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Nutrition Team
Coming face to face with medical problems can become a life-changing moment. Sheila was aware for quite a while that her weight and lifestyle were affecting her quality of life. However, it wasn’t until she received poor cholesterol test results that she took action against her weight. Tired of attending dieting classes Sheila decided to give the online programme a go.
Sheila tells us how she achieved the 3 stone 5 lbs loss…
Why did you decide to join us?
Fourteen months ago I received the results of my cholesterol level, which were not good. My weight was steadily increasing and I decided that being an armchair slob at 50 was not going to happen!
Was your weight causing you any problems?
Most of the time I wear loose-fitting, casual clothes but for a special occasion I would get very depressed when nothing fitted me properly. Looking back I was uncomfortable a lot of the time and found exercise hard work.
Tell us about your diet before you joined, and how has it changed as a result?
I was eating as much as my husband who has a physically active job and a fast metabolism. My diet was laden with rich sauces, cheese and meals were topped up with cakes and desserts. Now I enjoy a largely vegetarian diet with some fish, white meat, fruit and vegetables in greater quantities. I have cut down on my alcohol intake…beer was my tipple, so my beer belly has gone too.
What part, if any, has exercise played in helping you to lose weight?
I joined the gym on the same day that I joined the online service and go 3 or 4 times per week. The weeks that I don’t go to the gym often result in my weight staying the same or increasing, so I know it’s worth going and I do enjoy it. As well as feeling fitter I am also able to see the muscles in my legs now.
What did you think of the service overall?
The online service suited me really well. Previously I attended diet classes where I found many of the sessions didn’t relate to my lifestyle. The website is full of useful of information which is great to refer to. Sometimes I spend time on the support boards, on other days I weigh in, print off my plan and shopping list and that’s it. The weigh in comment is something I always do and get really supportive and helpful feedback in return. I now have a full list of these messages and refer to them when I’m struggling or need reminding about how far I have come.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
People have noticed my slimmer size and they have been supportive and complimentary which has been a great boost.
Have you any other tips you would like to give?
I have found setting short-term goals useful to keep me motivated when my weight loss has slowed down or plateaued. A conservative, achievable weight loss goal, in an easily visualised length of time, preferably for an oncoming event, works best.
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