Success Story: Cari

Cari, Age 27, Height 5ft 6in

Start Weight	17st 13½lbs
Current Weight	12st 5lbs
Goal Weight	11st
Weight Lost	5st 8½lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	2lbs per week

Slimming History

I haven’t really tried any of the mainstream diets for more than one week but have used SlimFast, over the counter slimming aids and have a history of crash diets and binge eating over the last 12 years or so.

When I’ve tried slimming before it’s mainly consisted of eating as little as possible for as long as possible.

Have you Lost Weight Before and Regained the Weight?

Several times.

"I lost about 3st before by not eating but then put it all back on and then more, taking me up to my start weight of nearly 18st."

How Being Overweight has Affected you…

Clothes shopping was difficult.

"I’ve not really let myself be bothered outwardly by other people’s reactions but I have always felt self-conscious; eating out in restaurants etc." 

I couldn’t play football as I was just not fit enough.

Mainly I was conscious about what people thought about my size which in itself affected everything I did.

Motivation to Get Slim

I wanted to be fitter and I wanted to just get on with living my life instead of worrying about others’ reactions to me.

"I wanted to look in the mirror and like myself not necessarily for being slimmer because I really think it's about being happy with yourself, but for being able to admit I was not happy being big."

I decided for me it was important to be able to say "I tried" even if I had stayed overweight.

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

I was looking for a calorie counter on the internet and came across the site.

"Given my eating history I was keen to tackle weight loss as a ‘diet alteration’ not as a ‘diet’ as I was worried I’d go too far and onto starvation." 

I was impressed that the site emphasised changes in lifestyle not ‘dieting’ and that the members all had a very positive and realistic approach to slimming, not beating themselves up about the odd bad day, so I signed up.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

I use the Food database a lot to monitor what I’m eating which has helped me change my diet and make healthier choices.

"The daily calorie quota calculation, which tells me my target intake as my weight adjusts, is invaluable." 

Mostly I use the boards. It makes a difference to know that when you are having a bad day there are others who’ve been there who will support you and encourage you to pick yourself up and carry on with it.

I like to think I would have lost weight anyway but having the support has made the experience fun and I'm sure it would have been a real struggle without it!

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

• The Message Boards
• The Food Diary

Cari's Tips for Slimming

Use the food diary but be honest or you are just cheating yourself.

Try to Weigh In no more than once a week. I still struggle with this myself and how it's hard but daily fluctuations can be really depressing and really knocks your confidence and motivation.

"Accept the Bad days – we all have them! Put them behind you and move on."

Don’t be afraid to ask for help either for suggestions, sympathy or a virtual kick up the rear.

"Everyone on the boards is really great and we all help each other. Don’t suffer alone or turn to food, post or private message your worries!"

Many thanks to everyone on site for their support and good cheer throughout and especially to Lynda, Tracci, Dani, Anniebareham and Lynne for always being there.