“I’d finally run out of excuses”
At more than five stone overweight, I was only too aware of how bad this was for my health. I’d lost both my father and brother early to heart problems. Yet here I was, a stone’s throw away from needing blood pressure medication. With a very active 12-year-old son I wanted to be able to have fun with – and keep up with! – I’d finally run out of excuses. It was time to make a real change.
Of course, it wasn’t like I’d never tried to lose weight before. Over the years, my goodness, I’ve tried everything – it felt like I started some new diet or fad every Monday morning! But they just didn’t work for me. In fact, the only thing that had ever worked was the LighterLife Programme, which I originally did 15 years ago. I felt so well on it and kept the weight off for many years, so I was pretty sure it was going to be the best way for me to get back to a healthy weight – and avoid those medications.
Keeping on track
In the first few days on TotalFast I was a bit tired and hungry, but nothing too drastic, and as soon as I hit ketosis I was fine. What’s more, from my previous experiences, I knew that “just one bite” wasn’t OK on this plan – it could have knocked me out of ketosis, and it would then have taken me three days to get back into it. Being aware of that was a very good way of keeping me motivated and on track.
I really enjoyed the Foodpacks, especially the Porridge ones – and Banana in particular. The Blueberry Pancakes are really tasty, and the Mango and Chocolate shakes are just lush. On a cold day, I’d add hot water to them and blend in a bowl to turn them into a lovely warm “custard”.
You’re not alone
The support of my Mentor, Tracey, and my group was fantastic right from the start. I was also really lucky that most of my family and friends have been really supportive – and my son and partner in particular have been simply incredible. Reading the success stories on LighterLife’s Facebook group has been really inspiring, too. It’s good to know you’re not alone on this journey.
The weekly group sessions were really enjoyable, and I still attend mine every week now that I’m in Management. Doing this keeps me focused on maintaining my new, healthy weight. Along with the CBT and mindfulness techniques I learned during the TotalFast group sessions, it’s helping me eat reasonably, and for the right reasons, rather than eating my emotions.
“Food is an addiction for me”
Experiencing LighterLife second time around is like watching your favourite film again – the story is familiar, but it’s surprising how many things you didn’t notice or realise the first time.
Through the discussions in our group sessions, I’ve learnt a whole lot more about my relationship with food. I’ve finally realised that food is an addiction for me. I think that’s why LighterLife TotalFast works so well, because ordinary food is off the agenda. It certainly felt like a huge relief to not have to eat any of it – I found it so much easier just having my four Foodpacks a day.
Healthy blood pressure
My BMI is much lower after losing over 5½st, and I’ve been signed off by my doctor because my blood pressure is now within the healthy range. So I no longer need to go on blood pressure medication, which is such a relief. And I find I actually want to move more, too. Not only can I walk much further, I can – almost – catch my very fast son!
The other fantastic thing about losing the weight is that I have so much more confidence. I’ve rekindled my love of clothes shopping instead of dreading it – and as a result, my wardrobe is a lot bigger, with a lot more colourful clothes.
And sometimes it’s just the little things that make me realise how far I’ve come – like finding it easy to put on shoes, and not worrying that the safety bars on theme park rides aren’t going to fit!
Turning down the food noise
My biggest tip for staying on the TotalFast plan is to distract yourself as soon as any “food noise” starts, although I found my own food noise was so much quieter during TotalFast – another reason LighterLife is so effective!
I really hope my story inspires you to take the leap and join LighterLife. Don’t wait as long as I did – just do it! It’s going to make you feel so much healthier – and, in my case, happier!
