Success Story: Sara

AKA "Saraelin" on Weight Loss Resources

Weight Loss History

None. However, I have done 1 day on Carol Vorderman's detox, 1 day on Weight Watchers, 1 day on Fat Flush Plan, 1 day on various magazine miracle diets...

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

No. But I was a very successful gainer - gained a stone in 6 months and it wasn't about to stop either. Lucky I joined WLR when I did!

How being overweight has affected you…

Well, it didn't really because I was completely in denial! My clothes stopped fitting me - but I just put that down to shrinking in the wash. (Yes, I thought all of my trousers and skirts had shrunk - mad!) I was convinced I was still slim and could eat what I wanted when in fact the weight was creeping up and up. I had to buy clothes 2 sizes bigger but convinced myself it was the shop sizing, not me.

Thing was, because I had always been underweight, my friends and close family wouldn't mention it. Eventually, I was at a wedding and joked that I would borrow the bride's dress for my own wedding and a friend (who was a bit tipsy!) laughed and said I'd be at least 2 sizes too big for it.

I eventually bought a set of scales (didn't own any - denial again!) and was shocked to find out how much I weighed.

Motivation to Lose Weight

Mainly because I'm getting married in October! I had always been skinny - underweight, in fact - but as I became happier and more settled the weight crept on. Then last summer I broke my foot and couldn't do any exercise - and I gained more and more weight. I kept refusing to believe it, but at Easter I was really unhappy, saw a photo.. and decided it had to stop.

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

Saw it advertised in Zest magazine and did the free trial at least 3 times!

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

I used to be a person who could eat what I liked. Putting the food into the food diary was a big shock - the amount of 'wasted' calories on silly snacks which didn't even fill me up! I've also stopped eating a chocolate bar a day now. The nutrition profile is great and gives me something to aim for - even though I rarely balance it! Although I didn't think I was an 'internet' type person, the boards have been a godsend. I couldn't dare go to meetings (eg Weight Watchers) but the boards are great - such a lot of support, people with the same problems. Also, they're there when you need them: Weight Watchers only meet once a week and if you are feeling weak and tempted they're not there to stop you.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

Food diary and boards. I contribute a lot to the boards and must be getting annoying! I've also had a go on chat, which was great fun, and messaging.

Sara's Tips for Losing Weight

Weigh everything! Also, don't cut out all the food you enjoy. I like the occasional takeaway, but now I save up calories to have one or earn it. If I restricted myself to just fruit and veg I'd give up very quickly. I also found that I could still eat my favourite foods if I 'tweak' them a bit: low fat cheese, low fat spread instead of butter, light mozzarella etc. Also the best thing I did was get olive oil spray!

If it worked for me it would work for anyone. I was dead against diets because I was a feminist etc and just pretended that I preferred not to give in to pressure from society etc... in fact, that was an excuse. I've done it for me now and I feel great!

I haven't lost masses, but just losing a stone makes a difference and there's no feeling like fitting into size 10!

Sara

Sara's Vital Statistics

	Before	Now
Weight	9st 9lb	8st 10lb