Sheila's found a new way to diet
Sheila was fed up with trying different fad diets that promised more than they delivered. She vowed once and for all to find a diet would fit into her lifestyle and help her to achieve her goal of a sustainable weight loss.
Here’s Sheila’s story…
How long have you been a member?
I joined 14 months ago.
What diet plan did you follow?
Have you previously tried any other diets and were they successful?
In the past I have calorie-counted, and joined a slimming magazine. I lost some weight but the diets weren’t sustainable so I quickly reverted back to my old habits and put the weight back on.
What weight and clothes size were you before you joined us, and what is your current weight and clothes size?
I was 14 stone 10 lbs, size 20/22 and I am now 11 stone 10lbs and a size 16.
Did you lose any inches?
Yes lots, I lost 4½ inches from my chest, 5½ from my waist, 6½ from my hips and my body fat has dropped from 44% to 36%. My BMI was in the obese category at 31 and is now a healthy 25.
What made you decide to join us?
Over the years my weight had been creeping up slowly. I was getting out of breath very quickly and I noticed that I was constantly wearing the same few comfortable outfits. I felt really frumpy. The last straw came when I went to buy a pair of trousers and had to buy the size 22, I was horrified, I was no longer 14 stone, I was in fact 14 stone 10 lbs.
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
Walking played a big part in my weight loss. I am very fortunate to live at the seaside so I enjoyed walking along the shore. Unfortunately, 4 months ago, I seized up completely with arthritis in my hip. The lack of exercise caused a slump in my weight loss but gradually the weight came off. I am now recovering from hip replacement surgery and I’m sure the fact that I am much slimmer has aided me in my recovery.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
Yes it was. I realised that I was wearing the same few outfits all the time because they were comfortable. I also noticed that I was getting out less than before because I felt embarrassed about my size. I knew I had to deal with my weight before my health began to suffer.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
I have so much more energy now, I feel like I can tackle any situation.
Have you enjoyed the diet plan?
Yes I have. I found it easy to fit the Total Wellbeing plan into my lifestyle. The recipes gave me great ideas that enabled me to create my own dishes. The TWB support board has been fantastic, the information and help has been great and kept me going when I wobbled!
Tell us about your diet before you joined us?
I used to have a problem with portion sizes; I would eat lots of bread, butter and cheese. Now I make sure that I start the day with a filling breakfast and swap all my high fat options for protein and vegetables.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I am so pleased that after so long, I have managed to reach my target weight.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?
Yes, because TWB really is a plan for life. I now know that I can make sensible choices without worrying obsessively about my diet.
Any other tips you would like to give?
Don’t set yourself unrealistic goals. Every day you stick to the plan is another day of healthy eating, but if you stray it’s not the end of the world! Don’t let that little mishap escalate into something larger. Draw a line under it and get back on track!
