I reclaimed my health – and my life!
Carrying so much extra weight was a burden – both physically and emotionally. It felt like I was dragging myself through each day, with no energy and in constant pain from arthritis. I struggled to walk downstairs and even to get out of bed, and I was plagued with acid reflux. It felt like I was climbing a mountain that never ended.
Nothing had ever worked for long
I must have tried every diet going – from cabbage soup to detox juice regimes and everything in between. I’d actually done LighterLife once before, so I knew it worked to get the weight off quickly, but back then I’d not taken the mentoring support and group work seriously. This time was different. I’d finally understood that the real battle wasn’t losing weight – it was learning how to keep it off in the long term. So when I joined my group, I was truly committed and focused on the bigger picture.
Week by week, everything changed
My first week was tough. I felt hungry but stuck with it, knowing something better was coming. And it did. As the hunger faded, my energy levels soared. The weight came off consistently, my pain started to fade, and I began to feel lighter, not just in body but in spirit.
I created safe boundaries right from the start, like freeing up my social diary until I was well into my journey. I planned and acted methodically – from treating myself to a beautiful bath oil on a Friday night to being stocked up on my favourite sparkling water that I’d drink from a good glass on a Saturday evening.
I also put out my Foodpacks the night before – the Porridge was my go-to and a great way to start the day, especially in the cold winter months. I’d have the Chocolate Mug Cake in a pint-sized mug and make up a Chocolate Shake with half the recommended amount of hot water to create a thick custard, which I’d then pour over the cake – heaven!
Changing mentally as well as physically
Seeing my weight go down week after week gave me such a boost. But it wasn’t just the scales and the improvements in my health – I started to think differently too. The mentoring and the support I got from Hazel, my Mentor, made all the difference. She was always there for me and I formed a real bond with her. I’d never had anything like that before with any other diet.
The weekly online group sessions ensured I stayed on track, and I never missed a single one – structure was and is very important to me. The group helped me stay accountable and feel less alone. I forged a close link with another lady in my group – we had a similar mindset and that really helped. In the group sessions, I was able to share and listen and truly start to understand why I’d gained the weight and what I needed to change. That’s where LighterLife’s CBT and mindfulness work is so important – it gives you the crucial mindset tools to make lasting changes.
Shells, Swimwear & a Whole New Me
Words cannot adequately express the changes for me. I dress differently, interact differently – the whole trajectory of my life is different. I’m much more confident and come from a place of “yes” rather than “no” – I’ll give anything a go!
This spring, I experienced my first holiday as the new, slimmer me—and it was incredible. We went on a surfing trip to Barbados, the same place I first visited with my husband 35 years ago. I spent hours walking along the shoreline, collecting sea glass and shells in my new swimwear—enjoying the fun of choosing something different each day without worrying about who might be watching.
My husband has been amazingly supportive, and it felt so special to celebrate everything I’ve achieved together. I loved picking out new swimwear and packing clothes I was excited to wear—not just things to hide in.
I used to rotate between a navy and black tracksuit, with a black dress for the odd occasion. Now, at a size 10/12, I’m embracing a whole new world of colour and loving the chance to play with different styles.
Health wins I never imagined
My biggest victory has been the improvements in my health. My high cholesterol is now within a healthy range, and my chronic acid reflux has disappeared. Even the puffiness around my eyes has gone. From struggling to walk with arthritis, I’m almost pain-free. I have so much energy – I exercise every day, literally springing out of bed in the morning and doing 50 sit-ups, weights and stretches. I feel completely rejuvenated.
Staying strong, one mindful step at a time
What I’ve learnt from my Mentor and group has been life-changing. I’ve realised how important it is to check in with myself regularly – I weigh myself each week, I still go to the Zoom group sessions, and I make time for me.
And I no longer think in extremes – no more “on a diet” or “off a diet”. Now I realise that I have a lifestyle choice: do I want to carry the burden of excess weight each day and all that entails, or do I want to embrace the commitment and accountability that come with weight management? I’ve learnt to choose the challenge of staying healthy over the pain of being unwell. Hazel once said to me, “You choose your difficult” – and that has stayed with me every day.
If you’re thinking about LighterLife – don’t wait!
Please don’t waste any more time carrying the weight – it’s a heavy burden to bear on so many levels. Grasp the nettle and commit! You will never look back.
