I’d been wanting to lose weight for at least 14 years after the birth of my autistic son and had tried so many different diets, as well as running, without success. I was really worried about not being around to care for him in the future.
It had got to the point where I was finding it hard to climb the stairs and was always feeling out of breath and generally lethargic. Everything seemed to be such an effort, I couldn’t find the motivation to do anything, and I was struggling to sleep properly. I just didn’t feel like me any more, it was like I was trapped inside someone else’s body.
Why did I choose LighterLife?
Having lost weight with LighterLIfe back in 2006/2007, I knew it worked. The Foodpacks are good, there’s great support from Mentors and groups, and the CBT is always so helpful. Having black and white boundaries really works too, I think the programme is great value for money.
Mentoring and Mindfulness
The support from my Mentor, Lisa, was second to none. And her closed groups were amazing, so supportive and with some real “light bulb” moments. The best part is sharing information within the groups, and on Lisa’s WhatsApp group, because it makes you realise you’re no longer alone.
The weekly CBT and Mindfulness sessions are really insightful and thought provoking too. I now know and understand where my behaviour around food stems from. All the topics were really interesting and are helping me to prepare for the future and to plan my new life.
Following the plan
After starting TotalFast in February 2024, by the end of October I’d lost 4st 11 lbs and only have a few more pounds to lose before I reach my goal weight. I was hungry for a couple of days at the beginning, until ketosis kicked in, and then I definitely felt like I had more energy.
More than anything, I felt a sense of relief that I’d finally started my journey and I knew things were going to change for the better. I absolutely loved all Pancakes and the Shakes, especially the Chocolate Shake, they were so easy and convenient and tasted great.
TotalFast is an easy to follow plan with very clear boundaries. Because regular food is taken out of the equation, you have the space to work on yourself with the help of your Mentor and the closed groups.
What’s changed for me now that I’ve lost my weight?
I feel so much healthier. I can climb the stairs without feeling like I’m going to pass out. I can cut and paint my toenails without feeling like I’m suffocating, and I care about the way I look and feel again. Best of all, I have more energy and motivation for doing things with my son. I went to see Taylor Swift and Coldplay over the summer and it was amazing to be able to stand up the whole time for both concerts!
I’ve also dropped 4 dress sizes and so many more clothing choices are available to me now. They’ve always been one of my things and I always took pride in how I looked. Having lost that pride through being so overweight, I’m finding real joy in my wardrobe again, even though I still have a few pounds to go. I feel like I have my spark back.
And I feel like me again. I definitely feel more confident, I’m getting out more, and I feel more hopeful for the future. Having started doing a few trips away, I got on my first flight for over 9 years recently. I used to just exist when I was really overweight – now I feel I’m finally starting to live again.
What have I learned?
That being honest with yourself and holding yourself accountable is one of the first steps. I now know and understand the origins of my eating behaviours – why I am the way I am. I’ve identified my triggers and learned ways to deal with them. Planning is key.
What I’d say to anyone thinking about starting LighterLife.
Just take the first step. Ketosis is your best friend, especially in the beginning. Get into a closed group and make the most of all the LighterLife support and resources. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and meet some inspiring people along the way. And if you stick to the plan, you will achieve your goals. It 100% works.
