I’m confident being me again
Why did I want to lose weight? Where do I start?!
I wanted to reduce my high blood pressure and be able to walk upstairs without feeling breathless. I wanted to be able to keep up with my grandchildren on days out. I wanted to be able to join them on a fairground carousel rather than having to stand and watch because my knees ached too much to climb on and off the horses. I wanted to enjoy having my picture taken with them, instead of being so embarrassed by my size that I’d hide behind them.
I wanted to be in a different place for my rapidly approaching 70th birthday. I wanted to feel like me again.
From fads to focus
Over the years, I’ve made so many attempts to lose weight, trying everything from slimming clubs to fad diets where you eat nothing but grapefruit. I’ve done LighterLife before and lost weight really easily, but I didn’t continue into Management. I thought I could do it on my own, which with hindsight was a rather big mistake.
So, knowing that LighterLife worked, I decided to come back. But this time, with the benefit of that hindsight, I committed to seeing the whole thing through – not just the losing weight part, but the weight management programme, too. I was totally focused on my goals.
I did find the first week a bit challenging – you’re making big changes, after all – but after the first couple of days, I didn’t feel hungry. It was easy to get into the swing of using Foodpacks – the Porridge was my favourite, and I also loved the Spaghetti Bolognaise, Salted Caramel bar and Chocolate Mug Cake.
Amazing Mentor and group support
What’s so different with LighterLife is the amazing support you get in your group, both from your Mentor and the other group members, too.
I was in a 12-week closed group, meeting on Zoom every week for our CBT and mindfulness sessions, and I found being with the same people each time was really motivating. The small breakout rooms during the sessions were also a great way of getting to know each other.
My Mentor, Jane, was brilliant – she really listened to us, and that’s so important. She also posted inspirational messages every day in our WhatsApp chat group, and we’d all celebrate each other’s wins there, too. It was so reassuring to know that if I had any worries or questions, I could talk about them in the chat room and Jane and the other group members would respond with advice, tips, shared experiences and support.
Life is so much easier – and healthier
Since losing the weight, my blood pressure and BMI have fallen into the healthy range and my knees are happy again. This has all made such a difference to my everyday life. I’ve been walking to work instead of driving and my pace is definitely increasing. And I’m no longer out of breath after climbing the stairs.
There are so many other things I’m enjoying now, too – like being able to cut and paint my own toenails, counting more holes in my belt after doing it up, and hopping onto the carousel ride with my grandchildren without my knees protesting. And it’s fantastic being able to fit more into my suitcase because my clothes are no longer bulky and heavy!
Happy and relaxed
After dropping five dress sizes, I’m also happy and relaxed about clothes shopping, and I’m buying a colourful new wardrobe full of different and more fitted styles.
It was strange at first, though – I kept trying on clothes that were far too big. It took a while to see myself as my new smaller size in my mind’s eye. When I was overweight, I’d been so used to looking in the mirror without looking, if you know what I mean.
Another big change is that I love having my picture taken now – I’m at the front in any photograph, not hiding away at the back. I’m confident being me again.
My advice
If you’re serious about losing weight, I really recommend signing up for a Re-Creating Me 12-week closed group – it’s brilliant. LighterLife offers so much support, from your group meetings and WhatsApp chat room to the online weight tracker, so make the most of it – because you are worth it. And do the Management programme to ensure you keep your lost weight off!
