Success Story: Sarah

Sarah, Age 28, Height 5ft 3in

Start Weight	9st 9lbs
Current Weight	8st 3lbs
Goal Weight	8st 3lbs
Weight Lost	1st 5lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	2lbs per week
Time Taken	4 months

Slimming History

Silly fad ones like no carbs after 6pm. Although I was exercising and eating ok, my portion sizes were far too large and the quantity of alcohol I consumed contributed to a lot of extra calories.

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

No this is the first time I had put on weight very quickly. Before if it was either 1 or 2 kilos it would drop on and off depending on what was going on in my life at the time. I was always lucky that I could eat quite freely.

"I went up 2 dress sizes in a matter of months, but I never really realised how much I had put on as I had never seen myself in that way."

How being overweight has affected you…

I was off to a dance festival last year and I put on a mini skirt and came down the stairs at my flat. I could sense that my friends didn’t approve, and they politely suggested something else may look better. It was only then that I realised I’d put on the weight. It was then and there that I decided to put a weight loss plan into action.

"I have always been of a slight build so an extra stone and a half did make a noticeable difference to me."

I didn’t feel very attractive anymore and I could not fit into any of my clothes. My self-esteem went down very quickly.

Slimming Motivation

I found motivation in getting back into shape a huge goal. At the time I focused 100%, set myself limits and stuck to them.

I also had a few changes going on around me, so focusing on slimming took my mind off some things and made me feel a lot better.

"The increased exercise also kept my spirit alive – drinking 2L of water per day made my skin look great also!"

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

I googled calorie counter and found WLR – did a free trial and the rest is history.

I must admit my first week was very hard.

"I saw results after that first week – it got easier and the weight kept coming off."

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

This site has taught me so much – like how many cals in a bottle of wine – Patsy put the bottle down!

To be able to see exactly what you are putting into you body makes it a lot clearer on how you feel and look.

From 4 months of using the food diary, I have now established very good eating habits without thinking.

"My habits changed in what I ate – like bacon sarnies for breakfast. I wouldn’t even think of one now."

Whenever I feel my clothes are getting a little tighter, I jump back on the food diary and slim down to lose a few pounds.

The great thing is that this is not crash dieting and it’s a healthy balanced way to lose weight and get slim with all your nutritional requirements.

The support from other members is great and there are such a variety of us. People wanting to lose 5 stone to 1 stone, so the support is there whatever weight loss stage you are at.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

I only every used the food diary in the beginning, then I proceeded to the boards. The advice and support answered every query I had.

"There are some long term members who really pass on their knowledge to new users."

I now use my food diary and the ‘off topic’ and ‘maintainers’ board. The maintainers board is great support now I have reached my goal, and the OT is great banter and a real giggle. I’ve made so many new virtual best friends, it’s great!

Sarah's Slimming Tips

• Stay committed.
• Talk to other members for support.
• Utilise the support network and be honest in your food diary
• In the long term the rewards are so amazing and a real change in lifestyle.
• Losing weight and slimming does not mean dust for dinner! You can have cake! Just not a whole one!
• It is all about moderating food intake and for me this is the best thing I have done!