Life really does begin at forty!
I was starting to dislike myself because of my weight. I’d avoid being photographed because I knew I’d critique myself in harsh detail afterwards. With my self-esteem suffering, my social life was in decline because I didn’t feel good in the clothes I wore to go out in.
With my 40th birthday on the horizon, I didn’t want to waste any more time feeling miserable and uncomfortable – I wanted to lose the weight for good.
Trapped in a vicious dieting cycle
There was rarely a day that I wouldn’t start by telling myself I’d begin a new diet. Yet I’d always fail miserably, which I put down to lack of willpower.
I made some small attempts by cutting out dairy and sugar – my biggest vices – and replacing them with soya products and sweeteners. But when the inevitable hunger pangs kicked in, I’d feel defeated and turn to comfort eating. It became a vicious cycle of deprivation, repetition and retaliation by abusing my body with food.
A straightforward solution that works
The final straw came after returning from holiday in California and loathing myself in the holiday snaps. It was time to do something about my weight so I could have a svelte figure to be proud of.
Nine years earlier, I’d lost two stone with LighterLife, and that success – the only big weight-loss success I’d ever had – motivated me to restart my LighterLife journey.
The fact that it’s so straightforward – no Calorie-counting or fiddling around with complex recipes – was a big incentive. Last time around, I’d also found the weekly group meetings so supportive, inspiring me to stay on track, and that was exactly the case this time around, too.
Navigating my first week
Once I’d decided to restart the programme, my mindset shifted – I was determined to achieve my weight-loss goal and enjoy the fruits of victory!
I felt tired and lethargic in my first week, but I was ready to fight that, along with the initial hunger. Having worked my way through those first week feelings before, I knew I could now.
The Foodpacks are delicious and that really helped, because you still get to enjoy things like pasta meals, crips and chocolate without having to worry about the Calories.
I have so many favourites, including the Porridge, Pasta Carbonara, Nut Fudge and Crispy Peanut bars and Chocolate Shakes – I’m a massive chocolate fan. I’d also look forward to a packet of Salt & Vinegar Popped Chips as a treat, and a Salted Caramel Bar for my last meal of the day.
Understanding my eating behaviour
My Mentor, Alicia, is fantastic. She’s a naturally warm, down-to-earth communicator and articulates the CBT and mindfulness techniques in our weekly group meetings so well. This has really helped me understand my eating behaviour.
Alicia was also happy to share her own story, which resonated with all of us in the group. In fact, sharing your experiences in the group and what helps us stay motivated makes you even more determined to achieve your own weight-loss ambition.
Our WhatsApp chat room has also been very supportive. Some people feel more comfortable conversing and opening up online than they do in person. I think all platforms of communication are good if they are used in the right way.
“I’ve grown ten feet tall in confidence”
Since losing over two stone with LighterLife, my life has changed in so many ways – and all of them for the better!
All my old clothes were baggy to hide my “tyres”. Most of the time, I felt like a tent and couldn’t be bothered with my appearance. Now I’m making much more of an effort to dress fashionably. As I gradually replace my wardrobe, I’m finding that shopping for clothes is now a pleasure rather than a chore.
I’m choosing things like cropped tops and skinny jeans that complement my figure, and brighter colours to give me some radiance. Nothing beats feeling good in your own clothes – it gives you a real air of confidence. I’m also taking more interest in beauty products like make-up, haircare and fragrances.
What’s also been great is reconnecting to my Christian faith and attending my place of worship more often. I’ve grown ten feet tall in confidence in so many aspects of my life.
Goodbye, aches and pains
Not only is getting dressed in the morning much easier, I can now run, jog and bend without any pain or discomfort.
My joints used to ache each time I walked up and down the stairs at home. So I was amazed when I recently made a split-second decision to run for my bus and realised I had real speed – and no aches and pains afterwards! I felt ten years younger, which gave me a burst of happiness!
A life-changing experience
I turned 40 last year and can honestly stand by the phrase “life begins at forty”, thanks to LighterLife.
If you’re thinking about joining, don’t procrastinate – just do it! The groups are very friendly and supportive, and you’ll meet people from all walks of life and pick up tips to help you on your journey.
And you’ll be amazed by your strength – I’ve rediscovered my own fortitude and tenacity thanks to the tools I’ve learned with LighterLife. It could be life-changing for you, too.
