Success Story: Diane

AKA "Daisydee" on Weight Loss Resources

Weight Loss History

Until I got to 14st 8lbs in January 2004 after stopping smoking to try for a baby and then having two babies 13 months apart, I had never dieted before.

I started by trying Atkins/Low Carb diet which did start my weight loss. I then decided on calorie counting and exercising as a more normal way of eating and as I had struggled with cravings I wanted to get to goal with a view to eating a balanced, healthy diet in the long term.

Have you lost weight before and regained the weight?

No this was the first time I had a problem with gaining weight. When I found myself so overweight – by six stones! – it was terrible. I felt my body was out of control and I desperately wanted to get back to being ‘me’ and it seemed a very big challenge. I had no real idea of how to start.

How being overweight has affected you…

At my heaviest weight, I lost all confidence and had no energy. I suffered from a bad back and my knees were affected by the extra weight on my small frame. I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks.

I felt frumpy, unattractive and didn’t want to go on holiday or attend even family social events.

I would go, grin and bear it and cry after seeing photos/videos of myself. I lost interest in clothes and make-up, feeling I wasn’t worth it.

Gradually as I lost weight I got my confidence back. I love to go on holiday and am delighted to wear anything I want in size 8-10!

I am now very active. I have joined a gym and love to try everything from Bodypump to yoga. I walk my dog’s everyday. No more panic attacks.

Housework/gardening is done in half the time. First to burn calories doing it and secondly, so I have more time to do social things like the gym and going out. Losing the weight has made such a difference and I am so much happier.

Motivation to Lose Weight

How I felt physically and emotionally about myself initially motivated me to lose weight.

I then worked towards goals such as Christmas. The greatest motivation of all was when our wedding date was set for 6th July 2005. I was determined not to settle for anything less than being at goal for that.

Discovering Weight Loss Resources

I was searching for information on counting calories when I found WLR. I tried the free trial and thought it was great value compared to reading through calorie counting books. The food diary and planner were easy to use.

How Weight Loss Resources Helps

It was taking me a long time to lose the final stones before I found WLR. Since using it I have steadily lost at least one pound a week. I have chosen to maintain on certain weeks if I was struggling with routine at home etc.

My eating patterns are now a regular three meals a day.

I have learned to save some of my exercise calories to have treats at the weekend. The advice from the other members on the forum is always spot on. Everyone is very encouraging and on reaching goal and going off to get married I received such lovely messages of support and good wishes.

The Best of Weight Loss Resources

I use the food diary and exercise diary daily. I try to have a quick look on the forums when I am online.

I like to have a look at the latest information provided by WLR on the home pages and join the exercise challenges to help keep me motivated.

I update my results every week.

Diane's Tips for Losing Weight

I would advise others to fill in the food diary each day and try to exercise to save some of those calories for special meals out or weekends.

Like me maybe you cannot start straightaway with exercise at the gym or walking but you can start with things like housework, DIY or gardening to encourage you and start from there. When you see the calories expended doing these things it can be an incentive!

There’s lots of information on exercise/activities to try.

Use the food planner for a week or two to get into the routine of eating regularly.

Join in on the forum whenever you can. The support can really help.

Use the site often and make the most of it!

I think regular exercise makes such a difference. Not only for extra calories but I always feel better for doing it. Even just 30 minutes of walking can make you feel good and keep you positive. Every month I adjusted my exercise routine such as planning to walk so many days a week. At the end of the month I chose a non-food treat and planned ahead for the next month. Keep changing the exercise to suit how you feel and stop you getting bored.

Try to eat as much fresh food as possible.

Drink lots of water.

Take your ‘weight loss’ journey one step at a time.

Don’t give up! You can do it. If I can, you can and WLR is the best diet tool to help you get to your goal.

For a time I used the Paul McKenna book as a help to get me to stop worrying about particular food groups. It really helped me to realise when I am full and the advice to sit down and eat a meal slowly rather than snacking on the go and enjoy enjoying food made sense.

Diane's Vital Statistics

	Before	Now
Weight	14st 8lb	8st 4lb