Being able to wear a size 12 dress for the first time in years made Julia feel fabulous. Here she tells us what motivated her to lose weight and how it has changed her outlook on life…
What was the turning point for you that made you want to lose weight?
“Food has always been a huge part of my life. I married my husband, David, in 2000 and on our honeymoon I ate so much that I put on over a stone.
As the years went by, I lost all my confidence. My work suffered, my home life suffered, and I was a very angry person. I thought I was angry with the outside world, but deep down I was really angry with myself that I’d let myself get to that stage.”
What made you decide to start LighterLife?
“When I turned 40, I was the biggest I’d ever been and I was so miserable. Then, I saw Pauline Quirke on TV talking about LighterLife and her issues with food. I could relate to everything she was saying. It was her success that led me to LighterLife.”
What kept you motivated?
“My Counsellor, Andy Conroy, was such a great support. The group work helped me discover the reasons behind my overeating and gave me the tools I needed to lead a healthier life.
“When I went into my first LighterLife group, I was embraced by lots of friendly people. It was very emotional for me to admit I had a problem with food – it’s like admitting you have an addiction.
“There were others there who were going through the same thing as me, and some who had already been through it and lost weight, and that inspired me to carry on. I needed those people.”
What’s your favourite thing so far about your LighterLife experience?
“I thought it would be all about how wonderful I could look in my new clothes after I’d lost the weight, but actually it was so much more than that. It’s the self-confidence I’ve regained through this process that’s made the real difference.
“Everybody tells me I look so much happier now, and I am. I’ve discovered me again. I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done – I only wish I’d done it years ago!”
What’s been your biggest challenge so far on your weight loss journey?
“The most important thing I discovered about myself during the LighterLife experience was that I am me; I’m not just ‘mummy’ or a wife, and I’m not my job. I am me.
“This experience allowed me to put myself first. At first it feels like you’re being a bit selfish but it’s so important to remember, and actually my children are now benefiting from it because they’re eating more healthily now and they have a happier mum. I have so much more energy and I now look forward to coming home from work to play with my children.”
*Each of our client’s results and stories are unique to them and their experience of LighterLife. Your own results will be personal to you and may vary.
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