Tony’s Blog
'Happy new year' - January 2010
Hello everyone,
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy new year. It’s so exciting to consider the possibilities that lay ahead of us all as we enter a new decade. We’re doing out best to make 2010 our best year ever, filled with opportunities for our customers.
In fact, you could get things off to a great start today with our fabulous summer promotion which you can find more about online. There’s never been a better time to start enjoying the benefits of the Program.
And please, don’t be disheartened if you gained some weight over the holiday season. We’re all human and sometimes we need to just relax and have some fun. Talk to your Practitioner and you’ll discover it’s easier than you thought to get back on track. We’re always here for you.
We look forward to great things as this year unfolds. As always, your success is most important to us, and we have some very exciting promotions coming your way. They may be just what need to make this the year you reach your weight loss goal.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'You'll be surprised how easy it can be' - December 2009
Hello everyone,
With Christmas getting closer every day, this can be a stressful time of year. It’s a time when many of us reach for our favourite comfort foods to help us through. Interestingly, a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald revealed the findings of a research team from the University of New South Wales. They found considerable evidence that foods high in sugar and fat, those things we often crave when seeking comfort, are actually quite effective in reducing the effects of stress.
At Tony Ferguson, we understand this, and believe that all foods have their role. That’s really the philosophy behind Progress, which enables you to enjoy the foods you love in a controlled way. At times of stress, we believe this is particularly important.
Of course, your Weightloss Practitioner has lots of helpful tips to get you through the Festive Season with a minimum of stress. You’ll be surprised how easy it can be to stick to your Program while you join in the fun. And don’t forget to ask about our handy Little Book of Christmas. It will be your best friend through the holidays.
I’d like to thank you all for helping make 2009 such a successful year for us. I never forget that it’s the support of our customers that makes everything possible. Enjoy a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'The holiday season is almost upon us' - November 2009
Hello everyone,
2009 is certainly slipping away now. With Melbourne Cup celebrations over for another year, the holiday season is almost upon us. It’s special occasions like these that really bring friends together and remind us that life is meant to be enjoyed. The Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program is not about pushing our customers hard. That’s not what life is about. We want you to have fun at family weddings and birthday parties and to join in the office Melbourne Cup lunch or Christmas party. After all, making the most of the events we celebrate throughout the year is part of Australian life.
It is often during these times that extra support is really valuable. Our staff are always there to guide you back onto your Program. Our steady, realistic approach always allows for the occasional breakout. We would hate to lose a customer because they felt they had ‘failed’. The road to success includes time for fun.
Your Program can always be adjusted around a special event, and you’ll also find your Practitioner has a lot of tips to help you make choices at a buffet or party that are more compatible with your eating plan. You can even enjoy a drink or two while still staying on the Program. And if you do happen to fall off the weight loss wagon, we’re always here to help dust you off and welcome you back on.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'Have you noticed our fresh new look?' - October 2009
Hello everyone,
It gives me immense pride to see the growth of the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program. I know this is also a measure of the many changes being made to our customers’ lives. But it’s important to acknowledge the significant role of the Terry White Chemists group in our success.
The Terry White Chemists group now has 152 outlets across Australia, with new stores opening all the time. We are proud that Terry White Chemists support us so effectively around Australia. As Terry White grows, so does the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program, ultimately benefiting our customers. People like the amazing Kylie Fairley, who you’ll meet in this month’s newsletter.
Have you noticed our fresh new look? Our rebranding continues across the company and I’m sure by now you will have noticed the changes in store. Our website has also had a spring clean recently, as well as our packaging so be sure to keep an eye out on our new look. We hope you like it as much as we all do here.
Also, make sure you stay tuned for some excitement at the end of the month when we’ll draw the second and final winner of our Healthy Rewards Chrysler Sebring.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'Spring has most certainly sprung for us'- September 2009
Hello everyone,
It seems we’ve seen the last of the winter chill. There’s a definite touch of spring in the air and we’re all feeling energised as we greet the new season. Look out for our new spring TV campaign, where you’ll get to meet some more of our fabulous success stories. I have a great sense of pride that our customers are so willing to be ambassadors for our brand, and am extremely grateful they’re prepared to give so generously of their time and share their stories.
