Alison's Weight Loss Success
Alison has used the tools and resources of WLR to control
her food intake. To date, she is 3½st lighter, fitter and
healthier.
Age: 44
Height: 5' 2½"
Start Weight: 13st 4lb
Current Weight: 9st 9lb
Goal Weight: 9st 4lb
Weight Lost: 3st 9lb
Working to Rate of Loss: 1½lb per week
Weight Loss History
Didn’t do any official diets. I used to be very active and
whilst I was always what you might call chunky I was pretty fit
and never had to bother that much about what I ate. I used to go
sea kayaking and diving, and worked with kids in an adventure
playground, and that was enough.
Have you lost weight before
and regained the weight?
No, it’s gradually snuck up on me! I always felt that I was
fat since I was a child, but looking at photos I really wasn’t.
How being overweight has affected you…
My weight kept creeping up when I was no longer able to do
all the outdoor sport I used to before I had children. Walking
to the café doesn’t really count!
I didn’t really notice my weight going on as it went on
fairly evenly and I still had a decent figure but I started to
think there weren’t any nice clothes in the shops any more!
Motivation to Lose Weight
Having got down to 8 st 12lbs last time round on WLR, I just
really enjoyed being able to easily find clothes that suited me,
and felt more energetic.
Discovering Weight Loss Resources
Someone mentioned it at work.
How Weight Loss Resources Helps
I had a pretty healthy diet but I had absolutely no concept
of portion control, and the site clearly demonstrates how to do
that.
I love the fact that you can enter any combination of foods
you like, even the half fish fingers stolen from the kids’
plates, and the site can cope with that.
I don’t eat meat, and most diets don’t cater for that, so
being able to make my own diet fit the calories was much more
useful to me. I didn’t change what I ate much, but I eat pasta
less often as I just couldn’t eat a small amount.
Being able to enter a recipe and have the nutritional content
calculated is really useful.
I really like the way that the site allows you to cut back
very slightly and still see benefits. In the same way that
eating a small amount extra in a week will gradually build up,
you can reduce very slightly and see a difference over time.
Generally the amount of control the site gives you is what I
love. I don’t like being told what to do, but WLR treats you
like a grown up- you get the tools and make of them what you
will, and I think that’s what makes it sustainable over the long
term.
The Best of Weight Loss Resources
I used only the food diary for a long time. I think I was
just unlucky as the first couple of times I looked at the
message boards. People seemed to be complaining about having
gone out and had 13 Bacardi Breezers or some such thing. Feeling
very vulnerable and unsure of myself I was wary of being swamped
by other peoples’ problems.
I started to use the message boards and have had so many good
laughs and good advice, whether on the subject of weight loss or
not. I really like the fact that you can get such a range of
opinions on every topic. We all enjoy deciding what hairdo
someone should have, or what colour they should paint their
living room, but there is also real concern and support when
people hit the hard times.
The occasional special challenges set up by WLR have been a
good opportunity for people to support each other through
achieving a goal.
Alison's Tips for Losing Weight
Fill in the food diary. Weigh everything. Don’t be put off by
the occasional mistake but also:
I try to always know where my next meal is coming from-
hunger and desperation mean bad choices. I usually have
something to eat in my bag.
I can’t really drink and be sensible around food, especially
buffets, so I try not to put myself in that situation too often.
Shorter term goals work best. If I’d thought I was going to
lose so much weight I’d never have started.
When I was in the midst of losing 3 ½ stone I always had the
next sized pair of jeans waiting for me (thanks Barnardos!). I
always knew I’d got there when they fitted.
More Information
WLR Member Challenges WLR
run a series of Member Challenges throughout the year, which aim
to focus members’ on their weight loss, healthy eating and
fitness goals. WLR Members are renowned for offering
support, advice, help and friendship to all those joining in a
Challenge. Each member posts news of their progress on the
Challenge Message Board in Members Forum and shares in successes
which can inspire and offer encouragement to all. |
