12 months ago today I took control of my life (with pics)

My story so far...

I had a routine doctors appointment and was told that I was 1.6 BMI away from being eligible for a stomach bypass or similar on the NHS. This was a huge shock to me! I’d always known I was overweight, I had been all my adult life, and even accepted that in BMI terms I was classed as obese – never for a second had a thought I was big enough to be considered for surgery.
The nurse that I saw really challenged me on my approach to food and exercise – food, of which I ate plenty and exercise, of which I did none!

I had no time for exercise – I work full time and have 3 children when on earth would I have time to exercise!! By the time I get in from work, have made the dinner, bathed and got the children to bed, made lunches for the following day, cleaned and tidied round it was most definitely time for bed! The challenge was to find only 20 / 30 minutes 3 times a week.

I went home in tears and cried all night about how fat I was – barely ate the whole weekend as I felt guilty. I spent the whole weekend re-evaluating my life.

What example was I setting for my children?
Did my husband really find me attractive anymore?
What did work colleagues think when I was eating chips at lunch time?

Is this how I wanted to live my life?

The answer to the last question was the easiest to answer and it simply was ‘NO’

On the Monday morning I made a decision to change. And that was all it was a decision. Your mind is a very powerful tool and when used properly can do amazing things. I logged into MFP, entered my details and began using it to count calories and exercise.

I weighed in at 212lb (15stone 2lb)
46.5” Bust
44” Waist
48.5” Hips

I had cereal for breakfast, a sliced chicken and pepperoni salad for lunch and Tuna pasta bake for dinner. During the day I stocked up on strawberries, grapes and an apple and WOW was I full. I even had enough calories for garlic bread with my pasta (I LOVE garlic bread!) I switched out diet coke during the day and only drank water – lots of it.

That evening when the children were in bed I put on my eldest’s Zumba game on the Wii and did a few songs – 17 minutes. Not quite the 20 minutes I’d been challenged to – but I did something! I went to bed that night so proud of what I’d done and how easy I’d found it. I’d dieted before, plenty of times in fact and never stuck to it and never felt this good.

Something was different – my mind was different. I was READY to change.

The next day the biggest thing that I told myself was – I did it the day before – I can do it today!

I was surprised at how easy it was to say NO to people offering food - cakes, biscuits, do-nuts. And at home I no longer wanted a glass of wine at the weekend, or a bag of crisps at lunch time and I haven’t eaten a chocolate bar in 12 months
I built myself up to be able to do 45 minutes of Zumba at home and even started to do it every day – I enjoyed it – I was less tired and had so much energy to play with the children – that can be addictive! What a great feeling!

My evening meal is most important to me as it’s family time so I do make sure I have the calories to eat the same as the rest of the household, it also saves making loads of different meals! I usually make double the quantity so that meals can be frozen and used on days when exercise is early to give me more time with the children. I only have bread once a day, fruit everyday and loads of water.

I joined a gym and go to an hour class on most days in the evenings – Zumba, Boxfit and Circuits – sometimes it’s hard, rushing and not spending that hour with the children but I think instead of the behaviour I’m giving them. When they grow up exercise will be a normal thing – Mum and Dad have always done it they’ll think. (My parents never exercised) I even completed a 3 mile run at the weekend :happy:

I use MFP every day and use the stories other people write as my motivator – along with another friend on here who has also done so well and who has inspired me

My family and friends have been so supportive and encouraging, and they are all so very proud of what I have achieved so far. I’m not finished with my journey and still have 2 stone to go. I’m no longer obese and am just ‘over weight’! But sure does feel great being in that bracket!

Food is not there to be a friend – it is only required as fuel. Use it a friend / comforter and it will only become an enemy.

Today, 12months in I weigh 168lb (12stone)
40” Bust
36” Waist
42.5 Hips

44lb lighter and 20.5 inches smaller!!

You control what goes in to your mouth. You are in control of your actions.

When you are ready weight loss is simple;

Eat less – move more!

Thanks for reading :happy: