Sue’s Story
A bit of background
My name is Susan, a 42 year old wife and mum of a 17 and 7 year old and I had a 7 year battle with weight following the birth of my second daughter. In that time I’ve been desperately unhappy, had health problems and experienced a hatred of myself for being so fat then treating myself to something to eat to make me feel better. I used food as a treat, pick me up, celebration, for a sad occasion … basically I didn’t need a reason to eat and boy did I eat.
7 years of ups and downs
For the last 7 years I’ve been on diets going up and down in weight and dress sizes, trying different diets and gym memberships. I hated the gym because I never looked like the lovelies and couldn’t reach the feet straps due to my size. I couldn’t chase my youngest around the park and lacked energy and body strength. I just felt like a lump of useless lard.
The starting point
17 stone, unhappy with my weight and desperately trying to hide myself. I hated going out anywhere and trying to find something to wear. I heard about the Cambridge diet from a friend and found Phaedra – my local Cambridge counsellor who is also a How Many Calories Coach.
She told me all about it, how it worked and what was involved. I found myself confessing to all my crazy eating habits, even ones I didn’t realise I had.
Instant results
I got through the first week with no bother and couldn’t believe how fast the weight fell off, but more amazingly how wonderful I felt. I had energy and for the first time in years I wasn’t hungry. It was brilliant.
After 4 weeks I had lost just over a stone and went to the Queens’s garden party in a dress. I had gone down a dress size and felt great.
Weight just kept falling off and I was feeling healthier, fitter and happier. 10 weeks on I had 3 stone lost and went on holiday to the Dominican Republic a size 16-18 looking forward to wearing a swimsuit … even a bikini!
I joined a cross country running club and now have far more energy and feel lovely from inside out.
It’s not about the weight loss
For me it’s not about how much weight I have lost but more about how I feel in my skin. I have maintained my weight and can attend functions without spoiling my dream. I don’t crave food anymore. I appreciate the taste and what food my body actually likes. I treat myself with a new
item of clothing, a good book or a walk which makes me feel great.
By October 2008 my face looked so different. I could actually see my eyes which were sunk into my face before with the weight and my skin was in great condition.
I have lost more weight, always with the support of Phaedra and my biggest goal was to go to my work Christmas party in a sparkly dress. I felt like a princess and didn’t feel old, dowdy or frumpy like I always have in the past. My dress was size 16 so I have gone from a 22-24 to 16. Wow, how excited am I? I have lost so many inches I’ve lost count and my BMI is dropping all the time.
My husband and children love the new me and especially how much happier I am with life in general.
A Note From Stephen
How Many Calories is not afflilated with any dieting product or system.В We say that if it works for you then use it. Just remember it’s not the diet that will get you slim and keep you there, it’s you, your attitude and approach that will do that. And that is what the Toolkit is there to help you with.
Well done Sue!