Lisa's birthday present to herself
Nutrition Team Lisa had tried various diets in the past, but nothing really worked for her. She vowed that she would lose weight before her thirtieth birthday, and this time she was determined to do it healthily. Lisa achieved a 2 stone 2 lb loss within 6 months of joining.
Here she tells us her story…
What made you decide to join us?
I stepped on the scales and realised I was the heaviest that I had ever been. I knew that in 5 months I would be turning 30 and I really didn’t want to be entering my thirties in the state I was in. It was the deadline that gave me the push to sign up. I’m good under pressure and this gave me something to focus on and work towards. Due to work slowing down, I knew I would have the energy to commit to the diet properly.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
I hated when my pictures were taken and I vetted any that were. Shopping was something I avoided like the plague as it was so disappointing to have to find size 18 clothes and to see my already huge bras were getting too small. Also clothes that I loved which previously fitted were getting too small. I was particularly uncomfortable wearing dresses and for my Christmas party which was a huge event I dreaded having to find something appropriate. The dress I ended up in is still in my wardrobe; when I reach my target weight I will put it on again to see the difference.
Tell us about your diet before you join us.
Before I started the diet I didn’t think I ate that badly. I ate plenty of vegetables and protein, and very little processed foods. However, I lacked portion control. I now eat a proper breakfast and include far more fruit in my diet than before. I order less and go for much healthier options than before. A big change for me is also my alcohol consumption. I have scaled back so much, especially after seeing the particularly negative effects one week when I succumbed to fast food. Waking up the next morning and feeling disappointed in my myself was enough to put me back on track.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
Losing weight has seriously meant so much to me. The day of my birthday I woke up knowing that I was in the best shape of the past 8 years and the feeling was amazing. I’ve noticed stomach muscles for the first time in years. My confidence is so much better now. I wear tank tops while before I always covered my arms and shoulders.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
My partner has been incredibly supportive and has on occasion gently put me back on track when I eyed up a pudding. My family were also been behind me all the way, giving me endless encouragement and noticing the changes right from the beginning. The reaction of everyone at my birthday party was great as some were quite shocked by the loss. It still gives me a buzz when people comment on it and this gives me a further impetus to reach my target weight and maintain it.
Have you any other information you would like to give?
I loved the structure of it and I wasn’t alone in my weight loss journey. I know a lot more about what goes into my mouth now. This is a permanent weight loss.
