of diets before and felt like her weight was getting out of control.
She says the programme was very similar to what she saw on Downsize Me.
“The two compared pretty closely. But doing this just meant that I didn’t have to stand on the telly and jiggle my tummy around.”