I’d also like to congratulate Gwen Schwass of Kelmscott WA, who is the first winner of our Healthy Rewards draw. Gwen is now the proud owner of a brand new Chrysler Sebring Cabrio. Remember for those that registered on Healthy Rewards, there’s still another car to be won on the 30th October so keep motivated with your weekly weigh ins!
While we’re not able to give all of you a new Chrysler, we do have some exciting new products for you. We believe healthy eating should never be boring, and variety is one of the keys to our success. Make sure you try our two sensational new Shakes, Caramel and Choc Mint, and the delicious new Pea and Ham Soup. And if you have a sweet tooth, we’ve added four indulgent new desserts to our range. All these new products mean even more variety for you on the Program.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'There’s so much more to the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program'- August 2009
Hello everyone,
With so much noise out there in the weight loss marketplace, I’m constantly reminded how different the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program is to the mainstream offerings.
Unlike the growing number of copycat products, we are not merely a ‘shake’ diet. You can’t just start yourself off on our shakes and hope for the best. Our shakes and soups are just a component in a carefully planned Program based on healthy, balanced, low GI food choices.
Our Program is based on sound nutritional science and is often recommended by GPs. We believe it’s irresponsible not to offer complete support, so our staff are thoroughly trained to help our customers to change their lifestyle and adopt healthy new habits for a sustainable weight loss. We would never achieve lasting results if we were just another meal replacement product.
Nobody can walk into a pharmacy and pick up a tailored eating program, backed with education and psychological insights from the shelf. A packet of powder will never change the way you think, or support you through the challenging times.
In some ways, it’s flattering to have our products copied by the ‘self-selection’ brands in some pharmacies, but I am so proud that our brand will never fall into that category. Every testimonial I receive confirms that our unique Program changes lives.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'Burning lots of energy over the winter months' - July 2009
We’ve certainly been taking our own advice and burning lots of energy over the winter months. With our two new mini-cookbooks, “Affordable Flavours” and “World of Flavours” launching and our winter magazine arriving in stores, it’s been a very busy time.
This month we’re featuring Donna Paine’s success story. Justifiably proud of her achievements, Donna shares her journey from 86 kilos to her goal of 56 kilos. She has even inspired her father, Tim, to embark on the road to a healthy new life.
As I write, we’re preparing to share some very exciting plans with key members of staff at our annual conference. Our brand is rising to the current challenging times with renewed energy and it’s staying up to date with the latest ideas in the world of weight loss that keeps us moving forward. You’ll hear plenty more from us in the coming months!
With winter now here in earnest, it’s more important than ever to put your health first. Rug up on those chilly days, and make sure you get plenty of immune boosting fruits and vegetables. There’s no better way to keep those seasonal sniffles at bay.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'The world is catching up with us' - June 2009
In addition to our amazing customer success stories, we now even more scientific evidence to back up our approach to weight loss.
At the recent European Conference on Obesity in Amsterdam, health professionals welcomed the latest findings, which emphasized the need to focus on diet (and in particular, the availability and over-promotion of high calorie foods). It was also found that there has been no significant reduction in levels of exercise in the past 30 years, suggesting that the surge in obesity is a result of excessive calories.
In other words, the culprit is poor diet rather than any lack of exercise.
Although these findings were based on U.S studies, Boyd Swinburn, of Deakin University said the finding would be similar for other developed countries. In his words, "This is a call to focus public health attention more on the energy intake side. We need to limit our expectations of what an increase in physical activity can achieve."
Of course, we believe exercise is an important part of a healthy life, but it’s changing those unhealthy eating habits that will bring about the lasting changes that ultimately give us the energy to really get out and make the most of our lives.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'The winter advantage' - May 2009
Hello everyone,
As I write, we’re putting together the finishing touches to some new commercials featuring two of our inspirational success stories – Troy Finch and Fay Watts. Look out for them on air later this month.
It’s always a source of great pride when I see the amazing results our customers achieve. We provide all the support we can, but ultimately the journey is theirs and the achievements are a testament to their dedication and determination. Thanks also to Kathy Chisholm, who shares her story with us this month in the newsletter and also our autumn magazine. And we’re very grateful to those who are willing to share their weight loss stories and inspire others in this way.
