Nurse Practitioner Ena’s Health Journey
Over the past year, Nurse Practitioner Ena Jansen van Vuuren has lost 42kg through the My Healthpointe programme.
For Ena, the decision to begin was about much more than appearance. It was a chance to improve her health, regain her energy and feel more comfortable in everyday life.
At the time, she was living with high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and ongoing discomfort.
“I was absolutely miserable with myself and didn’t like how I felt,” Ena says.
She had considered weight-loss medication and surgery, but the turning point came after seeing the success of one of her own patients.
“She looked amazing, so I asked what she had done. She told me about My Healthpointe.”
Long-term Habit Shaping
What appealed to Ena was MyHealthpointe’s focus on long-term habits, rather than a “quick fix” solution.
“It wasn’t just a quick fix. For me, it was about building healthy habits and creating a good foundation going forward.”
My Healthpointe centres on four main areas:
- eating and snacking
- movement
- mindset
- supplementation
For Ena, the programme meant making significant changes, but not changing everything overnight.
Learning to Eat Regularly
Before starting, Ena often skipped meals because she believed eating less would help her lose weight.
“I could go a whole day without eating. Now, I never miss breakfast.”
She began eating regular meals and protein-based snacks, while choosing more protein, vegetables and fruit.
“I probably eat more regularly now than I ever did before. The difference is knowing what to eat.”
She also worked on moving away from using food as a reward after a difficult day.
Starting Small with Movement
Movement was one of the hardest parts for Ena.
“I do not naturally enjoy exercise,” she laughs.
At first, she could not manage the programme’s recommended walking target, so she began with what she could do and gradually built up.
Ena now gets up around an hour earlier to walk before work and tries to keep a similar routine on her days off.
“I still find getting up early hard, but I do it because it makes me feel so much better.”
Her experience showed her that movement does not have to mean joining a gym or beginning an intense exercise routine; it can be as simple as walking and building from there.
A Change in Mindset
Ena says the mindset side of the programme became one of its most valuable parts.
Participants have access to coaching, motivational resources and a wider support network. One of the programme’s sayings particularly stayed with her:
“Your body can’t go where your mind hasn’t been.”
For Ena, this meant changing what she believed was possible, setting goals and learning to respond differently when certain days didn’t go to plan.
“You don’t have to write off the whole day. You just make the next decision a healthy one.”
Celebrating “Non-Scale” Victories
Although Ena lost 42kg in just under 12 months, some of the most meaningful changes she experienced had little to do with the scales.
Since beginning her journey, Ena has:
- reduced her blood pressure medication
- stopped needing a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea
- gained more energy
- found everyday movement easier
- lost around 70 cm from her overall body measurements
- been able to wear her wedding rings again for the first time in more than 15 years
“Sometimes the scales don’t move, but your measurements change, your clothes fit differently and your health improves.”
These non-scale victories became especially important during weeks when her weight plateaued.
Any changes to medication or treatment should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Ongoing Support
For Ena, ongoing support was one of the main reasons the programme worked well for her.
Participants receive guidance while they learn the programme’s routines, food recommendations and habits, and support remains available after they reach their goal.
“You are not just told, ‘You’re finished now, off you go.’ You stay in that environment, and if you get stuck, you can reach out again.”
Thinking about your own journey?
Ena keenly understands that taking that first step can feel daunting.
“Weight loss is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is not impossible.”
Her advice to anyone who feels unsure is simple:
“Borrow a bit of my belief.”
Ena is happy to meet with patients at The Practice who would like support with weight management.
That conversation does not have to be limited to My Healthpointe. Depending on the person, it may include eating habits, movement, lifestyle changes, weight-loss medication or another approach that better suits their health, goals, budget and circumstances.
To book an appointment with Ena, contact The Practice on Francis Street on 03 577 1911.
Please seek personalised advice before making major changes to your diet, exercise, medication or supplements.
