|
|
Hazel is the mother of two beautiful young children and is happily settled with her partner. To many people her life may have appeared idyllic, but the one area she experienced a constant struggle with was maintaining a healthy weight.
Like lots of women, Hazel’s post pregnancy weight fluctuated wildly. In despair she decided to regain control of her expanding waistline and joined our healthy online Gi plan.
“I lost 3 stone whilst pregnant in 2005, by the time my daughter was 9 months old I was well on my way to my pre-pregnancy weight of 15 stone 11 lbs so I decided the time had come to join the online plan and I have not looked back since.”
In just under nine months Hazel has achieved an amazing 4 stone 10 lbs loss and her BMI has reduced from an obese BMI of 34 to a normal one of 23. At her original weight she was at an increased risk of many diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Now her weight loss means she has managed to significantly improve her health and perhaps even lengthen her life span.
At the beginning of her diet Hazel was confronted with some major hurdles she needed to overcome, but with the constant encouragement of both her family and the online support groups she managed to create and stick to a new healthy eating regime.
“My partner has been amazing, encouraging me to keep going, he is very proud of my success.”
She goes on to praise the support boards where she is an avid contributor. “The support groups are amazing; having these people to congratulate you on your success and console you when it goes wrong is brilliant.”
The yo-yoing pattern of detoxing and overeating which was a big part of Hazel’s previous routine has been replaced with eating habits that are both healthy and easy to maintain. “I used to buy loads of fresh fruit and vegetables and live on salads to start the month, but once all the fresh food had been used up, I would return to the take away foods such as pizza and kebabs. Now I still eat the salads, but serve them with unprocessed foods and meals cooked from scratch. I have also increased my water intake, I have a glass of water now in place of the fizzy drinks and my alcohol intake has also been vastly reduced.”
Exercise is another contributory element to Hazel’s success. She realises the importance of physical activity for an effective weight loss plan, and knows that once she has hit her target she will still need regular exercise to ensure she maintains her fitness and weight. “Since starting the plan I have increased my activity levels steadily. I love doing my exercise DVD’s and cycling on my exercise bike, it is a great time to read! I try to exercise for 8 hours per week and will do 5 hours each week once I hit my target.”
Gone are the days of feeling paranoid that people are staring at her larger frame, now the only looks Hazel’s model like size 12 figure gets are those of admiration and envy. “I always felt like people were looking at me, in reality I am sure they weren’t, but that was how I felt. I could never get nice tops and had very few flattering clothes. Now I have hundreds!”
Hazel has a helpful tip to avoid becoming bankrupt while shopping for a new wardrobe to cater for a shrinking figure. “Buy cheap new clothes, as you drop in size you will need to keep replacing them and it can get expensive.”
Of course the odd splurge on an expensive outfit to celebrate her gorgeous body is allowed! “I wore a dress to a family party a few months ago and everyone was knocked for six when they saw me.”
And the aspects of her body she is most pleased with? “I can show off my arms now without feeling embarrassed by their size. I have very toned shoulders which I love and I am really pleased with the way I can see my collar bone now.”
Motivation is the driving force required to reach your target and Hazel certainly has that in abundance. “I hope to maintain my weight loss; otherwise all my lovely new clothes won’t fit anymore. It will feel strange to reduce the focus on my diet; I won’t know what to do with myself!”
|
