I wanted to feel happy in the changing room!
At four stone overweight, my back constantly hurt from carrying weight around my middle. In my job as a xxxxx , I’d be breathless and sweating carrying heavy curtains up and down ladders. And I hated clothes shopping – it was so miserable trying things on with anticipation and then handing them back, explaining to the assistant that they didn’t fit me.
I’d tried cutting out bread and carbs, mostly because of my IBS, and while I did do exercise classes, my back pain made them difficult. Basically, nothing I’d tried had made much of a difference. Everything felt hard, and I was sick of it.
I knew LighterLife could work — and it did
Years ago, I’d done LighterLife, so I knew it was simple and fast – but life had got in the way, along with IBS. I also knew I needed more than just weight loss – I needed support, accountability and the right mindset. So I found my Mentor, Jane, and joined her group.
I was hungry in the first few days until ketosis kicked in. But even then, I felt energised and able to go for long walks with the dog. I also found that drinking enough water kept the hunger pangs at bay – that and reminding myself of why I’d started on this journey.
You soon get into a routine with the TotalFast plan, and finding your favourite Foodpacks really helps. Mine are the Chocolate Peanut bars, and I also love the Vanilla Porridge and the Spicy Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup.
Everything started to click
What really made the difference was the support. Jane was amazing – always there when I needed her – and the weekly group sessions on Zoom gave me a safe space to dig deeper into my habits and choices. The CBT work helped things click into place.
The topics we discussed really opened my eyes. Jane has this brilliant way of challenging you – firmly but kindly – and this pushed me to explore why I ate the way I did. It was thoroughly empowering. The breakout rooms made it even more personal and helped us all bond in the group. It was great knowing I wasn’t alone. We were all in this together. My friends have been really supportive too, as they knew this was something I really needed to do.
I’m loving the healthy, confident me
Losing four stone has changed everything. I don’t swell up with IBS any more – in fact, I’m off my medication for it – and my back pain has gone. I’m walking a lot more, doing more exercise classes each week and have a lot more flexibility. It’s much easier lugging those heavy curtains around at work, too!
But it’s not just physical. I love shopping again – in fact, changing rooms are my happy place! I’m now a size 12/14, depending on the shop – down from an 18 – and I actually feel excited trying on clothes. If I don’t like anything now, it’s because it doesn’t suit me, and I hand it back with confidence. I’ve always loved wearing colourful clothes, but the difference is that I’m not afraid to stand out now. And it’s great being able to fit back into my “small” wardrobe again.
People have noticed the changes in me. I’m getting loads of compliments and being told I look 30-something rather than turning 50 this year! And when my Mentor asked me to share my story… that’s a win I never saw coming.
This is your life – so live it!
If you’re thinking about doing LighterLife, do it. Love it. Embrace it. The end goal is more than worth the journey. Find a Mentor and join a group – the accountability makes all the difference. And please don’t skip the Management phase. It’s what keeps everything on track.
I’ve learned it all comes down to choices. If I eat out, I’ll walk there and back – even if it’s 40 minutes each way! I plan my week and my social life around the healthy choices I want to make. That mindset shift – not just around food but around my whole life – is what keeps me going. Because now, I’m not just smaller. I’m stronger, more confident and so much happier.
