My Story:

I don't love vegetables

Being the full time carer of a disabled daughter, is rewarding but physically-draining so I was worried that my weight would interfere with my ability to cope with her daily needs. After coming across an ad for the Tesco Diets online plans, I decided to join. I was 22 Stone 2lbs but in just 18 months, I lost 12 stone 5lb loss and reduced my BMI from a worryingly high 55, to a much healthier 26. I also dropped 8 dress sizes, so a new wardrobe was a welcome necessity!

I thought about starting a diet for a few months, but without much enthusiasm. Then one day whilst struggling to help my daughter get washed and dressed, it suddenly hit me that if I was having so many problems now, they would get worse as I got older. I was really unfit and overweight and because of this, would possibly not even be around much longer to look after her. I made the decision there and then to sign up.

Clothes shopping was so depressing. I hated being invited out and always tried to back out of social occasions. I didn’t want anybody to notice me and I would never dream of getting up to go to the food table at parties as I was convinced everyone was watching me, “to see how much food the fat girl put on her plate.” When I was young I was extrovert but gradually I became more introverted, and my self-esteem plummeted.
My food habits before were unbelievably unhealthy. I skipped breakfast and then stuffed myself with crisps and biscuits at lunch. Supper was always a box of cakes, packet of biscuits or a large bar of chocolate. My diet is much healthier now. I have a proper breakfast, a healthy lunch, lots of fruit and vegetables, and using the recipes on my plan I still manage to have curries for my evening meal. If I ever have crisps and chocolate, I always buy the healthier options.

The main difference losing weight has made to me is caring for my daughter, her personal care is so much easier now. I love shopping for clothes and my wardrobe is bursting at the seams. I can’t wait for party invites so I can buy a new dress. I drag my husband out walking every chance we get and my self-confidence has come back in leaps and bounds.
Loving my new way of life.

I love my diet plan, it was the easiest diet I ever followed. I plan my shopping list around the food plan so I always know what I need is in the cupboard, and the flexibility of being able to change meals or food items so easily was fantastic.
I couldn’t do any exercise for the first few months due to back pain. As the weight dropped so did my back pain, so I was able to start going for small walks. I joined an exercise class, which I now attend twice a week. I absolutely love it, and still can’t believe how fit and healthy I feel. My husband is the one asking me to slow down now.

My advice to others.

If, like me, you aren’t a vegetable lover, don’t let it put you off trying new recipes. I chop courgettes, celery and broccoli into little pieces so I barely notice I am eating them. I would recommend keeping in touch with the mentor team, they are there to give you advice, encouragement or a sympathetic ear when you need it and often a good laugh too!

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