If a healthy lifestyle is a coin….
Here she tells us how she did it…
What made you decide to join us?
My mother lost a lot of weight, and I hated being bigger than her. I realised that I had control of my weight, because I’d given up trying until then. My health was suffering too – I couldn’t walk far without getting out of breath, I had back pain and my knees were starting to hurt. I hated what I looked like and didn’t like what I saw in the mirror.
What Tesco Diets plan did you follow?
I went with the Gi plan because it helped to keep me feeling fuller for longer.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
I hated how I looked; I hated being in photographs and I hated seeing myself in the mirror. I was very embarrassed by my size, and neglected the rest of my body. I never did my nails and I kept my hair short. My confidence was very low, as I felt that I was written off by others, for having no self-control and I thought that noone would take me seriously because I was fat. I felt that people couldn’t see me, just my size. I was uncomfortable going out with people because I thought I was only ever asked out of pity.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us and how it has changed as a result?
I usually skipped breakfast, believing I didn’t have enough time. By 11 am I’d snack on chocolate and by lunch I was starving and would end up eating large portions. After work I ate toast, cake and biscuits. My dinners were massive and stodgy. Sometimes I wouldn’t even be very hungry, but I just loved the idea of food. Since beginning my diet, I make time for breakfast, which is a major change for me. I still have sandwiches for lunch, but keep an eye on the fillings. I swapped cake and biscuits for another treat-a fresh fruit smoothie. I am more adventurous with dinners now. I don’t spend extra money on healthy living. The meal plans are excellent, and offer huge variety. Eating badly now would just feel like a waste.
Has exercise played any part in helping you to lose weight?
Exercise is as important as eating right. If a healthy lifestyle is a coin, then healthy food is one side, and exercise is the other. I’ve always loved to walk, so I decided that it was best to start with something that I would continue doing. I went for walks at the weekend and in the evenings. I also started cycling with my husband, to vary my exercise pattern and keep myself motivated. The best thing about walking and cycling is that it’s free. I’ll never want to stop exercising now – I never thought I would feel this way, but I can’t imagine a day without exercise.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I am delighted with my weight loss and see it as a lifestyle more than a chore. I am particularly proud that I can come home from work really hungry, but still have a calorie controlled snack. I am no longer governed by having eyes larger than my stomach.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
Losing the weight means that I can move fast and I have energy. I’ve got the confidence to dress in beautiful clothes and to draw attention to myself – I like people to notice me now. People have been so complimentary and I feel so happy that others notice my achievement. Also it’s easier walking with your head held high when you’re not dragging extra weight around. At work, I have a lot more self-belief. I have more confidence in my abilities, and have just started a college course.
Have you any other information you would like to give?
I would just say that you have to be in the right frame of mind to begin to diet and exercise . From the day I started, I haven’t had any problems staying on the diet and now it is simply the way I will always eat.
