There's no magic formula, just willpower
About a year and a half ago I weighed in at 17st 9lb, size 24 and paranoid everyone was talking about me or laughing at me when I went into clothes shops with my much slimmer mother. Then I decided, after a panic attack in a shop, that this was it, I had to do something about it and after years of trying faddy diets I had to change my attitude to food and exercise. The next day I sought help from a friend to devise an exercise plan I could stick to. First thing was I started a journal, Day 1 i took a photo of myself on a self timer camera with clothes that were really tight on me (side and front profile)and I took measurements of myself (waist, chest, thighs etc)and I was determined to change myself from the first pictures and measurements.
First day of exercise I could barely walk up the stairs to get my trainers but I made myself walk for about an hour a night and within a week I could feel myself improving and coupled with a healthy diet my energy levels were increasing and I felt great. I could not go to the gym as that was too much for me to cope so I walked for free around my local streets and park. My poor dog was fed up with all the walks.
About a month later I had already lost almost a stone and felt healthy.
About 6 months later a took new photos and measurements and the results were astounding to the point I cried with pride.
About a year later I took part in the Race for Life and ran a 3k race and i now go to the gym (its not as bad as everyone thinks you know).
Now over a year and a half later i'm 6 stone lighter and now a size 14 and the clothes I wore to take my first photos will not fit me and I can fit in one leg of my old jeans (which I keep to remind me of how far I've come).
Weight loss is without doubt the hardest thing I've ever had to do but it is so worth it when you get compliments everyday and i've inspired people around me to take up a healthy diet because they can see it works.
I would highly recommend that anyone starting this journey take a picture and records of how you were when you started so when you look back you can see how far you have come and it pushes you to keep going.
Good Luck.
Nichola.
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