Sainsbury’s

From the MEND programmes run at Sainsbury's so far, here are some results that many happy children and their families are very proud to have achieved.

Background:
Thomas Evans, 13, from Tameside in Cheshire enrolled in the MEND programme last summer, his Mother, Louise tells us how it has changed his life.

Why did you decide to enrol Thomas in the MEND programme?
Before Thomas started the MEND programme, he was addicted to computer games.  After school he would usually be found nestled in front of the TV screen instead of playing outside with other children his age. We argued constantly over his lack of exercise but he never felt comfortable playing games as he felt that other children were fitter than he was, and he didn’t like feeling left behind.

Did you see any immediate changes in Thomas?
Once he started Thomas took an immediate interest in the fun and easy to follow exercise sessions. He became more active immediately, even getting a paper round where he has to cycle one hour every morning. Thomas also had a tour around our local Sainsbury’s which showed him how to choose the right foods to eat, therefore he decided to ditch the junk food and eat healthy food, full of vegetables and fruit. This gave him more energy for the day.

How much weight has Thomas lost so far?
Thomas has lost 2.6kg in weight and an amazing 9.5cm from his waist. He’s also gone down another trouser size and now these trousers are too loose for him!

What would you say are the benefits of the MEND programme?
The MEND programme has given Thomas a new lease of life. His Karate teacher and P.E teacher say the change in Thomas is unbelievable! Thomas no longer plays computer games after school and prefers to play outdoors with his friends. He’s got more confidence and more energy to do the things he loves which are the real benefits.

Background:
Victoria Wright, 8, from Leatherhead in Surrey, enrolled in the MEND programme in January 2008. Her Mother, Angela tells us how it has changed her life.

Why did you decide to enrol Victoria in the MEND programme?
I decided to enrol Victoria on the MEND Programme after finding it increasingly difficult to buy clothes for Victoria. All the clothes for her age were too small, which really upset her. So, after Christmas we decided we needed a new start which was perfect timing when Victoria brought home a leaflet about MEND from school. I had not heard about MEND before and thought it sounded like a great opportunity for Victoria to get fit but also have fun. 

Did you see any immediate changes in Victoria?
Victoria was very motivated right from the start, becoming much more physical and enjoying the exercise sessions at MEND. Victoria and I also decided to change her diet with help from a tour around our local Sainsbury’s. This showed us how to choose the right foods to eat, swapping junk food for food full of nutrition.  I also reduced Victoria’s portion size which was a great help. The whole family now eat more fruit and vegetables, gone are the days of sweets, pizza and fast food.

How much weight has Victoria lost so far?
By the end of MEND Victoria had lost 2.2kg and has now lost almost 5kg. Victoria has also lost 4.5cm from around her waist! I now find it much easier buying clothes for her.

What would you say are the benefits of the MEND programme?
The MEND Programme has totally changed Victoria’s life for the better. Victoria now loves exercise, including swimming, cycling and skipping. She’s also very aware of healthy eating. Her mood is so much better and she’s made lots of new friends. Victoria and I feel that MEND worked perfectly; combining fitness with fun! It was simple and easy to follow and Victoria loved the goals and rewards.
I have recommended the programme to my friends as I think MEND is fantastic!

Background:
Rebecca Crang, 13, from Cambridgeshire, enrolled in the MEND Programme in May 2008. Her mother Nicola tells us how it has changed her life.

Why did you decide to enrol Rebecca in the MEND programme?
Rebecca had an issue with her weight and was becoming more aware of her size as she was getting older. Both Rebecca and I had tried dieting but nothing seemed to work. Then one day, I was reading a woman’s magazine and I saw an article about a girl who had done so well on the MEND programme. I had not heard about MEND before so decided to look on the internet to find out more about it. That was it, I enrolled Rebecca straight away.

Did you see any immediate changes in Rebecca?
It was amazing. Rebecca’s attitude changed straight away. MEND gave her the knowledge to make healthier food choices and she soon understood why and what foods she should be eating. Rebecca soon spent less time watching TV and was keen to be more active. Rebecca now enjoys swimming and cycling and has done lots of walking on a recent holiday.

How much weight has Rebecca lost so far?
By the end of MEND Rebecca had lost 3.9kg in weight and an amazing 13 cm from around her waist. Rebecca looks fantastic and has so much more confidence.

What would you say are the benefits of the MEND programme?
MEND has given Rebecca the confidence to become more active and the knowledge to make healthier food choices. MEND has benefited our whole family and we are all now leading a much healthier lifestyle.

Why did you decide to enrol Antony in the MEND programme?
Before Antony started MEND he was addicted to computer games, did very little physical activity and was a very fussy eater. Antony spent hours shut away in his bedroom on his X Box and even getting him out to eat dinner was a challenge. I was becoming increasingly concerned about his eating habits and knew things had to change. So when I saw MEND advertised I enrolled Antony straight away. I did not tell Antony we were going until the first evening.  He was so reluctant to go as he did not want to miss TV, but what a difference MEND has made to our lives.

Did you see any immediate changes in Antony?
Although Antony was very reluctant to go to MEND he soon realised that everyone was in the same position and soon began to make lots of new friends. The tables soon turned and Antony did not want to miss MEND. He enjoyed the exercise sessions and his confidence began to improve. Antony soon spent less time playing computer games and watching TV. He started to go out more with his friends even preferring to walk rather than get a lift, much to the annoyance of his friends! In fact our friends thought that our car had broken down as we began walking to school! He has started playing cricket and rugby and now he is always out and now I have a job getting him in for dinner.  Antony also had a tour round his local Sainsbury’s which showed him how to choose the right foods to eat and how to read food labels.

How much weight has Antony lost so far?
At the end of MEND Antony had lost an amazing 10cm from around his waist.

What would you say are the benefits of the MEND programme?
The difference MEND has made to Antony is incredible. He now has so much more confidence and even his teacher has noticed a big change in him. Before MEND, Antony would never speak up in class and would rather get his friend to answer for him. Now Antony has even done a talk about MEND to his class mates. MEND has given Antony the confidence to join his local cricket and rugby clubs. He has even participated in a local fun run and he is so proud of his achievement, wearing his medal with pride.  Antony is so much more sociable and energetic now and is always out with his friends rather than being locked in his bedroom playing computer games. MEND has definitely benefited our whole family. We now have family meals around the table and do activities together at weekends.