The easiest diet I ever followed!
Nutrition Team
Being the full time carer of a disabled family member is a commendable, but physically draining task. Colette was worried that her creeping weight would interfere with her ability to cope with her daughter’s daily needs. After coming across an advert for online diet plans, Colette decided to register for the online Light Choices diet plan. In just 18 months she had achieved a tremendous 12 stone 5 lbs loss and reduced her BMI from a worryingly high one of 55 to a much healthier BMI of 26. Colette also dropped 8 dress sizes, so a new wardrobe was necessary!
Here she tells us her inspiring her story…
What made you decide to join us?
I had thought about starting a diet for a few months, but without much enthusiasm. Then one day whilst struggling to help my daughter get washed and dressed, it suddenly hit me that if I was having so many problems now, they would get worse as I aged. I was totally unfit and overweight and because of this would possibly not even be around much longer to look after her. I made the decision there and then to sign up to the Light Choices plan.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
Clothes shopping was so depressing. I hated being invited out and always tried to back out of social occasions. I didn’t want anybody to notice me and I would never dream of getting up to go to the food table at parties as I was convinced everyone was watching me, “to see how much food the fat girl put on her plate.” When I was young I was extrovert but gradually I became more introverted, and my self esteem dropped to my boots.
How has your diet changed since joining us?
My food habits before dieting were unbelievably unhealthy. I skipped breakfast and then stuffed myself with crisps and biscuits at lunch. Supper was always a box of cakes, packet of biscuits or a large bar of chocolate. My diet is much healthier now, I have a proper breakfast, a healthy lunch, lots of fruit and vegetables, and using the recipes on my plan I still manage to have curries for my evening meal. If I ever do have crisps and chocolate, I always buy the healthier options.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
The main difference losing weight has made to me is caring for my daughter, her personal care is so much easier now. I love shopping for clothes, and my wardrobe is bursting at the seams. I can’t wait for party invites so that I can buy a new dress. I drag my husband out walking, every chance we get, and my self confidence has come back in leaps and bounds.
Did you enjoy the service?
I loved the Light Choices plan, it was the easiest diet I ever followed. I plan my shopping list around the food plan so that I always know what I need in the cupboard, and the flexibility of being able to change meals or food items so easily was fantastic.
Has exercise planned any part in helping you to lose weight?
I couldn’t do any exercise for the first few months due to back pain. As the weight dropped so did my back pain, so I was able to start going for small walks. I joined an exercise class, which I now attend twice a week. I absolutely love it, and still can’t believe how fit and healthy I feel. My husband is the one asking me to slow down now.
Have you any advice for others that are struggling with weight loss?
If like me you aren’t a vegetable lover, don’t let it put you off trying recipes, I chop courgettes, celery and broccoli into little pieces, I barely notice I am eating them. I would recommend using the support boards, the girls on the Lots to Lose board have been fabulous, there is always someone around to give you advice, encouragement or a sympathetic ear when you need it, and often a good laugh too!