I have been overweight since my early twenties with various stints on diets over the years. The first diet was at age 23, and subsequently each weight loss attempt thereafter having a higher start weight and lower loss achievement before I jacked it in.
The last time I was a reasonable weight was in 2009, when I first joined WLR in the build up to my wedding... I lost three stone and got to 14st 4lb. Still overweight but better than I was.
Of course, as soon as the wedding was over, normal service resumed. Then I got a new job and moved to a new town..
My husband and I have a good social life which usually involves visiting pubs as well which doesn’t help matters. This, and general laziness, resulted in my weight steadily increasing over the last 10 years and I put on all the weight I had lost previously plus another stone for good measure.
How I've tried to lose weight in the past...
I have tried Slimming World on and off for about 20 years and had had some success previously but, in recent years, I struggled to adjust to the new ‘extra easy’ system and would lose a stone and then fall off the wagon again.
Having done calorie counting on WLR in 2009, I felt that nothing was really ‘free’ since everything I eat/drink has calories and I was not properly exercising portion control. I was using the ‘it’s free’ mantra to kid myself I could eat as much as my husband.
I have always enjoyed the slimming world recipes though and the healthy eating it promotes, I just now put the recipes into WLR and ensure I stick to the correct portions.
I also tried the 5:2 Fast diet at 500 calories per day and, whilst some of the principles suited me, I found it very difficult.
However, when this changed to a 5:2 based on 800 calories and, with the greater awareness of a Mediterranean diet together with lower carbs, I found a way of eating that does suit me so I have been using some of these principles together with WLR and counting calories.
How my weight affected me...
I wouldn’t say that my weight significantly affected my health but I was very aware that I was pushing my luck with being obese.
I used to get nervous before flights in case the seatbelt wasn’t long enough. I had started to notice that my knees were getting achy as well with carrying all the extra weight.
It was the small things that bothered me...
"huffing and puffing when cutting my toe nails and struggling to reach them"
...and not having much choice clothes wise.
Mentally, whilst I would have preferred to be slim, I have been accepting of my weight since, having lost weight before, I knew my weight was in my control and therefore it was my choice to be overweight.
I was not happy with my weight and how I looked but I accepted responsibility for it.
My motivation to lose weight...
There are so many reasons why I wanted to lose weight, I was so fed up with myself and unhappy about my weight and in October 2018, I went for a pre-op assessment for a minor op and the nurse queried if I had sleep apnoea since I had all the indicators for it.
I didn’t have it but the hospital ran a number of tests to be sure but it did ‘wake’ me up as to what the future may hold if I did not take control of my weight and the daily food/drink decisions I was making.
So the main motivation for losing weight was and still is my health.
The wlr tools that helped me the most...
Initially, I used the food diary only ensuring I was in calorie deficit but as time has progressed, I have become more interested in nutrition, ensuring I have enough fibre, F&V etc.
I feel that my knowledge is increasing all the time without it being ‘gimmicky’ and when, as time went on or I felt a bit stagnated, I browse recipes, the food plans available, and the forums to get more ideas.
I also like the variety of forums since there is something for everyone. I have been inspired by other people’s achievements and learned a lot about different techniques that have helped me stay on course.
One of the big habits for me to break was with regard to my alcohol intake since I had got into a habit of daily ‘wine o’clock’ drinking which I knew was very unhealthy for my body and mind. I particularly followed the ‘Stay off the Booze’ thread which inspired me and kept me going as I incorporated more and more alcohol free days into my life.
How my life has changed since losing weight
Since losing the weight, random aches and pains that I put down to getting older have gone, I have loads more energy and I don’t snore anymore!
Susan after weight loss in red dress
"words can’t describe how good I felt in my size 14 red dress!"
I still can’t believe that I have nearly done it and I am still adjusting to not being overweight.
"I have rediscovered an interest in clothes and fashion."
I have been quite strict not to buy too many new clothes on my way since I am determined to get to goal and don’t want to discard clothes I love. Luckily, a good friend of mine lost weight and donated a lot of clothes to me which has seen me through, but I am now enjoying restocking my wardrobe with clothes I like as opposed to clothes that fit.
How exercise has helped my weight loss
I did not want to join a gym or start a significant exercise regime when I started since I was worried that if I failed at the exercise, I would also fail at losing weight too so I just steadily increased my walking and tried to incorporate more walking and movement in my day.
I got myself a fitbit for my 4.5 stone loss reward (7 months in) and it inspired me to increase my walking and ensure I got my steps in every day.
Email me here To Get My Weighloss Formula
susanmoore 2714 @ gmail . com (remove the spaces)
