I’d hit rock bottom. Having fled an abusive relationship, I found myself homeless and sofa surfing, with no money and no food. But what I did have was some leftover Foodpacks from when I’d previously joined LighterLife. (My partner sabotaged my journey at that time). This was a turning point in my life and I decided to take control.
What was different about LighterLife?
A classic yo-yo dieter, I’d tried just about every diet going. What made the difference with LighterLife was my Mentor and our group CBT Mindfulness work. They’ve been crucial to my weight loss, and I still make a conscious effort to attend group each week.
I feel my weight loss experience is like a train journey, and I’ve worked my way from the very back carriage up to First Class. But I’m not settling for that, I want to reach the driver’s cabin!
Starting TotalFast
I started TotalFast in January 2024 and by mid-June 2024 I’d lost 7 stone 10lb.
During my first week on plan I had some headaches and felt tired but “no pain, no gain” I knew the benefits would be worth a few days of discomfort. Soda water also really helped me get through the day and I treated myself to a Soda Stream. A Salted Caramel Bar would always pick me up too.
Mindfulness and Mentor support
I receive regular WhatsApp messages from my Mentor, Zoe, and her group work sessions have been amazing. They’ve boosted my confidence, helped improve my mental health, and made me determined to succeed.
How to explain the CBT Mindfulness benefits? We look at a different topic each week. The sessions have unlocked negative childhood messages around food and lots of things finally make sense to me now – specifically about my relationship with food and lack of personal belief that I’ve lived with for most of my life.
I have screenshots saved on my phone from particularly inspiring/light bulb moments and I look at them regularly. I recently suffered the loss of my beloved dog, which was incredibly hard, but I was able to manage my grief without falling off plan.
Recently, Zoe was on holiday and her groups were covered by another LighterLife Mentor, who was also brilliant.
What can I do now that I couldn’t before losing weight?
Well, I’m a painter/decorator, which is a physically demanding job, and this has become easier – I can also put the palms of my hands flat on the floor.
Having gone from a UK size 14 to a size 6/8, I love shopping on eBay for short dresses and brightly coloured clothes. And I have a size 6 pair of jeans that I’m thrilled to be able to do up!
I also love wearing knee high boots, especially as my mother always told me from a young age that my legs were too fat and I’d never be able to wear them.
I often don’t recognise myself and then I realise, “I’m a stunner!”
And I love buying size 8 pretty knickers… it’s a secret, only I know when I’m wearing them, and they give me a real confidence boost.
My new lighter life
My life has gone in a totally new direction. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI are all perfect. This is my time. I have less days ahead of me than behind me, and this is the time for me to find myself as a person.
What have I learned?
The LighterLife Group work has taught me so many lessons, not only about my relationship with food but also about life overall. Now I’m on the Management plan, I have boundaries with what I buy, I make a plan and I stick to it.
I’ve learned genuine comfort doesn’t come from food as this is something I know I’ll regret afterwards.
I’ve done all this for me – LighterLife is part of life now.
Carole Anne’s Top Tips
If you’re having a challenging day, take things hour by hour rather than day by day.
Baby steps work towards the bigger goal
A healthy mind is more important than your dress size.
Don’t think about the financial cost – think about what you are going to get out of it. You are worth it.
The support is fantastic – you are not on your own and the results speak for themselves.