As the winter weather starts to bite, it’s timely to remember the message of our TV campaign - that winter and healthy weight loss go hand in hand. Winter is not a time to hibernate. Get out and enjoy the crisp air. There’s a lot to love about winter and when we embrace the pleasures of the season, our bodies burn more energy just keeping warm. We call it the winter advantage.
Stay well, make sure you rug up against the chill, and include some hearty winter favourites like our Tikka Chicken recipe in your eating plan.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
'In every town there were amazing stories of individual achievement' - April 2009
As the weather cools and we move into a new season, I'm amazed how fast this year is flying by.
In the last month alone, we've had an extensive and most inspiring Meet & Greet tour, all over Victoria and South Australia. It's always humbling to meet so many inspirational people. In every town there were amazing stories of individual achievement.
A man I met in Adelaide's Castle Plaza particularly impressed me. His health had improved so dramatically as a result of his work on the Program that he had been able to come off insulin.
The subject of insulin is actually quite topical just now, with PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affecting nearly one in eight Australian women. Mostly it strikes women in their twenties and thirties, and insulin resistance is a contributing factor. PCOS can have devastating consequences on self-esteem and fertility. The good news is that weight loss and a healthier lifestyle can help significantly to normalise insulin. Women can then normalise other hormones and restore fertility. In fact, we've helped over 100 ladies with this problem become pregnant!
I'm also most excited to see the second edition of our Tony Ferguson Magazine is now out. Make sure you take some 'me-time' time to relax with a copy this autumn.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
After the first week our head office staff have collectively lost 40.3kgs - March 2009
Over the years, we've seen many brilliant health outcomes for our customers. It's what keeps us going and gives me enormous personal satisfaction. It got me thinking about how we might also help the people who work so hard to keep the wheels of Tony Ferguson Weightloss turning.
So recently we decided to offer the same life-changing opportunity to the staff at our head office in Penrith. 30 of our staff who needed some help with weight loss are participating in our 10 Week Workplace Program.
Penrith's local business community have also come on board with their support, enabling us to provide staff with weekly incentives, such as gift vouchers, to encourage our staff to succeed and reach their goals.
I'm proud to report that after the first week on the workplace program, our staff have collectively lost 40.3kg in total, and 30.5cm off their waists. In fact, the average weight loss per person is currently 1.3kg per week.
Our Workplace and Training Team are monitoring the staff on a weekly basis to ensure that they are provided with professional advice and constant support.
If you think your office would benefit from the Tony Ferguson Workplace Program, it's available right now from your local Terry White Chemists or Tony Ferguson Weightloss Centre. Simply ask in store for details or email workplaceprogram-au@tonyferguson.com and a consultant will be in touch.
Yours in good health
Tony Ferguson.
I have been busy travelling around Australia as part of our Meet & Greet tour - February 2009
During this month I have been busy travelling around Australia as part of our Meet & Greet tour. I am so glad to have such a grand opportunity to meet these inspirational people, hear their personal stories and share in the pride and joy of each individual's achievements.
One success story that stands out in my mind is a fellow I met who worked as a food waiter in order to fund his university education. Recently, not only has he graduated with a degree in Hotel Management, but following the Tony Ferguson Weightloss program he managed to lose an outstanding 45kg! His name is Christopher and his story is a perfect example of how desire, motivation and a great support network can help you to achieve anything. I am sure you will be seeing and hearing a lot more of him in months to come.
Over the next few weeks I will continue my Meet & Greet tours in Sydney and then on to Victoria in two weeks time. In the wake of the tragic fires, I hope we can bring joy to some testimonial faces when we visit down there.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
Happy New Year - January 2009
With the festive season behind us, another year begins - one that's filled with possibilities. I want to wish all our friends in the world of weight loss happiness and good health in 2009. I know our customers will continue to inspire us as they transform their lives, as living proof that a positive attitude, determination, and a little help from our friends, means that we can rise to any challenge.
