Julie's feeling fitter than ever
As the result of a medical check-up, Julie was informed that her BMI put her into the obese category. She decided it was time for a change. Since beginning her weight loss plan, Julie has lost 1 stone 3lbs and dropped a dress size. Now she’s feeling slimmer, fitter and is back wearing the clothes she hasn’t been comfortable in for years.
Julie tells us her story...
As the result of a medical check-up, Julie was informed that her BMI put her into the obese category. She decided it was time for a change. Since beginning her weight loss plan, Julie has lost 1 stone 3lbs and dropped a dress size. Now she’s feeling slimmer, fitter and is back wearing the clothes she hasn’t been comfortable in for years.
What made you decide to join us?
I had a medical check up which confirmed that I was clinically obese. I have been overweight to some degree since I was about 10 years old. However; as I get older I want to remain fit and well, and as excess weight was likely to prevent that, I knew that I needed to take action.
What weight and clothes size were you before you joined us, and what is your current weight and clothes size?
I started at 11st 5lbs and a snug size 16. I am currently 10st 2lbs and a comfortable size 14.
Did you lose any inches?
So far I have lost 3 inches from my bust, 3 from my waist, 2 from my hips and 2 from each thigh.
Have you previously tried any other diets and were they successful?
I have tried various diets over the years but I didn’t like attending weekly meetings and getting weighed in front of people. I think those kinds of group weight loss programmes are only as good as the leader and the other participants. If you meet people every week who are making excuses it can be demoralising. You also meet people who do the same diet every year, before their holidays or a big event, and then they go back to bad habits. I wanted to change my diet for good and to learn a new way of coping with my weight as I get older.
I feel slimmer around my middle, I’m not trying to hide my waist as much as I used to and I’ve noticed that my face looks a lot thinner
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
I am pretty active in my free time, but I have quite a sedentary job. Starting the new diet plan in the summer was a good opportunity for me to include lots of exercise, at least 4 times a week. I make an effort to walk instead of drive as often as possible, and recently I have started to swim once a week.
What difference has losing weight made to you?
I feel lighter within myself. I am now wearing clothes that had been stored away for years because they didn’t fit and I even had to get some of my favorite clothes taken in. I am also feeling much fitter, now when I exercise I can do a lot more before I get out of breath.
Have you enjoyed the diet plan?
Yes, I was really impressed with the diet plan I chose, the Light Choices plan.
It included most of the foods which I already had in my kitchen – just in smaller portions! I love the fact that the calories and portion sizes of each meal are calculated for me. The diet is really flexible, if I don’t like a meal I can easily swap it for a more suitable one. I have also found the weekly email response to my weigh-in very encouraging and supportive.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us, and how has your diet changed as a result?
My portions are now smaller. I’m eating much more fruit and vegetables than before, now I eat at least one piece of fruit with every meal. I have found a way to resist the pitfalls of working lunches by choosing salads and fruit platters.
Do you feel confident about maintaining your weight loss?
I think the Christmas season will be the most testing for me. I don’t want to miss out on my favorite Christmas meals. This will be the time when other people will notice if I am eating less than they are, and I don’t want to be anti-social. Alcohol isn’t a problem for me, I don’t drink but I’m worried people might think that I am a bit of a party pooper if I start to eat less as well as drinking less!
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
They are all very pleased for me. We can all sit down to the same meal together and each of us eats as much as we want.
How do you feel about your weight loss? Is there any aspect you are particularly proud of?
I feel slimmer around my middle, I’m not trying to hide my waist as much as I used to and I’ve noticed that my face looks a lot thinner.
