I’ve got my former self back
I’d put on a lot of weight in the past two to three years due to sickness and bereavements, and I didn’t like the way I looked – or felt. My skin and hair were in poor condition and my health was suffering, with my cholesterol and blood pressure high and my joints aching. Also, my husband was planning to take me away once a month for the whole year to celebrate my 70th birthday, and we had weddings coming up. I wanted to feel happy in myself again.
I was never overweight until my late 40s because I was generally mindful and watchful. If I gained holiday weight, for example, I’d cut down after and give myself a month or so to do it. When I did need some help 18 years ago, I went to LighterLife and it worked really well. It’s all about the support, the CBT and the quick weight loss. So going back now seemed like the natural thing to do.
Sticking to the plan
In my first week, I was a bit hungry and fretful that I wouldn’t manage it, but I was stubbornly determined to do it. I didn’t tell anyone except my husband – that worked best for me. I actually started on March 17 – St Patrick’s Day… and, being Irish, I attended a party! But I stuck to my plan.
The meetings, staying clear of tempting places and people, and waiting for weight day kept me on track. While I was on TotalFast, I went on four all-inclusive holidays with my husband and stuck resolutely to the plan. I’d take my laptop along for the online meetings and even my own scales!
My Foodpack routine
I’d tend to have my Foodpacks at or close to so-called mealtimes. I don’t have a real go-to Foodpack, although I did like the bars – especially the crunchier ones like the Crispy Peanut bar – and the Vanilla Porridge FastPot, as well as the Spaghetti Bolognese and the Shepherd’s Pie.
For me, Foodpacks are a convenient means to an end, with no shopping or cooking stress, and the bars in particular, can be discreet meals. I didn’t experiment particularly, although I did add different types of pepper. I always have black tea and coffee anyway, so that was no change.
Understanding myself through CBT
Neil, my Mentor, is brilliant at his job – he wants people to succeed, can manage and facilitate a group, giving each person their time, and is very professional, knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. His mentoring was such a prop and support, especially as he’d check in with me between meetings, and sending him my weight and keto readings kept me on my toes.
The CBT sessions have been fantastic. I’ve learned a lot about myself, people, situations, influences and ways to bring change, negotiate and not beat myself up. I can do that. The topics we discussed were challenging at times, resurrecting all sorts of emotions, feelings and opinions, but they’ve given me huge insight into how I see myself and others. The group work has brought up a lot of my buried grief, anger and disappointments. I’ve cried a lot during the past six months, but only once in the group.
Determination and planning
I didn’t tell many people I was on a weight-loss programme, not even some family or friends. It’s my business, and I didn’t need any negativity coming back at me.
So my support was really down to Neil, the group, my husband – and me! On my part, it was mostly sheer determination, willpower and stubbornness on a daily basis. Planning too – I’m a natural planner anyway and told I’m good at it, so I’ll take that! The WhatsApp chat room was also very useful and supportive, especially as the people in my group were so helpful and on similar journeys.
I love myself!
I’ve not only got to my goal weight, but I’ve got my resolve and my former self back. I’m confident, strong, resilient, mindful, slim and happy! I feel and look radiant, and I’ve been told that by so many people, too. My health has improved – my joints, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood results are all normal. My skin is so silky, too, and I can go nearly a week without washing my hair, which I couldn’t before.
I can also now comfortably let other people think what they like. Most are mega-proud and complimentary of me, and I sure am too. I love myself!
All my clothes fit
I love showing off my slimline shape. I’m down around three sizes, and my jeans have gone from a size 16 to a size 12. I always wear bright colours now – I only have black for funerals. All my clothes fit. I have quite a lot, and I love mixing and matching. As my weight went down, I systematically went through all my wardrobes and drawers, clearing stuff as I went along.
I’ve altered, stitched and changed the look of “big” clothes that I still like. I’m lucky that I’m naturally creative and can sew. Some things were fairly new, others I’ve had for years – including a wedding outfit and sundress that are 17 years old. I’ve also got some coats that are now far too big, but I’d spoil their look if I altered them, so they’re destined for the charity shop.
What I’ve learned
I’ve learned my pitfalls and plan not to repeat them. I’ll plan my shopping, meals and particularly portion sizes – I’ve already bought smaller dinner plates. I intend to re-educate my husband, too. He does a lot of the shopping and doesn’t always make good choices – he can be heavy-handed with the carbs and oils in cooking, too.
I love people-spotting in cafes, bars and when I’m out and about, and observing some of their eating and drinking habits – the ones I used to have that I don’t want to have any more. I intend to avail myself of LighterLife Management for as long as and when I need it.
The outcome is fantastic
I would totally endorse everything about LighterLife – and the value for money it is. For about six months, I carefully planned when I’d start the programme to give myself the best chance of commitment and outcome. That worked for me. It wasn’t always easy, and at times it was boring – Foodpacks, hydrate, be mindful – but the outcome is fantastic.
