A woman who has turned around the lives of numerous Teignmouth residents is expanding and launching her wellness business in Newton Abbot this Saturday (January 10).

Teign Nutrition, which offers members a tailored plan of community support coaching, nutrition and exercise plans, will be formally opened at 11.30am at Bridge House on Courtenay Street by Newton Abbot mayor councillor Colin Parker.

Bonita Curtis set up Teign Nutrition after she lost 30 kilos when she joined a similar initiative in Exeter and learnt how diet, exercise and simple lifestyle changes could make a huge difference not just to her weight but to her energy and vitality.

‘After going through the early menopause, having my gallbladder removed and then having a hysterectomy, I piled the weight on and nothing seemed to help,’ Bonita explained. She took up the offer of a free wellness evaluation when she was 50 and discovered that her metabolic age was that of a 65-year-old and that her visceral fat was dangerously high.

Being part of a supportive community and adapting to a healthier diet and exercise plan ‘transformed’ her life. ‘I ate more than before but lost weight,’ she said. ‘It helped me understand what food does for the body,’ she added. ‘I felt so much better.’

Teign Nutrition is designed as a friendly, supportive community where participants can lose weight, gain muscle, improve their health or simply feel better day-to-day.

The Newton Abbot venue will host daily breakfast clubs where participants can meet up and encourage eachother and one-to-one sessions for personalised planning and accountability.

At the official opening, visitors will be able to enjoy fizz, canapés and product samples and meet current members who have benefited from the plan.

‘This isn’t just a launch,’ Bonita commented, ‘it’s the start of a local wellness community built around support, education and long-term health.’