I’ve learned from past mistakes on how to manage and maintain my weight loss, and I’m implementing these new habits into my new lifestyle.
I decided to lose weight to support my wife, who had elected to undergo Bariatric surgery to get her weight under control and improve her health. Once we understood how this would affect the rest of our lives, I opted for the LighterLife programme, to support the future change in our diet and to adopt a healthier lifestyle to support both her and my kids.
Why did I choose LighterLife?
Having previously done Lighter Life back in 2015, when I went from 108 kg down to 80 kg over an 8-week period, I knew it worked. Since then, COVID lockdowns had impacted my health significantly, causing me to slowly pile the weight back on again, so it seemed to be a logical step to go back on plan
Based on past success, I knew I could achieve good results, that I was mentally strong enough to push through and get the results I wanted. And I’ve learned from past mistakes on how to manage and maintain my weight loss, so I’m implementing these new habits into my current lifestyle.
Starting TotalFast
They say the first week is normally the hardest, but for me it was the first few days. So, by starting my diet on a Friday and having my first couple of days on plan at home, I was able to go at my own pace and ease myself in.
And then weighing in every Friday morning at the same time and seeing the results really spurred me on to keep going, taking it one week at a time. I really liked the Shakes, they were a good start to my day.
I originally started TotalFast on 9th June 2023 weighing 113.60kg (17st 12lb) and by 25th August 2023 I was down to 89.55kg (14st 1lb) – a 3st 11lb loss. Second time around on 16th February 2024 I weighed 104.8kg (16st 7lbs) and by 15th March I’d dropped to 93.15kg (14st 9lb) – a 1st 12lb loss. So, overall, I’ve lost 3st 3lb in total.
Mindfulness and Mentor support
Although I was always realistic in my ambitions, my Mentor helped me understand myself and accept my results. I decided I would do the diet for 8 weeks and, whatever the outcome, would build on it. My Mentor encouraged this thought process and helped me achieve these results.
It’s always good to speak to someone who’s been through this process and understands the outcomes, and behaviours surrounding eating habits. I enjoyed my weekly catch ups with my Mentor and could speak openly to her about anything diet-related. I told her about my wife’s surgery too and she fully understood my reasoning for undertaking the LighterLife programme.
I also found my Mentor’s WhatsApp group useful – I was encouraged by the other group members so every now and then I would share my story as well, so I could inspire others.
Outside of LighterLife, I received a lot of compliments on my weight loss journey. I’d told some of my work colleagues I was doing the diet, and it was really good to have my transformation recognised by others.
How do I feel now?
Since losing weight, my confidence has grown, I can move more freely, and wear clothes that fit me properly. And I actively try to maintain a set weight, which does take some time to learn to manage as your weight fluctuates.
09/06/2023 my clothes size was an XXL, waist was 40-42” and these were getting tight
25/08/2023 my clothes size was a M/L, waist was 36”
16/02/2024 my clothes size was an XL, waist was 38”
15/03/2024 my clothes size was a L, waist was 36-38”
What can I do now that I couldn’t before?
I’m now playing weekly 5-side football and running, neither of which I did before, and these activities are helping me manage my weight, along with the change in portion sizes and eating habits.
My wife and I have undergone an incredible lifestyle change with our retrospective weight loss journeys. Our confidence has grown, we’re more active with our kids, and are more outgoing ourselves.
What have I learned
LighterLife is a lifestyle change. Such as being more active, doing sports, and opting for alternative healthy snacks rather than what you used to choose. Also, having a takeaway every now and then is not a bad thing – my wife and I will share a kebab rather than having one each and we find this is sufficient for both of us. Really, I believe having a good mental state is the key to success, and long term achievement.
What would I say to someone thinking of joining LighterLife?
Assess your work life and home life patterns before you start. Your weekend routine may be vastly different to your workday routine, so see where your peaks and troughs are in terms of your energy. Then make sure you fit your meal packs in around these. I’d have 2 food packs closer together at lunch time during the week, whereas I’d have 2 food packs closer together at breakfast on the weekends as I’d have to keep up with two young children!
