Linda drops 6 dress sizes!
Catherine Matthews
Nutritionist
“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.”
This is especially relative for Linda, her 2 sisters have always been there for her and there support was never needed more than when she decided to embark on her first diet. Over the years her weight has slowly crept up, when Linda reached an all time high of 15 stone 4 lbs she knew the time had come to overhaul her bad habits. Linda had the determination and the relentless encouragement of her family spurring her on a weight loss journey that would change her life. She had two big events coming up and Linda had no doubt that she could achieve her weight loss goals before these occasions.
“I was going on holiday to Canada in June and more importantly to the World Jamboree in July where I was to lead a unit of 40 young people and I knew that I would have to be much fitter to keep up with them for the 2 week trip.”
Although Linda’s sisters attended weekly weight loss classes, she knew that the online website would be a much better option for her. As a result of health problems Linda decided the specialized diet and nutritional advice that the online programme offered would be more suitable.
“I retired from work due to ill health. My health problems have gotten worse since I started the menopause. This meant I couldn’t commit to going to a club every week so I looked at the internet for diets and found yours.”
As an asthmatic with a dairy allergy Linda knew that the Dairy free plan was the perfect choice for her. She was able to tailor her diet to her individual requirements in the comfort of her own home. Even though she was following a restricted diet Linda was still able to enjoy a balanced and healthy meal plan.
After just 9 months Linda achieved a 4 stone loss, she has lost over 34 inches and her BMI has reduced from one of 34 to 25. Amazingly she has dropped 6 dress sizes and instead of hiding her shape in frumpy size 22 clothes she enjoys shopping for the first time in high street stores which cater for her slim size 12 figure.
Reducing her weight will no doubt help to improve the symptoms of her asthma. Her fitness boost means she doesn’t get out of breath as often and she has much more energy to carry out her daily tasks.
“I find I can walk quicker than I used to and not get out of breath as often. My asthma is under a better control.”
Not only has her health significantly improved but she looks ten years younger and trendier.
“Never before was I able to wear size 10 trousers, now I can get them from high street shops. I didn’t have much confidence in my appearance and had to limit my shopping sprees to boutiques which catered for larger sized women.”
Linda had a previous diet that was laden with calorific snacks. She also enjoyed all the hefty meals that her mother prepared for her, no doubt these were delicious but Linda had no idea of how to curtail her portions.
“I used to eat cakes, biscuits, sweets, puddings, pizzas, Yorkshire puddings and dumplings.”
How things have changed!
“Now I eat much better. I monitor my calorie intake. I eat lots of rice and pasta dishes as well as potatoes. My fruit salads contain lots of fruit and if I am hungry between meals I eat fruit or low calorie alpen bars. I eat a lot more fish as well.”
Exercise has played a major role in helping Linda to tone up and maintain her weight loss. Physical activity has also become almost as important to her social life as her health.
“I have a camper van and have been regularly going on walking weekends with one sister. We also have a 4 mile block of country side roads that we regularly walk on. I am also quite active with an explorer scout unit which I run.”
To help maintain her weight Linda has become gym bunny.
"I joined a gym, for the first time in my 55 years, in January and I am addicted to going. I love it and i work hard on the machines and the weights. I strive to improve with each visit I make and can see a difference already. I would never have had the confidence to go when I was overweight."
And how have her family and friends reacted to her weight loss?
“Friends and family can’t believe the amount of weight my sisters, mother and I have lost. Between us we have lost 16 stone. I live with my mum and she has benefited from my diet and has changed some of her bad habits as well. Everyone comments on how well we have done when they see us. Some of the friends I went to Germany with were very impressed with my weight loss and I know at least one of them has signed up for a meal plan.”
Linda is understandably proud of her achievements but she is determined not to let her motivation wane and what better way to remind herself of just how far she has come than taking an after photo of the entire family.
“There is a Christmas 2006 photo of myself, my sisters and my brother which my mum framed and hung on the wall. We are planning to recreate this photo at Christmas and replace it with one of us all looking very different.” What a difference a year makes!
Linda has final words of praise for the online website, although all the hard work was her own!
“The diet has changed my eating habits for life and I am determined to keep the weight off in the future. I could only dream of being this weight in the past so thank you for your help in making this happen.”
