After giving up alcohol in 2020 (5 years alcohol-free!) I still didn’t feel that great. So I decided it was time to sort out my body and my mind.
I’d tried various diets countless times over the years. From fruit diets in high school to other plans when I was older. Nothing worked long term.
Why did I choose LighterLife?
Because I’d managed to lose 32 kg (5 stone) with LighterLife on my own in 2021. BUT… I’d totally dismissed the Mentor element and thought, “that’s not for me,” so I put all the weight back on over the next two years.
So I thought, well, that didn’t work, let’s try again, but this time with the Mentor support. Also because I’d had online mentor support when I gave up alcohol (not through LighterLife), so I thought I’d try it for my weight loss problem too.
And I loved looking through my old LighterLife magazines, finding other people I could relate to.
Mentoring and Mindfulness
My Mentor, Georgina, is AMAZING, I love her, I could listen to her all day long. She’s so knowledgeable, supportive, and understanding.
The weekly CBT Mindfulness sessions really made me stop and think. Understanding your feelings is so important, and they covered every element of each topic.
I admit I was quite sceptical at first, but you really have to be open-minded and listen. It was great to be in an environment of like-minded people, challenged by the same issues you have yourself.
I love Georgina’s WhatsApp group – her daily messages are fabulous, it’s wonderful receiving them and being able to look back for support when needed.
Accountability and involving yourself with the two groups I was lucky to be part of was fabulous as well. There were times when it was upsetting but it was uplifting too. The messages and words from everyone were really helpful and kept us all going.
The Mentor support and Group support got me through this time, I really don’t think I’d have been successful on my own, I think I would have given up.
Outside of LighterLife, Gordon (hubby) and Harry (son) are really supportive. Harry loves knowing / guessing my weekly weight loss! And they both help me whenever I’m having a wobble.
Following the plan
I started TotalFast in April 2024 and 6 months later I’d lost 42 kg (6 ½ stone).
The first week is always tricky because you’re adopting a different routine. Day 4 is a hurdle, but you need to get through it. Keep yourself busy, get lots of sleep, take a relaxing bubble bath, and whatever other non-food distractions you need to get you through.
What’s changed for me now that I’ve lost my weight?
I’m doing things I want to do, not because I have to, and I’ve now learned the word NO!
I can RUN up the stairs and walk back down without doing the “crab” step. And I’m so much more energetic. Harry even said, “Gosh Mum, where do you get your energy from? You have more than Dad and me put together!” And that was nice.
I’m clearer minded and more positive. I’m not sure if I can say “happy” yet, but I’m certainly getting there.
Normally we’d just stay at home, eat, and watch tv during Christmas and New Year, but not this time. We went to Windsor for two days, visited Windsor Castle, and walked for miles. Then we had three days in London, staying at the Tower of London Hotel by the Tower Bridge. We visited the Tower and walked and walked, it was fabulous.
In the past I’d found it difficult to walk round Sainsburys, let alone imagine walking up and down spiral staircases and the grounds of two large Royal Palaces. I was so proud that I wasn’t in any pain and could do what I wanted.
As for my clothes, wow, I’m loving my new wardrobe! Wearing clothes was ALWAYS an issue… finding the right size, shape, colour, etc. I was pushing a size 24 – 26, and when I weighed 114 kg (17 stone 9 lbs) I had to buy a size 26 blouse.
Now I’m a size 16, can reliably pick up a M&S size 16, and know it fits. Yippee! I’ve ALWAYS wanted a pair of Levis jeans, and now I have a pair, size 33 (size 16-17), and I wear them all the time, not just for best.
And I’m no longer holding onto my bigger clothes, they’re being sold on eBay or going to the charity shop. That’s a massive result because I’ve always held onto them in the past, knowing I’d need them again – but not now!
What have I learned?
I’ve learned I’m not a qualified psychologist (!) I like reading through the previous week’s notes and catching up on the Facebook Live sessions to remind myself about the important elements of the programme.
I’ve learned the importance of stopping to listen and really understand your feelings, and being present in the moment.
And remembering we’re all human. If we put on a few pounds, then we get back on plan again.
Don’t let your feelings/emotions take over and go into “whatever” mode. You deserve your best life.
What I’d say to anyone thinking about starting LighterLife.
Trust the programme, it WILL work. Sign up for your free Mentor support. And be open-minded, give it a try.
