“That feeling when…I finally took control”

As my 60^th birthday fast approached, I was determined to enter the final third of my life, a slimmed-down, better version of me.  My late father once said, ‘if you want to witness your grandchildren growing up, you should perhaps look at losing the weight that has crept on slowly, but very surely since the age of 30 years’.

 I have finally lost my baby weight; that baby is 25 years old next month!!  I have 5 more kg to lose to be at the weight I was when I got married.

So, I took the decision to slowly make small changes in my life.  Greg and I have been married for 32 years next month and I thank him for being so supportive and patient with me as I struggled with my weight, yo-yo-ing from one fad diet to the next.  I realised, it is not so much the diet, but a change in both lifestyle and attitude.  My weight worries were brought into sharp focus and I knew I didn’t want to wear size 18 clothes.  It was more than that, I wanted to enjoy married life as we entered a new phase of working together and enjoying semi-retirement.

We moved to a new village to work as Estate Managers, a couple job, and a shift in gear. One way to meet others would be to join a club.  And, why not combine that with joining a club that would promote a healthy lifestyle?  So I joined Slimming World and never looked back.  The delicious meals and method of tracking food, called Food Optimising, accelerated weight-loss and gradually the weight came off.

  I was mindful that it did not take a month, or even a couple of months to gain the weight, so I had to accept that small incremental weight losses contributed to a personal goal of wanting desperately to lose 2 stone. 

Some weeks I maintained my weight, others I gained, and, in a very good week I lost. Each week, I went to the group, even if I had lost focus.  The appointment with that scale was mine and mine alone.  With Slimming World the member sets their own target and the group meetings help you achieve these goals and celebrate your loss and commiserate with you in your gains.  I lost weight and gained so much more, joining 1st August 2018 and reaching my goal on 18th March 2019.

 I have maintained and been at my target weight for over a year and still monitor my weight weekly so that I can see when I need to rein it in.  During ‘lockdown’ the group has met on Zoom and we are all finding creative ways to keep on track and to encourage one another. 

Start with a decision to lose weight and be kind to yourself and learn to love yourself.  As a carer, we are focused on our clients and what’s best for them.  In your time-off, although we feel like flopping on the bed, get out for a walk.  I found that my Fit Bit reminded me each hour to move a little more.  What’s best for you and, what might be a real struggle, is to resist all the treats that you make for your lovely client and start caring for YOU!  Invest in YOU! YOU are worth it!!

Now I’m full of energy.  Learning new things and being creative in how I spend my spare time.  I started a new home-based business as I have more vitality.  We’ve started cycling and walking more and, best of all, suddenly everything feels new and exciting again for Greg and me.  We’re loving married life!

I wish you well as you take that first step.  Your biggest step is your decision.  Be true to yourself, you will get there in the end.  It just takes time, which is a precious commodity and one that stands still for nobody.

Lots of love Helen