Nutritionist

Turning fifty is a milestone for many. The kids are starting to stand on their own two feet and you have more ‘you time’ to do the things you enjoy. Debbie found herself in this position, she was 2 years away from her fiftieth birthday and it was a big deal for her. She had already been fat and forty eight years before, but this time she was determined to look forward to her birthday as a trim and confident woman. She lost 3 stone 8 lbs since joining our Vegetarian diet plan and celebrated her 50th birthday as a trim size 12.

Here she tells us how she did it…

What made you decide to join us?
My dress size had increased, and with 2 years to go to my 50th birthday I didn’t want to be 'fair, fat and fifty’.

Was your weight causing you any problems?
Yes, I hated having to go to outsize clothes shops as everything was shapeless. I also hated being out of breath, just because I took the stairs instead of a lift.

Have you previously tried any other diets?
I never tried any formal diet plans. I lost 1 ½ stone before getting married, but gained it all back after having children.

Tell us about how your diet has changed since you joined us.
I used to eat up to 4 packets of crisps per day, loads of high fat cheese, donuts, Danish pastries and pizzas. Now I eat lots of fruit, low fat cheese and if I have a pizza, I'll eat it minus the cheese. I still enjoy myself with meals out, but they are all the more special as I don’t do it every day. A packet of crisps is a treat now and not a necessity.

Did exercise play any part in your weight loss?
It was very important to me. I started using a rowing machine which is a brilliant exercise and I am addicted to the Wii fit. Taking up rowing means I can listen to music or the radio.

Did you lose any inches?
I lost 47 inches altogether. Before, I was wearing a size 24 and now I can fit into a size 12.

What difference has losing weight made to you?
I feel much healthier, and love shopping for the first time in my life.

What was your favourite aspect of the meal plans?
To be honest I only followed the plan to the letter for the first few months and then I just followed the principals, checking what sorts of foods and the portion sizes were on my plan. I would then eat healthily using the calories and fat content as a guide. I found the support groups especially helpful and friendly.

How do you feel about your weight loss?
I am proudest of finding my waist again. It has been great to throw out all of the elasticated waists and buy nicely fitted trousers!

How confident are you about maintaining your loss?
Very! I have thrown out all my clothes. I will never return to how I used to be.

Here are Debbie’s top tips!

1. Measure yourself
In the weeks when you stay the same or even gain, you may actually find that the fat has been replaced by muscle and you have lost inches.

2. Have the odd treat
If you think you’re denying yourself all pleasures in life or feel wracked with guilt if you ‘naughty’ you may be more likely to say ‘sod it’ and give up.

3. Eat frozen fruit
Through the warmer months I freeze grapes and slices of banana, and then nibble on them like sweets. As they are frozen they take longer to eat and solve the problem of a sweet tooth.

4. Keep one set of ‘fat clothes’
As you drop each dress size, give all the old clothes to charity. I kept just one top, a pair of jeans, a bra and a pair of knickers. On the days when I feel I may slip back into my old ways, I put on my old clothes, look in the mirror and rediscover my determination to NEVER go back to the days when I have to wear them.

Join Tesco Diets today!