I chose to become a 1:1 Diet consultant because after losing about 18kg and maintaining the weight loss successfully, I was very keen to share the secret of this success, and help other people develop a healthy lifestyle through 1:1 Diet. Becoming a 1:1 Diet consultant has therefore been rewarding. It has also ensured I remain disciplined and on track whilst also providing immense satisfaction as I assist others achieve their weight loss goals.
I have been opportune to meet different people, from the skeptics, to the indifferent and finally to those desperate for a solution. On a good day, you receive a minimum of 10 phone calls. These calls would range from complaints (I don’t feel I am losing o, is this your diet working or I am very hungry, are you sure I can’t have a salad or fruits) to excitement (I just weighed myself and I am now in the 80’s on the scale or I can now wear a British size 12). Let me not forget the late night calls, 11pm and even later. The interesting thing is that you are glad to receive such calls (even if you don’t pick or return the calls until the next day) because it simply means they are crying for help and want to succeed on the diet.
A part of the consultant’s role that I find really interesting are some of the calls from prospective clients whereby you are asked questions such as; did you do the diet, what dress size are you, what do you weigh?!!! You really have to be confident, dedicated and very patient. These are questions from absolute strangers who are yet to meet you. Your responses are however in as diplomatic a manner as possible often times with humor. Fun days always occur especially during the weekly weigh in, it is interesting how confessions start pouring out when the ketostick is brought out and the test requested- Ha…I become pastor Toyin.
As a consultant, you share in your client’s success (clapping and jumping, discussing how difficult it was, how it has/will transform their lives both personal and professional, sometimes celebrating the gifts they had been promised by a spouse etc) to the disappointments, ready with the words of encouragement and chastisements when necessary. You become mummy, wife, doctor, nutritionist and woman of God all rolled in one.
I must however acknowledge the many wonderful friends made bound by a continuous struggle to maintain our weight and a mutual understanding that staying slim and healthy requires a lot of dedication, determination and commitment to a change in lifestyle.
Oluwatoyin Olusanya a 1:1 Diet consultant based in Lagos can be reached on 08022235851 and 08091809679