Over 4 ½ stone loss with portion control!
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Although Lesley wasn’t suffering from any specific health problems herself, diabetes runs in her family and with a BMI of 36 she knew if she didn’t do something soon she would be next. Trying on 20 pairs of size 20 jeans before she got a pair to fit was the final straw and she signed up to our online dieting site that evening!
Here is Lesley’s story…..
How much weight have you lost?
I was 16 ½ stone when I started and I have been hovering just under 12 stone for a bit now. When I started I was squeezing into a 20 on a good day but I refused to buy any size 22’s! I am now wearing a size 14.
Has your family been supportive to you in your weight loss efforts? My husband Iain and twins Chloe and Callum (14) have been very supportive and complimentary about my steadily changing shape.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss? The reaction that gives me the biggest satisfaction is not being recognized. It happens frequently! I have lost 30% of the old me, so I suppose I look a little different!!
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight? Exercise has been a big part. I did lots of walking and swimming. I also started going to classes at our local leisure centre, as well as using the crosstrainer and stepper at home.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us, and how has your diet changed as a result? Before I joined I would eat whatever, whenever. Now, I know my limits. I know that if I have a meal out I have to compensate in other ways. I think the biggest thing though is my portion sizes. I weigh things like breakfast cereal now – before I would have filled the bowl.
Was your weight causing you any problems? I definitely lacked self-confidence – there are hardly any pictures of me before I lost the weight. When shopping I didn’t like wondering whether clothes would fit or would hide the wobbly bits!
What difference to your life has losing weight made to you? My confidence has soared! My social life has taken off in a big way. Before I would have been very self conscious on a night out – now I definitely go out to enjoy myself! I know I am so much healthier than I was too, and fitter. I also used to worry when I was eating out as I felt self-conscious that people were looking at what I was eating. Now I don’t worry about that.
Have you enjoyed our online dieting site? I liked the flexibility the diet plan gave me. Having a family of fussy eaters I was able to stick to meals that suited all of us, and either adjusted ingredients or portion sizes to suit. The support boards were also brilliant, as well as the chat room. I’m just back from meeting 6 others from the Lots to Lose Board. It was great to meet some of the lovely people I have been talking to over the last year.
How do you feel about your weight loss? I definitely have broken bad habits, I look at the plans as less of a diet and more of a re-education of my eating habits. I love buying new clothes (hubby and bank manager not so keen) especially when I can now buy in any clothes shop and not just the outsize ones.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss? With your help, absolutely!
Finally, a few dieting tips from Lesley…..
Use the site and help available as much as possible. The support is out there – everyone is in the same boat. Join in the challenges, they are fun and encourage you to achieve your goals. Don’t look at a big loss needed and get disheartened – break it into small, achievable targets and take it a step at a time.
Stick with it, if I can do it, anyone can!