Q: What was your weight loss motivation?
A: There were lots of different things that motivated me to lose weight. I was turning 40 at the end of the year and didn’t want to be fat at 40. I felt unhealthy and had had numerous previous failed attempts at losing weight – slimming world, weight watchers, hypnotherapy etc. etc. I felt humiliation on a previous flight where the seat belt wouldn’t do up and I had to ask for extension belt. I couldn’t really enjoy holidays to the maximum due to embarrassment about my weight issues – for instance not being able to go on rides in Euro Disney for fear of not fitting into the seats! My kids were also starting to make comments about the size of mummy’s bum or tummy! I was fed up shopping in Evans and feeling hideous on nights out with my skinny friends. Friends and family didn’t know how I felt about being fat – I think I covered it well, made a joke of things myself and pretended I was fine with it. But deep inside, I was extremely unhappy with the size I was and how it was beginning to impact on my life.
Q: What made you choose Exante Diet?
A: I wanted to try something different – not just another fad diet. I think I was addicted to food – not just to eating but food shopping, cooking, watching food related programmes it was taking over my life. After discussions with a friend who had seen this advertised, I decided to try a VLCD that didn’t offer me food as an option – I wanted to abstain totally to try and get me to refocus. My initial aim was to stick to it for three weeks. I lost 14lb in the first week, loved it, had minimal side effects so decided to stick to it and have never looked back.
Q: What Exante Diet plan were you on?
A: Total Solution.
Q: What were your favourite Exante Diet products?
A: All shakes – blended with ice or coffee added to vanilla and toffee caramel, all pancakes, chocolate bars and lemon bars.
Q: What did you learn on the plan?
A: I lost my obsession with food. It gave me the confidence to say no to food especially when out socialising with friends (me not eating is their problem not mine!). My skin was better due to drinking more water. That I can accommodate the plan with holidays – in the summer I pre-ordered my shakes, had them delivered to Spain for a three week holiday. I combined those with protein based meals out if and when I wanted them. I lost 6lb in the 3 weeks I was away – I’ve never lost weight on a holiday before.
Q: How did your plan fit into your lifestyle?
A: Easy – it’s such a simple plan. I have a shake for breakfast on the way to work with a glass of water, a bar at lunchtime and a shake or pancakes for tea. Throughout the day I drink black tea or carbonated water. I don’t have to think about it – my family are supportive and give me the encouragement to carry on. I cook for them and I still keep their snacks in the cupboards but now I’m just not bothered by it.
