Having recently retired and begun reflecting on my life, I realised I had some nagging emotional issues which had no foundation in reality. And my support coping mechanism was bingeing on sugary food, to fill that imaginary empty emotional hole inside me.
I’ve been on many diets throughout my life, with some initial success followed by the weight creeping back up again, despite using exercise to try and control it.
Why did I choose LighterLife?
When I attended a conference on health issues, one of the speakers, a diabetes consultant, stated that LighterLife was the safest plan for weight loss, and that a lower risk of type 2 diabetes would be a consequence of losing weight.
And after looking into the programme, I was excited to become part of a group embarking on our LighterLife journeys together, rather than being a lone dieter facing this herculean task by myself.
Mentoring and Mindfulness
My Mentor, Katrina, was an inspirational, empathetic, and charismatic leader/mentor. Her disclosure that she experienced similar issues made the LighterLife plan feel more achievable than ever. And the weekly CBT Mindfulness sessions encouraged all of us in her group to self-reflect and consider how our beliefs and values affect our behaviour.
These weekly conference calls and activities kept me going and our group could – and did – share our experiences in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Following the plan
I started TotalFast in September 2024, with the goal of losing 17 kg (2 ½ stone), which I’d achieved by the end of that year.
What’s changed for me now that I’ve lost my weight?
My self-confidence has increased, and I’ve become more selective in choosing my friends and in my social interactions. I’ve gone down 2 dress sizes and can wear my older clothes (the ones that are still in fashion) and I can cross my legs again!
It’s taken me 67 years to be able to cope with life. Now, I feel present and I have a list of amazing activities I want to do that I’ve never done before.
What have I learned?
For me, the main benefit of the programme is my heightened self-awareness. Reflecting on my life, I have always aimed to be a perfectionist. I tried to be a perfect wife, mother, employee, and housekeeper.
Now, I’ve realised these objectives were unachievable, and there was no need to feel the abject disappointment which triggered the bingeing. I have moved on.
Now, I avoid being with people who suck the very life out of me.
Now, I fully recognise the triggers that cause me to overeat, and I’ve learned to love myself, which I never did in the past.
What I’d say to anyone thinking about starting LighterLife.
Identify the triggers that cause you to overeat. Self-love is imperative.
