Su sheds 2 stone!
Like many members of our programme, Su has been on various diets for most of her adult life. Her weight fluctuated over the years but she had generally managed to maintain a fairly healthy weight. Su was shocked into joining us when she stepped on the scales one day and saw that the weight had crept on almost without her realising! “I had obviously been comfort eating when I was studying for my degree and it seemed like my weight was spiralling out of control. I couldn’t do anything to stop it by myself so I decided I needed help!”
With a starting weight of 11 st, Su’s BMI was 26, putting her in the overweight category. Five months later, Su has reached her target by losing just over 2 st and currently weighs 8 st 12 lbs, with a BMI of 21. She admits that following our plan didn’t even feel like being on a diet! “Before when I dieted I cut out certain things, became hungry, and therefore became obsessed with food which led to binges. But my diet is much healthier and balanced now!”
After years of following different diet plans, Su felt that her taste buds had been overloaded and dulled. Now she has rediscovered some of her favourite foods and has learned to enjoy food again. "My daily calorie intake is spread throughout the day now and not mainly in the evening. Food tastes much better now and I appreciate what I eat and feel satisfied whereas before, the more I ate, the less I tasted, and the more lethargic and depressed I became.”
Su’s family were very supportive of her decision to begin our programme. “My husband was very encouraging. He realised how down I was about my weight and agreed that joining was a good idea. My three children noticed my change in diet and they tell everyone “Mum is not on a diet, it’s a way of life!" They weren’t so pleased about having no chocolate in the house but they have taken on board the healthy eating concept so hopefully we can all expand on this!” 
As a result of her weight loss, Su is much more confident and energetic. “Before I lost the weight, getting up in the morning was awful. What could I wear?! Even my “fat” clothes were getting tighter and I had to buy even bigger clothes. Now I have more energy for day to day living and I still have energy left in the evenings! The gym doesn’t feel like such a chore and I have even taken up skipping in my back garden, much to the neighbours’ horror!”
“Although physical appearance isn’t everything, being happier with my shape and weight has improved my confidence no end in all areas of my life. I am more positive and able to tackle the world! I am really pleased that I have regained control over my eating habits and I do not think of food constantly.”
Su is confident that with our help and the help of her family, she will be able to maintain her weight now. “I want to maintain my weight now that I have reached my goal, but I do worry a little because of past experience. By staying with the programme now I will have the support and guidance I need on maintaining weight. Weighing in each week will ensure that my weight doesn’t creep back up. I don’t want to go back to feeling miserable like before!”
“The only drawback (or perhaps not!) is having to buy new clothes as most of my clothes are now too baggy!”
Not a bad complaint Su – well done on your success!
