Tracy's Slimming Success Story

Tracy, Age 30

Start Weight	12st 6lbs
Current Weight	9st 2lbs
Goal Weight	9st 2lbs
Weight Lost	3st 4lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	2lbs per week

Slimming History

I've joined Weight Watchers several times and lost about a stone each time but always got bored then regained the weight and extra on top.

I've also tried Atkins, Cabbage Soup diet and loads of different "slimming" pills, none of which worked.

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

Loads of times. I have lost maybe a stone then relaxed the diet and gained it back.

I have yo-yo dieted so much I had clothes ranging from size 12 to 24 in wardrobe.

On Being Overweight…

I hated shopping for clothes, especially if it was for a night out.

I would trail the shops hoping to find something that would make me look slim and, after going home upset because nothing hid my wobbly bits, I would end up staying in.

"My daughter is now 5 and I really want the confidence to go swimming with her."

I was always self conscious in front of people because I thought that all they saw was a fat, lazy woman.

Finding the Motivation

I turned 30 in February and decided I had to do it now (lose weight) or regret it forever. I always said I wouldn't be fat at 30 and here I was hating what I saw in the mirror.

"It gave me the kick I needed to start slimming. I want to be a fit and healthy mum to Jessica, to do things with her, to go on rides without worrying if I got stuck."

Plus my size 16s were getting so tight and I refused to wear 18s again.

Discovering WLR

I always bought slimming magazines, normally along with a few bars of chocolate.

But one day, not long after getting the internet, I noticed an advertisement for WLR and thought: "Why not?"

How WLR Helps

The fact that I have lost 29 lbs since joining WLR shows how much it has helped me.

"The food diary shows me where I am going wrong and how to make better choices."

Now I input a few items I'm unsure of buying to see how they are nutritionally etc. I can see what I need to increase (normally fibre) and what I eat too much of (chocolate).

The best thing for me though is the message boards and chatroom.

I feel I have made some wonderful friends through the site and the support is priceless.

My "weak" time is evenings so you can normally find me in the chatroom. It takes my mind off eating, it's hard to eat and type at the same time. It's such a laugh too.

The Best of WLR

I definitely get my money's worth (lol) as I use the whole of the site. I input my food and exercise every day to try and keep me on track.

I love the articles on the homepage, especially the Tried & Tasted section.

"I'm probably more addicted to the message boards than chocolate now."

If I'm ever stuck for meal ideas I can ask on the boards or try some of the many recipes on offer.

Tracy's Tips

If possible input your food every day to keep track of calories, protein etc. and be honest.

The only person you will cheat is yourself. If you feel alone click on some of the profiles to see others who have the same aims.

"You may not lose weight every week so remember to keep track of the inches you lose too, and keep the bigger picture in your head."

Any problems from food ideas to what to wear for a night out, just ask on the boards.

You feel down someone will give you a virtual hug, lost motivation just say and you'll get a friendly kick up the bum. Everyone is so helpful and friendly.

Exercise will gain you extra calories, help tone and get you so much healthier than dieting alone. So do something, anything, just move.

"Everyone gets "blips"; times when you feel you can't do this anymore. I've had lots. Yet here I am 3 months on and a hell of a lot slimmer."

If you have a binge, forget about it, move on, tomorrow is another day. Linda13 has been my biggest support.

She keeps me going through bad patches, and it's good to know that I have a fellow WLResourcer on hand to give me a slap or a hug when needed.