Our latest TV campaign features 4 individuals who are living proof of this. Byron, Gerard, Kristy-Lee and Lyn. There's been a very positive response to their stories and we think you'll share our pride in their achievements. Lyn, who has lost 101kgs also recently featured on A Current Affair and in Who Magazine. What an inspiration for us all.
I'm also thrilled to say that Terry White Chemists continues to expand at a phenomenal rate and we're extremely proud to be an integral part of this.
Let's keep the momentum going!
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
Merry Christmas to all our friends in the world of weight loss! - December
Merry Christmas to all our friends in the world of weight loss! And may the New Year be one of joy and prosperity. Even in challenging times, it's wise to look on the upside. The truth is downturns can create surprising opportunities for positive thinkers and planners. There is another great saying: "don't let the turkeys bring you down to their level. They will beat you with experience!"
The Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program continues to be a life changing experience and many wonderful success stories took place in 2008. There's Robyn from Brisbane, who lost 84kg and then joined our staff to help others achieve success. We're also proud of Kevin from Hervey Bay, who lost 80kg and is an inspiration to those around him (he has even jumped out of a plane as a skydiver!). Congratulations also to Lyn in Victoria, who lost 101kg and is going from strength to strength.
With so many brilliant health outcomes for our customers, I get my greatest reward when they relate their stories to me.
Remember, the one thing we can change is tomorrow.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tony Ferguson.
What keeps me going today - November
Without fail, the most satisfying part of my job is meeting and hearing about people whose lives I've changed by helping them lose weight, it's what got me started in the first place and what keeps me going today. During the endless tours of Meet & Greets I have the opportunity to meet so many positive and healthy people and hear first hand how the Program has changed their lives by losing weight and regaining their self-esteem.
Recently I met up with Lyn Rose from Melbourne who has lost a staggering 100kgs! What's more is that her husband Chris has lost 46kgs too. Lyn is a huge inspiration to us all.
At the end of October we had two Meet & Greets at the Bribie Island Tony Ferguson clinic and the Northlakes Terry White Chemist. We had cook-offs from both Cook Books with everyone enjoying the tasty recipes. As always, there were tears and laughter and lots of stories shared so a huge thank you to all involved for another successful meeting.
Meet & Greets are the perfect opportunity to meet so many different people with inspirational stories so I encourage you to keep an ear out for when there's one at your local clinic or visit our Meet & Greet page. They really are the most motivational part of my job and are what keeps us all going here at Tony Ferguson to improve the Program so that more and more people can have success on it.
Yours in good health
Tony Ferguson
A Whole New World Of Convenience - October
We are so happy to announce that we’ve just launched our Munch Bars and Easy Meals. This has opened up a whole new world of convenience for our customers and I’m looking forward to hearing how they are helping everyone realise their ideal weight. One day I hope Tony Ferguson friendly food is available anywhere that nutritious food can make a difference.
Kevin Stevens who featured in our September eNewsletter, was so grateful to us that he was able to fulfil his dreams of skydiving that he’s volunteered to do it again in a Tony Ferguson pink suit at our megga Meet & Greet in Maryborough/Harvey Bay, so keep an eye out for the details on our Meet & Greet page
Yours in good health
Tony Ferguson
We are definitely making a big difference to so many lives - September
Obesity is not just an Australian problem. The levels of obesity are increasing across the entire developed world. I’ve recently returned from a two-week tour of the Life Pharmacy group in New Zealand, who are faced with the same problem as us – poor eating habits and rising levels of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While the outlook may seem bleak we are definitely making a big difference to so many lives.
It certainly has warmed up since I’ve been back and I’m sure we’re all glad that the worst of the whether is over so we can get out into the fresh air. If you’re like most people who want to lose weight, this time of year is a great opportunity to start a weight loss program or get back on track with your weightloss in preparation for summer. If you’ve not yet considered our Program or would like to find out more information please feel free to look around this website and find out more about how we can help you have a summer to look forward to.
And what a summer we’ve got in the making. The team and I are hard at work planning my next tour… a monster Meet & Greet around Australia. We’ll have speakers to motivate, true stories to inspire and lots of new products to tantalise your taste buds. So keep an eye out on our events page for when we’re in your neighbourhood.
