Barbara looks years younger with 2 stone loss!
Tired of feeling like a frumpy old woman Barbara decided enough was enough and joined our Online Healthy Eating Plan. Although she is only 40 she was constantly paranoid that she looked much older.
Her confidence was at an all time low and it took a change of attitude and our healthy eating plan to alter her self image and revitalise her zest for life.
“I felt old and fat. After looking through some photographs I realised how awful I looked, my size 16 clothes didn’t fit me and my self esteem was virtually non existent. I suddenly realised that I didn’t want to be fat at forty. The thought of the young people I worked with or my children referring to me as that ‘old woman’ or not wanting to be seen with me was very scary.”
Her fashion style lacked femininity because of her constant need to disguise her shape and remain unnoticed. Deep down there was a strong vibrant personality itching to burst out but it certainly was not going to happen until she became happier in herself.
“After struggling for over a year to lose 8 lbs I decided to register with the online weight loss programme. At the start I weighed 10 stone 3 lbs and I was hurdling towards a size 18. I couldn’t find clothes that I liked which fitted me; I wanted to dress for my age and not like my grandmother.”
Although Barbara has followed many well known diet plans over the years she never came close to the success she achieved with the Healthy eating plan.
“My current weight is 8 stone 3 lbs and I fit into a size 8-10. In the past few months I have lost well over 22 inches all over but unfortunately my husband in none too happy about the 6 inch loss from my bust. Although he does think I look fantastic!!”
Since losing the weight she has become quite the heart breaker.
“Some people don’t even recognize me! I have been asked to be a pin up for some of the chaps at work, who keep saying how great I look, needless to say I declined gracefully!”
And there is no doubt that her new summer wardrobe will set a few pulses racing too.
“I have just bought my first bikini in the sales, the only bikini I have owned since the age of 21.”
In addition to developing a deeper sense of satisfaction with her appearance Barbara is also over the moon with the improvement in her asthma symptoms since dropping the weight. Now she is able to carry out much more exercise without the risk of running out of breath, her energy levels are higher which is evident by her endless list of social and exercise commitments.
“I am an assistant Cub Scout leader, I love going to Ballroom and Latin dancing classes as well as going for a run before work.”
Barbara had to make some difficult changes to get her diet on track not least of which was cutting back on the sugary stuff.
“I always used to think my family ate healthily but we had the balance completely wrong. We were easily distracted by cakes, sweets, chocolate and alcohol. My trait to celebrate any achievement was to reward myself or the family with food such as cream cakes, take aways or going out for meals.”
It seems she has found the balance between overeating junk food and completely restricting herself as she explains.
“I don’t have the urge for sweets and chocolate like I used to. I still have the occasional glass of toffee vodka and if I have a slip up with food, I forgive myself and I’m back on track the following day.”
Barbara has some words of advice for any dieters that are struggling.
“Treat yourself regularly with a bit of pampering or a treat but not food. Set yourself small achievable targets, for example when you lose 7 lbs have a manicure or haircut, when you lose 14 lbs have a massage.”
Surely there have never been better incentives to lose weight!
