Rachel's Weight Loss Success Story
| Start Weight | 13st 3lb |
|---|---|
| Current Weight | 9st 3lb |
| Goal Weight | 9st 3lb |
| Weight Lost | 4st |
| Working to Rate of Loss | 2lbs per week |
About Rachel
I am currently a student and I have to walk to the train, which is an hour's walk, every day.
"The college has a free gym which came in very handy on my weight loss journey."
I used the treadmill and the rower 2-3 times a week and I also go for long walks at the weekend for about an hour and a half on a Saturday and Sunday.
Of course, I still like to relax with buttery popcorn in the cinema on a Saturday afternoon; you gotta have your treats! I also enjoy eating out, Japanese is my favourite.
Music is a passion of mine, I adore REM and the Clash and I also enjoy doing Sudoku puzzles.
I am single and have no children, but I eat out occasionally with friends. I have kept this up during my diet.
The college has a very cheap canteen which offers treats that are difficult to resist at break times, like scones, croissants and sausage rolls. Temptation every day!
"I treat myself on days when I go to the gym and when I can afford the extra calories."
I am sedentary most of the day as I am based in one room and I don't move around a lot, so I resist otherwise. We do have college parties and on these occasions, I just didn't drink.
What diets have you tried in the past?
I tried diet pills once when I was desperate, I didn't lose an ounce. Nothing other than that.
Tell us how your weight loss has affected your lifestyle and other people’s reactions:
The weight loss has given me a real confidence boost.
I quit drinking, but I didn't drink that much to begin with. I cut out my daily bag of nuts, and reserved nuts as a treat for when I was doing well.
"People's reaction has been terrific; I get such admiration for my dedication to the diet and the results."
People think I look great, even half way through, people noticed a huge change and it was really rewarding to fit into the smaller clothes.
I didn't even find it hard to change my lifestyle, I found it just became routine after a while.
What has been your main motivation to lose weight?
My sister got engaged in March on St Patrick's Day and I decided I would not be an overweight bridesmaid, I would be a size 10. The wedding is on Dec 22nd.
I tried on the size 10 dress just the other day and it fit like a glove. Mission accomplished!
Which tools and resources do you use regularly on WLR? Which tools do you find invaluable?
I use the food diary every day. I have created recipes for my breakfast and lunch, for ease of entry.
I also created plans, because I routinely eat the same foods.
"I use the forums weekly for support, but browse them nearly daily to reply to other people's posts, they're a great resource."
The tool to 'Add a food' to the database was very helpful and the Helpteam were superb.
Try WLR's tools for yourself
Weight loss is easy with the tools in WLR. You can use the information on Weight Loss Resources to count how many calories you need to consume each day and how many you are actually eating. Try it free for 24 hours.
Why do you think WLR has helped you lose weight where other diets have failed?
I think that calorie counting is so much easier than points counting, and thanks to WLR's extensive database, it's very easy to see exactly what you're eating.
I think it's great that you can create recipes for homemade foods as well, that way; you know exactly what's in your food.
The Helpteam are great as well, they keep you on the straight and narrow.
Have you struggled at points in your weight loss journey? Experienced a weight loss plateau? What has kept you motivated?
I had a few weeks, not many, where I stayed the same.
I gained weight when I went to France on holidays which set me back two weeks, but I found that every time I stayed the same, I had a bigger-than-usual loss the next week.
The wedding and my self-determination to reach my goal has kept me motivated.
Since losing weight can you give some examples of how your life has changed??
Well, I've lost 3 dress sizes for a start! I feel good about myself when I look in the mirror and I can buy fashionable clothes now.
I feel better too and I have more confidence, my friends say it shows.
What Exercise routines have you adopted?
I use the treadmill and the rowing machine 2-3 times a week, the treadmill for 15 minutes and the rower for 20 minutes.
I also go for an hour and a half walk on the weekends (both Saturday and Sunday).
What do you love about your body now?
| Start | Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13st 3lb | 9st 3lb |
| BMI | 30.8 | 21.5 |
| Body Fat | 29.8 | 24.7 |
| Chest | 42in | 37in |
| Waist | 43in | 27in |
| Hip | 44in | 36.6in |
My curves. I've regained my waist; it now goes in, instead of out! I lost 16 inches off my waist, woohoo!
Rachel’s Tips:
- Go for at least an hour’s walk every day.
- Drink lots of water.
- Switch your beer for an odd glass of wine, much less calorific!
Avoid snacking, reserve your chocolate bars as treats for your weigh-in days.
Lose Weight and Get Healthier
Want to know how to lose weight like Rachel? Weight Loss is easy with the tools in WLR. We give you everything you need to count calories plus advice on ways to lose weight healthily.
* Note: The success stories published on Weight Loss Resources are written by WLR members, past and present, telling their own stories in their own words. As you will see if you read more than one or two of them, everyone's story is different and they have reached their success from a variety of starting points and lost weight at varying rates. Individual results may vary.