Yours in good health
Tony Ferguson
It’s a very exciting time at Tony Ferguson with some wonderful new products - August
We are launching some great tasting new products you’ve been waiting for – milk and dark chocolate bars, the treat you’ve missed the most and a range of tantalising meals for your ease and convenience.
These products will help to make it even easier for you to enjoy success on our Weightloss Program.
And there’s more to come - we’ve got other fantastic products in the pipeline that will be available in the coming months.
Some other exciting news comes all the way from the US where we have just opened our first Tony Ferguson Weight loss and Wellness Centre.
Closer to home we are developing a schools initiative to educate primary school children on the benefits of starting the day with low GI foods – the biggest benefit being maintaining levels of concentration. Currently 30% of children go to school with absolutely no breakfast to start their day.
Finally, I hope you’ve been enjoying our successful winter television campaign and taking advantage of the winter months to assist with your weight loss, after all the sooner you start the sooner you’ll be seeing results, and Spring is just around the corner.
Yours in good health,
Tony Ferguson.
It’s widely acknowledged that there is a clear link between type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity - July
This month Diabetes Australia is holding National Diabetes Week from July 13 through to July 19 to promote awareness of diabetes. Which makes it a really good time for us to talk about diabetes and the health problems associated with the condition.
There are two kinds of diabetes but the most common by far is type 2. People with the condition are at risk of heart disease, stroke, circulation problems, eye and kidney problems, the list goes on.
And it’s widely acknowledged that there is a clear link between type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity.
It is also widely acknowledged that type 2 diabetes can be managed or even prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and having healthy eating patterns.
I would like to think Diabetes Week will get every one of us motivated to assess our lifestyles, check to see if we are at risk and start doing something about it.
One easy guide is to measure your waistline. For females if your waistline is 80 cm plus and males 90 cm plus you are more at risk. And if you think you are at risk then speak to your doctor.
Remember the only thing that you can change is tomorrow.
Yours in good health
Tony Ferguson
Increasing herbal tea consumption in winter can help with water intake - June
Hello eveyone,
During the colder months our thoughts naturally turn to food. Being out and about recently I have picked up some great tips to help make being on the Program a lot more enjoyable for winter.
One lady told me how she uses notatoes as a snack. She told me it's extra good with a little gravy on top and her kids really enjoy the eggplant and zucchini chips she makes for a little snack.
The Tony Ferguson Cook Book is already a big hit going from the number of people who think the rich beef casserole is just the thing for winter comfort food. And another tip I hear again and again is one you'll really like - heating up the morning shake especially the espresso, mocha, chocolate or vanilla shakes. They taste terrific and are even better with small sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg. The same goes for the hot soups at lunchtime they're always good in winter especially when you add extra vegetables to the soups.
It's also important to remember to keep up your consumption of 2 L of water in the winter months, which is quite often forgotten, so increasing herbal tea consumption in winter can help with water intake.
Another good idea is to stock up on chromium to help with those sugar cravings through winter.
Put all these healthy eating tips to work and you'll never get hungry on the Program.
And always try to get out of the house or your office and go for a walk, and when the sun comes out try to make the most of the sunshine, because the suns rays are not only good for you but they're also good for your sense of wellbeing.
Finally here's something I think you'll find quite surprising. It's actually easier to lose weight in winter than it is in summer, because we burn a lot more energy keeping our bodies warm.
Warm regards
Tony.
There is a clear connection between heart disease and obesity - May
Hello eveyone,
This month I want to talk about the connection between obesity and heart disease.
You may not be aware that obesity is fast becoming a bigger problem in the community than tobacco.
As a result heart disease and the associated risk of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes are now more than ever genuine concerns for many in the community.
If you are concerned about your heart health, weight reduction is one thing you can do about it right away.
And it’s only logical when you think about it.
Reducing your body size through weight loss you are in fact lessening the distance the heart needs to pump blood reducing your hearts workload.
And as little as a five to ten per cent weight reduction is all it takes to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
After reading this you may want to start doing something about your heart health today, because as I’ve said before, the only thing we can change is tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Tony.
Last updated 18 January 2010
