Success Story: Sara

Sara, Age 28, Height 5ft 3in

Start Weight	9st 9lbs
Current Weight	8st 10lbs
Goal Weight	8st 10lbs
Weight Lost	13lbs
Working to Rate of Loss	1lbs per week

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