Age: 36
Height: 5' 4"
Start Weight: 14st 8lb
Current Weight: 8st 4lb
Goal Weight: 8st 6lb
Weight Lost: 6st 2lb
Working to Rate of Loss: 1½lb per week
Weight Loss History
Until I got to 14st 8lbs in January 2004 after stopping
smoking to try for a baby and then having two babies 13 months
apart, I had never dieted before.
I started by trying
Atkins/Low Carb diet which did start my
weight loss. I then decided on calorie counting and exercising
as a more normal way of eating and as I had struggled with
cravings I wanted to get to goal with a view to eating a
balanced, healthy diet in the long term.
Have you lost weight before
and regained the weight?
No this was the first time I had a problem with gaining
weight. When I found myself so overweight – by six stones! – it
was terrible. I felt my body was out of control and I
desperately wanted to get back to being ‘me’ and it seemed a
very big challenge. I had no real idea of how to start.
How being overweight has affected you…
At my heaviest weight, I lost all confidence and had no
energy. I suffered from a bad back and my knees were affected by
the extra weight on my small frame. I suffered from anxiety and
panic attacks.
I felt frumpy, unattractive and didn’t want to go on holiday
or attend even family social events.
I would go, grin and bear it and cry after seeing
photos/videos of myself. I lost interest in clothes and make-up,
feeling I wasn’t worth it.
Gradually as I lost weight I got my confidence back. I love
to go on holiday and am delighted to wear anything I want in
size 8-10!
I am now very active. I have joined a gym and love to try
everything from Bodypump to yoga. I walk my dog’s everyday. No
more panic attacks.
Housework/gardening is done in half the time. First to burn
calories doing it and secondly, so I have more time to do social
things like the gym and going out. Losing the weight has made
such a difference and I am so much happier.
Motivation to Lose Weight
How I felt physically and emotionally about myself initially
motivated me to lose weight.
I then worked towards goals such as Christmas. The greatest
motivation of all was when our wedding date was set for 6th July
2005. I was determined not to settle for anything less than
being at goal for that.
Discovering Weight Loss Resources
I was searching for information on counting calories when I
found WLR. I tried the free trial and thought it was great
value compared to reading through calorie counting books. The
food diary and planner were easy to use.
How Weight Loss Resources Helps
It was taking me a long time to lose the final stones before
I found WLR. Since using it I have steadily lost at least one
pound a week. I have chosen to maintain on certain weeks if I
was struggling with routine at home etc.
My eating patterns are now a regular three meals a day.
I have learned to save some of my exercise calories to have
treats at the weekend. The advice from the other members on the
forum is always spot on. Everyone is very encouraging and on
reaching goal and going off to get married I received such
lovely messages of support and good wishes.
The Best of Weight Loss Resources
I use the food diary and exercise diary daily. I try to have
a quick look on the forums when I am online.
I like to have a look at the latest information provided by
WLR on the home pages and join the exercise challenges to help
keep me motivated.
I update my results every week.
Diane's Tips for Losing Weight
I would advise others to fill in the food diary each day and
try to exercise to save some of those calories for special meals
out or weekends.
Like me maybe you cannot start straightaway with exercise at
the gym or walking but you can start with things like housework,
DIY or gardening to encourage you and start from there. When you
see the calories expended doing these things it can be an
incentive!
There’s lots of information on
exercise/activities to try.
Use the food planner for a week or two to get into the
routine of eating regularly.
Join in on the forum whenever you can. The support can really
help.
Use the site often and make the most of it!
I think regular exercise makes such a difference. Not only
for extra calories but I always feel better for doing it. Even
just 30 minutes of walking can make you feel good and keep you
positive. Every month I adjusted my exercise routine such as
planning to walk so many days a week. At the end of the month I
chose a non-food treat and planned ahead for the next month.
Keep changing the exercise to suit how you feel and stop you
getting bored.
Try to eat as much fresh food as possible.
Drink lots of
water.
Take your ‘weight loss’ journey one step at a
time.
Don’t give up! You can do it. If I can, you can and WLR is
the best diet tool to help you get to your goal.
For a time I used the Paul McKenna book as a help to get me
to stop worrying about particular food groups. It really helped
me to realise when I am full and the advice to sit down and eat
a meal slowly rather than snacking on the go and enjoy enjoying
food made sense.
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