Nissa discovered her recipe for success
Nissa battled with her weight since a young age but with the help of a healthy diet and exercise she has lost 4 stone 3lbs and finally has the confidence to live life to the full.
Nissa shares her story with us...
What made you decide to join us?
I’ve always been heavy and I’ve struggled with my weight over the years. I was so used to being overweight that it didn’t bother me that much, I thought it was normal. It was easier to just ignore the problem. Then I saw some holiday photos of myself, I spent about 2 months thinking about how horrible I looked in them. Something in my head clicked, I didn’t want to be like that anymore. My sister told me about her friend who had lost 5 stone through your service so I decided to give it a try.
What weight and clothes size were you before you joined us, and what is your current weight and clothes size?
I was 17 stone 7 lbs and a size 22. Currently I am a size 14-16 and I weigh 13 stone 4 lbs.
What diet plan did you follow?
I have followed Gi, Light Choices and Low Fat. I switch between plans every so often for a bit of variety.
Have you previously tried any other diets and were they successful?
During my teenage years I tried various diets that involved counting points. They were successful at the time but then I would come off them and end up gaining even more weight.
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
I’m naturally lazy so exercising wasn’t a part of my life. Initially I just walked the dog a bit more regularly. Then a few months ago I reached a plateau and decided that I needed to do something. I invested in a cross-trainer which I use several times a week. I also use several different fitness DVD’s. I like to mix aerobic and toning exercises, usually for around 1 hour a day, 4-5 days a week. And the dog still gets taken for his walks.
Did you find that the Recipe Club helped you with your weight loss?
I joined the Recipe Club in order to get a bit more variety in my meals; this really helped to keep me motivated. There are some really tasty recipes available so it prevents me from getting bored and falling off the wagon.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
I didn’t realise just how big an effect losing the weight would have on me, both physically and mentally. I feel so much more confident now, situations that would have intimidated me in the past, like walking into a bar, no longer frighten me. Now I have the confidence to try new activities, something I never thought I would do.
Have you enjoyed the diet plan?
I found the plan really easy to follow; you just need to be organised. The meal plan is brilliant. For me personally, I need the structure of having each meal planned out. The genius of the meal plan is that while it is structured, you still have the option to edit meals to your personal tastes.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us?
There was a lot more junk food and pasta in my previous diet; I also ate less fruit and vegetables. Now I’m far more aware of the calorie content of food, including the sweet stuff. I now look at the calories before I buy something and I’ll put it back if the calories are too high. Basically, I now eat more of the healthy things and less of the bad things.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
Everyone has been very positive. One friend, who I don’t see that often, came for a visit recently. When she saw me she actually stopped in her tracks and exclaimed ‘you look so different’, it was a lovely comment to hear. My workmates have also been very positive and I’ve been told that I look much younger. I have even been asked to give them a twirl on more than one occasion. My dad told me that I look great and that he’s really proud of me. All this does wonders for your motivation.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I feels great. It has made such a positive difference to pretty much every aspect of my life, my confidence, my demeanor and my wardrobe.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?
That’s the bit I’m most scared about. I’ve always managed to lose weight in the past but it’s been maintaining it that I couldn’t manage. However, my heart wasn’t in it before, now I feel so much better about myself so I’m sure that I’ll be able to do it.
