Believe that you can do it!
After Sonya was told by her daughter that friends at school were calling her fat, she was understandably upset. And to add to Sonya’s embarrassment she came across some holiday photos of herself looking less than svelte. Sonya joined the Mediterranean plan and started exercising regularly. She lost an amazing 5 stone 4 lbs.
Sonya tells us her story…
What weight and clothes size were you before you joined us?
I was 16 stone at my heaviest and I weighed 15 stone 7 lbs when I joined. My dress size was 22, I am now a size 10 and I weigh just over 10 stone - which was my my goal weight!
What made you decide to join us?
I had gradually gained weight after having my children. A couple of things made me determined to change – my daughter came home from school and said one of her friends told her that she had a fat mummy. We also had a family holiday and the pictures of me on the beach were awful. I decided enough was enough.
Was your weight causing you any problems?
I had lost a lot of self-confidence and really didn’t like myself. These feelings started to affect my relationships. I also couldn’t get the clothes I liked and ended up dressing up to try and hide myself.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us?
The main change has been portion control. I have always eaten relatively healthily, but I just had too much of everything.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
It’s amazing, I still look in the mirror and can’t quite believe it’s me. I can buy the clothes I want and the number of people that tell me how amazing I am for having the determination to lose weight is great. It has made a huge difference to me.
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
I now exercise 5 times a week and my fitness levels are amazing. I started off gradually, but have increased along the way. I recently walked 26 miles for charity, from Avebury to Stonehenge and raised £1194 for charity.
Have you enjoyed the Mediterranean plan?
I loved the plan. The menus and meal plans have really helped me. I have also found tracking my measurements useful. Weekly responses to my comments have kept me going too.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I am really proud of myself, mainly my determination. For 15 months I have focused on re-educating myself and I have succeeded in achieving what I set out to do.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?
Even on holidays I have managed to be sensible. I have learnt that it is okay to treat yourself, but compromise is the key.
Have you any other tips you would like to give?
You just need to find your own reasons for losing weight. You have to want it for yourself, and although it is hard, you just need to believe that you can do it for yourself and focus on your own goals.
