We lost 12 stone between us
Having endured arthritis and knee problems for years, Carol just wanted to find a diet that was easy to follow and effective. After spotting a leaflet for the online diet programme in her local Tesco store, Carol decided there and then to register for the online High Fibre plan. Less than a year later and Carol has lost more than 5 stone and gone from a size 20 to a size 12.
Carol explains how the diet worked for her…
What made you decide to join us?
I developed arthritis following a knee injury. I felt fat and unattractive. Having seen the dieting leaflet in my local shop, I decided to join. My husband and I knew we needed to lose weight, so we just went for it.
Have your partner or children been supportive of your weight loss efforts?
My husband has been supportive of my diet. He’s lost over 6 stone and feels so much better. When my daughter was home in the Summer she too joined in and lost a stone.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
I couldn’t get clothes I felt good in and I found it difficult to walk the dog or even walk anywhere much at all. I got very puffed and was quite unfit and certainly couldn’t play tennis. I also felt self-conscious about my size and that made me quite shy. I never wanted to go out as I thought people were looking at me and thinking how fat I was.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us?
We ate a lot of ready meals, processed foods and take aways. I ate far too many sweets, crisps and biscuits. A particular problem was that we snacked in the evenings. Now I eat far more fruit and vegetables. We enjoy our food much more and it seems far tastier and more enjoyable too. I still have the odd biscuit or piece of chocolate, but more often than not I will have dried fruit or a cracker as a snack. The diet has also helped us to make better choices when we go out for meals.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
I feel healthier and fitter. It’s also made me poorer because I have ended up buying so many new clothes! I feel like a normal woman now and it helps that my friends have been admiring the new me.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
I love their admiring looks and comments. Everyone has said how much better and younger I look. And at tennis once, my doubles partner served when I wasn’t ready. He joked that he couldn’t see me because I was standing sideways. At least 5 friends have joined the diet club, now they have seen my results.
Have you enjoyed the diet plan?
The thing I like best is that the online programme provides the menus and shopping list every week. That was the biggest factor in our success. I don’t particularly like cooking, but I have cooked more on this diet than I did before. It’s also very easy to change ingredients using the edit option. The forums were great, I was supported by a group of like minded people. I want to give particular thanks to Hilary for the Ireland Community Forum.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I feel more attractive and hold my head up high now when I’m out. I’m back to wearing jeans and tight clothes as I am no longer ashamed of my figure. I can do what I want, whereas I was previously stopped by my size and lack of fitness.
Have you any tips you would like to give?
It’s important to be active and plan time to exercise each day. Even the dog is getting more exercise! We find the evenings are still the time we are most tempted to snack, so I keep some calories back from the diet plan in case I feel like a treat in the evening. I’d recommend the online diet programme to anyone who wants to lose weight and I already have done.
