Catherine Matthews

The reasons for dieting are varied and numerous but none are as valid as losing weight to improve ones health. Irene is only too aware of the dangers that coincide with a fatty, calorie laden diet.

She was diagnosed with high cholesterol and when her doctor gave her the ultimatum to either take medication or embark on a healthy eating plan she knew there was no real choice.

There and then in the doctors office Irene took a deep breath and made the decision to turn her life around.

“I was unhappy with the way I looked and I found that I got tired and breathless when I played with my grandchildren. Then to top it all I had a health check where I was informed that I had very high cholesterol. I could either go on medication or try to reduce it by dieting. It was easy, I chose to diet.”

Irene registered with the online Cholesterol lowering plan 9 months ago. In that short time she not only achieved a 2 stone 4 lbs loss but also managed to significantly reduce her cholesterol levels. Her BMI is now a very healthy 22 after reducing it from a risky one of 28.

"In 9 months Irene not only achieved a 2 stone 4 lbs loss but also managed to significantly reduce her cholesterol levels.!"

“This diet was not just about losing weight but was also to achieve weight loss for health reasons. Now that my cholesterol level has reduced to a healthier level I don’t want it to increase again.”

Due to her diagnosis Irene had to completely reshape her dietary habits, the time had come to throw the biscuit tin in the rubbish and reduce the amount of dairy products passing her lips!

“I had a reasonably healthy diet before but I did eat a lot of dairy products such as butter, cream and I loved bread. Biscuits were also a big weakness. I now have much smaller portions of these products and I can honestly admit that I do not miss them. I have also cut back on the frequency with which I snack between meals.”

Her quality of life has improved greatly since joining the plans, Irene describes how.

“I feel and look so much better now. My confidence has rocketed. Now my wardrobe is much better as well, I love buying new clothes. I am so proud of how well I have done!”

Irene admits that her weight loss progress has not always run smoothly but with perseverance it is possible to reach goals and change those bad habits.

“The weight loss has taken longer than I expected but I think losing slowly will help me to keep it off. There were several weeks when I didn’t lose anything but I never gave up like I have previously done when following other diets. I made small alterations to spice things up and in the end I did get the result I wanted!”