Rachel's Weight Loss Success

AKA "Rachelr" on Weight Loss Resources

About Rachel

I am an office worker – so I get a lot of time just sat in front of a screen making it extremely easy to snack and very hard to burn extra calories.

I am married with a two and half year old daughter. Trying very hard to stop buying sweet treats in for my daughter. Both my husband and me have struggled for years with our weight and would like to be a better guide for our daughter.

Weight Loss History

Weight Watchers without much success – far too complicated.

Slimming World before I had my daughter and I did almost get to my goal weight. However Slimming World does not provide a solid grounding on eating healthily. You could eat vast amounts of their ‘free foods’ which is great when following their plan. Unfortunately I became very used to plates full of pasta and potatoes. So when I came off their plan my portions stayed the same size.

It has taken a long time to get used to the idea of smaller portions, which is why it took me so long to achieve goal weight this time round.

How being overweight has affected you…

I was terribly self conscious and always felt as though people were sniggering at me. I tried to avoid going out with my friends as they always looked superb. Bedroom activity was virtually none existent as I just felt so huge.

Motivation to Lose Weight

To be a healthy role model for my young daughter and to help me start to feel good about myself.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

I like reading the message boards – they help you realise that you are not abnormal because you have a weight problem.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

I regularly use the food and exercise diary – this is essential to me. It helps keep me on track.

The message boards are also superb – there are a lot of clever people out there who are more than willing to share their knowledge and ideas.

Lifestyle Changes

Since losing weight can you give some examples of how your life has changed?

I generally have a much healthier and happier outlook.

I now no longer beat myself up if I over eat. I simply allow for it over the next few days. This makes me a much happier person.

Gone are the shapeless tracksuit bottoms and baggy T-shirts. I love fitted clothes now. I will never be stick thin. I am a nice hourglass shape and love to show this off.

My daughter loves the new me. I am no longer afraid of being the fat mum at the park. I am now the mad mum that goes on the slides and seesaw with her.

Exercise Routine

I have found a love for running. Never thought I would ever run, always hated it before.

Diet Changes

None really as I still love my food – I just try and do it in moderation. I have cut down my alcohol intake down a lot as well.

Typical Dinner – Before

A vast plates of pasta and sauce with a huge jacket potato.

Typical Dinner – Now

Pasta or potato with salad.

Why do you think WLR has helped you lose weight where other diets have failed?

I think it’s because it’s more of a life style change and education rather than a diet.

Rachel's Weight Loss Tips

Smaller portions and don’t worry if you ‘blow it’ for one or 2 days – there is always tomorrow. This is not a diet it’s a lifestyle change and it’s a plan to follow.

Major Changes

No major new changes for me, although I did change jobs in December last year and was spurred on by a colleague in January when I started this and who has been great all along providing ideas and support.

Rachel's Vital Statistics

	Before	Now
Weight	10st 6lb	8st 10lb