An Operation Transformation leader has defended the show against criticism saying not only is it changing her life and wellbeing but it is also saving her a lot of cash.
Sarah O’Connor Ryan from Co. Tipperary is one of five leaders taking part in the RTE show this season.
And a month in, the Ballina based singer said she’s not only shedding pounds and building up her confidence but she is also saving around €70 on her shopping bills each week too after ditching takeaways and processed foods.
The mum-of-four, from Co Tipperary, told the Irish Mirror: “Our food was atrocious before we came into the show.
“I just went for processed food, just throw it in the oven, or it would come out of a bag, or in a tray, or we would eat out a lot and get a lot of takeaways.
“I don’t think we are on our own in that. I think in the pandemic a lot of people turned to takeaways.
“But we added an awful lot of vegetables to the whole family’s meals which we hadn’t before. So it was a big change.”
And despite misconceptions that adding fruit and vegetables would increase her already expensive shopping bill, Sarah said : “We are obviously saving money on restaurants and takeaways costs, but actually we are saving a fortune overall in our shopping which I didn’t expect. I am just really shocked.
“Because I thought we would be spending an awful lot of money on veg and meat but actually we are not going beyond the second aisle.
“In a rough idea we would definitely be hitting over €200 every week in the shopping. And I would find in food I am now not going over €130 max.
“And like that is for six people per week, and that includes gluten-free as well which is that bit more expensive. There may be smaller shops in between, but I have certainly noticed there is a big drop in spending.”
Sarah, 38, revealed her time on the RTE show, which is hosted by Kathryn Thomas, “hasn’t been easy but it has benefited us overall”.
She revealed how a family wedding, where she had no interest in herself or how she looked, was the final trigger for her to apply for the show.
She said: “Inside it was like I was dead. Like the light was gone.
“I said something has to happen, I can’t stay feeling the way I do. That was the trigger.”
Heading into week five, Sarah, who lost 11lbs in her first week, said she has experienced a huge “shift” in her life. She added: “I can’t believe we are this far into it already, I don’t want it to end.
“I’m finding it positive overall definitely.”
She went on to defend the series in the wake of recent backlash.
Since the show returned last month, eating disorder group BodyWhys claimed it is “triggering” for some affected, while thousands have signed a petition calling on RTE to axe the programme.
Sarah said: “I honestly don’t think they are coming from a good place if I am honest with you.
“I think if somebody wants to improve themselves and their lives, and there is some avenue to help make that happen, which is Operation Transformation, and like that avenue has proven itself in the past few years to have changed from a weight loss show.
“Yes, there are the scales, but you can see when they are doing the health stats it is not just about the weight. Even the psychology side of it.
“I don’t think, and nor have I ever, thought of the show in a bad light.”
