Gi success - 4 st 5 lbs loss for Helen!
Helen had struggled with her weight for most of her life so she was used to following diets and had previously lost weight successfully. However, a few health scares, including her dad dying of a stroke a few years ago, and discovering she was borderline diabetic prompted Helen to take action once and for all.
When Helen’s doctor suggested that she try a Gi diet, Helen went online and found our site. “I decided that it sounded healthy and sensible, and there were lots of foods l liked in the recipes. I liked the idea of being monitored but not having to go to a public weigh-in, so I joined up!”
Helen registered with a starting weight of 13 st 11 lbs, giving her a BMI of 34 - in the obese category. One year later, she’s weighing in at a trim and slim 9 st 5 lbs, with a much healthier BMI of 23. So in total, Helen has lost 4 st 5 lbs!
So how had Helen been feeling about herself before she lost all that weight? “I felt disgusted with myself and thought that I had really let my appearance slide since moving to the countryside and leaving a stressful finance job where I had liked to dress smartly. Virtually all my self-confidence had disappeared. I knew I was far less fit than previously because I was huffing and puffing going upstairs. It felt very uncomfortable so I was worried about the health implications and what damage I was doing to myself.”
Helen found the weekly weigh-in on our site invaluable in terms of motivating her to continue. “I’m a fiend for charts and keeping records so I loved seeing the graph showing my weight go down each week. It was a real psychological boost for me. Having the recipes there to choose from was also a great help and shows you how to incorporate all the right foods. The support groups have also been a huge bonus. I’d never taken part in anything like that before and have made some friends – I even met up with one lady recently!”
Helen’s family supported her every step of the way and even took to the Gi way of eating themselves! “When I was following diets in the past, I always seemed to be cooking different meals for me and for them. But on the Gi plan, they asked could they try some of my recipes, so now they join in with me as much as possible. They’re all really pleased for me that I’ve been so successful!”
Improving her health was a major concern for Helen, but she has certainly achieved that now. “I’ve had my cholesterol checked and it’s down to 4.4. I feel much fitter - I know I can walk (and even run!) further and faster than before. My confidence has soared and I’ve started applying for jobs again which I know I wouldn’t have done at my heaviest. I think I was snoring more when I was heavier and I certainly don’t struggle to turn over in bed anymore!”
“It takes time to adjust to being thinner and it’s still a bit of a novelty. It seems only a short while ago that I was buying very large size jeans and this week I’m buying size 8! I look back with horror and disbelief at pictures of myself when I was at my heaviest but I don’t have to hide under baggy cardigans anymore.”
Although Helen is still working towards her weight loss goal, she’s confident that she will be able to stay on the right track, and most importantly, keep the weight off. “Enjoying the foods that I eat now, and knowing the health risks if I don’t maintain the healthy eating plan will keep me on the straight and narrow! I feel age and gravity are against me now and it’s too late to pile back on the pounds – I want to live long and healthy!”
“I’m still going to use the site for support and guidance when I reach my target, to help me maintain my weight. I would encourage anyone who’s thinking of joining to go for it. It’s a great idea in this day and age when everyone is rushing because you can login for support and information whenever you want from the privacy of your own home, instead of going out to a local slimming club. It’s there 24/7!”
