DUBAI // Meet two best friends who share not only a flat and a name, but also a remarkable weight-loss journey in which the pair shed an astonishing 27 kilograms between them.
Emma Pearson and Emma Graffagnino both decided to join a slimming support group after each put on weight when they moved to Dubai.
Ms Pearson, 31, relocated in July 2014 and, within a year, had gained 9.5kg. “I have been lucky and never really had to worry about my weight. But hitting 30 and moving to Dubai, I seemed to gain weight, probably due to the endless brunches available and the ‘drive-thru ATM’ lifestyle,” said the Briton, who works as a propulsion planning officer with Emirates airline.
“I knew I had to do something to get back to a happier and more confident me.”
Ms Graffagnino, who at her heaviest weighed 112kg, was equally unhappy with her weight. “I had reached a point where I couldn’t fit into anything in my wardrobe and it was starting to affect my confidence in all aspects of my life,” said the 1.7 metre-tall Briton, who used to wear a UK size 20.
Side-by-side, the pair walked into their first Good Habits UAE weight-loss group in July last year.
“I remember leaving my first meeting and bursting into tears, thinking, ‘I’m not going to be able to eat or drink anything I want’,” Ms Pearson said. “But that has not been the case.”
Ms Pearson managed to shed 11.6kg by starting an exercise regime and planning portion-controlled, healthy meals. She swapped her previous diet of pasta, bread and fizzy drinks for salads and healthier carbohydrates, such as quinoa and breakfast oats.
Ms Graffagnino was equally strict and lost 16kg.
Losing the weight has changed both their lives. “I feel so much better about myself,” said Ms Pearson, who has reached her goal weight. “I am focused during the week and allow myself the weekend to unwind and relax with a few of the luxuries I don’t have during the week.”
At a wedding in January, Ms Graffagnino, who works for Snoopy Pets Dubai, a pet relocation and grooming service, faced people she had not seen in months. “People were commenting on how great I looked and how much I had lost, which was visible from the new dress I had bought for it,” said the 37-year-old. “I used to dread being invited to parties and wedding celebrations because I would have worried what I looked like. Now my weight doesn’t restrict what I can do.”
Both women feel attending meetings – and having a “diet buddy” – provides the motivation to shed weight.
The flatmates plan their weekly food diary every Saturday so there is no temptation to deviate.
“It is great as we also encourage each other with our work-outs,” Ms Graffagnino said. “We often do some form of exercise together, which seems to push each other that little further, so it becomes a little competition to who can do more.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Fighting with My Family
Director: Stephen Merchant
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Florence Pugh, Thomas Whilley, Tori Ellen Ross, Jack Lowden, Olivia Bernstone, Elroy Powell
Four stars
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814