I’ve probably started a diet every Monday for as long as I can remember. But I didn’t start my weight loss journey because I had a holiday or a wedding to aim for. It was more profound than that.
I’d initially put weight on while pregnant with my first child 30 years ago. And I didn’t lose that weight before becoming pregnant with my second and then third child, and my weight increased each time to the point where I was probably 3st overweight.
My biggest weight gain happened mainly during the last 8 years while I was in an abusive relationship. I used food as a coping mechanism and it was really the only thing in my life that I had control of. I also hid behind my weight, I felt it made me invisible to the world. I got to the point where I hated myself and was utterly miserable.
When that relationship ended, I went on a journey to find myself again, and a big part of that journey was weight loss because I wanted to look in the mirror and see the old me.
Why did I choose LighterLife?
I’d often considered LighterLife but felt I couldn’t justify the cost. In fact, this was really counterintuitive because when I added up the cost of my weekly shop, the lunches I bought daily, the snacks and the extra trips to the supermarket (as I didn’t fancy anything I‘d already bought), not to mention the food I would throw away weekly, LighterLife probably only cost me half of what I actually spent.
What attracted me were the structure and boundaries and simplicity the programme offers, which was exactly what I needed. It takes away the need to think about food or plan meals and, historically, my life was consumed by thinking about food.
The CBT element has also been key for me, I know there were reasons for my weight gain that went beyond simply overeating, so unlocking those reasons through CBT was important for me.
The programme is so simple to stick to, and trust me, it works! The speed at which the weight comes off when on plan is incredible and so motivating. I’m only human so I won’t say I didn’t have days where I really had to force myself to stay on plan, but my Mentor was so helpful during those times and certainly after our weekly meetings I felt strong and fully focused.
Because of that support I am on track to reach my goal and I am honestly in complete shock that I have found a diet that really works for me.
Mentoring and Mindfulness
My Mentor, Debbie has been instrumental in helping me unlock the reasons behind my eating habits. I understand I‘d used food as a coping mechanism and my weight as protective armour. It was the only thing I had control over but, with Debbie’s help, I have turned that around to take control of my weight loss, which feels so empowering.
The weekly CBT Mindfulness sessions with Debbie’s group were great and it was inspiring to hear the journeys of others. Debbie also gave me some 1-2-1 sessions, which enabled me to be more open with my issues and really get to the bottom of what was going on for me.
My success early on prompted 4 of my friends to join LighterLife as well, and I’ve found that support group invaluable in addition to LighterLife. I feel proud that I can also give them support.
Following the plan
My first week on TotalFast was great. While I started with the enthusiasm and hope that I started every diet with, what became apparent to me in the first week was just how easy it was. The Foodpacks tasted great, I didn’t feel hungry, and my energy levels were high. Top that with a whopping 12lb loss during that first week and I knew I’d found the diet for me. Particularly with the Chocolate Shake, which I have as a Mocha every morning.
I started LighterLife mid-October 2023 at 21st 2lb, at the time of writing I weigh 11st 2lb, and I’m hoping to lose another ½ a stone before I move onto the Management plan.
What’s changed for me now that I’ve lost my weight?
Losing weight has given me the confidence to start dating again – something I haven’t done for many years. People who know me not only comment on my weight loss, they say my whole demeanour has changed, how I hold myself, how I speak, how confident I am – which I find amazing.
I walk a lot now, at least 6km a day – more at the weekend. Before I had knee pain which made walking difficult. I’ve ordered a bike too, which I’m excited about as it must be 30 years since I last felt the breeze in my face while cycling.
I also want to get back to horse riding as this was such a passion of mine when I was younger. I have found a new found respect for myself which sees me dedicating time to exercise and skin care – I even have a regular pedicure so I can get my toes out (without tights) on a sunny day.
My new wardrobe is completely different now, and I’m enjoying experimenting. Previously, it was very limited as I hated shopping. I’d often have to wash clothes in the evening to wear the next day and it was difficult to find trousers to fit so I was limited to skirts with elasticated waists. Summer used to be a challenge because I’d be conscious of my legs without tights and I’d be hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.
Now, I have a wardrobe full of clothes – dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans, etc. Everyday I can wear something different. Everything fits and I feel amazing!
What have I learned?
Thanks to my Mentor, I now really understand my triggers and how to take the time to consider what’s really going on for me if I have a craving for food. Importantly, I also know I don’t have to deprive myself of foods I enjoy in the future, I have the confidence to know I can enjoy them mindfully, as part of a healthy diet, and not just use them to fill an emotional gap.
What I’d say to anyone thinking about starting LighterLife.
Do it! End your cycle of yo-yo dieting once and for all and live your best life. I know it sounds clichéd but if I can do it anyone can. Trusting the process is key, seeing the weight come off as quickly as it does is the best motivation.
My goal at the beginning of this journey was to appear in the LighterLife magazine. Partly for me, as it would be confirmation that I took control of my weight and crossed the finish line in style. But a bigger reason is I got so much inspiration from reading the other success stories and seeing their pictures, and I would love to give that inspiration to others too.
