Weight loss: 1 stone 11 pounds Inches lost: 24
My efforts last month meant that I could fit into a dress that was a size smaller for a wedding I was attending. I know I still have a long way to go but it’s little milestones like this that keep me motivated. I even sent the dress straight to the charity shop afterwards so I wouldn’t get lazy, wear it a second time and settle for staying that size.
Health on Female First
I have another wedding in a few days’ time and I’ve done the same again and bought the next size down. I find these smaller goals help me move closer to my bigger ones.
I also mapped out where I would like to be in six months’ time. The average weight loss on the plan is one stone per month- when I wrote it all down and realised that I could be at my goal weight by just before Christmas- I realised that it wasn’t a huge chunk of my life that I was giving up- just a few months. We all know how fast they can go.
One thing that has become apparent this month is that my snacking habits have subsided. Having three products and one meal a day means that I look forward much more to breakfast, lunchtime and dinner time as opposed to what I can have in between. I now use water to get me though the times when I would have snacked.
Part of my job is to do restaurant reviews which isn’t ideal when you’re dieting but challenges me every month to make better choices. I have noticed is that I am ordering differently and when I do have a day off- I still try to keep to an 800-1000 calorie limit which Sarah assured me is a good habit to form early on for when I have reached target and am trying to maintain.
My mum has joined me on the journey after she sought out a consultant near her and she is doing really well. Another member of the family has messaged me saying that my first article inspired her to go on the plan after her holiday. If I can help just one person reach their goal through this blog, I will be one happy bunny!
I think the reason this diet is working for me and others have failed is because of the one to one support. I have been on other diets that involve a group and I quickly became bored of this set-up. Having the attention of one person every week is massively encouraging. I prefer to read about the success stories on Facebook and online rather than sitting with other people in a group setting. If you are struggling in a group setting, a one to one diet might work better for you too.
Another bonus is the simplicity of the diet. I have moved onto just sweet shakes now as opposed to mixing in soups and find that this is easier for when I am out and about- all you need is water and you are good to go. The soups require a bit more effort i.e. a kettle, which is not always to hand.
Month two has admittedly been a little more challenging than the first. I always find that I lose momentum once the second month rolls around the novelty has worn off somewhat.
August has been a particularly difficult month as my diary has been full- including weddings, my daughter’s first birthday party, a holiday and a Bank Holiday- all of which threaten to get in the way- and have. The main thing is that with every slip, I regained control again. This is not something that happened before I started this diet.
With all of these obstacles, I am glad that I have lost, even if it’s not as much as in my first month- it’s still going in the right direction. Any progress is still progress. Even if it doesn’t show in the pounds it does in the inches. This month sees a 9 pound loss but a ten inch loss, so sometimes the measurements can be more satisfying than the scales.
When I felt myself slipping- I talked to Sarah and she had lots of useful advice to make sure that I was still headed in the right direction. The one that stuck in my head is ‘don’t sacrifice your happiness for FOOD!’ and she’s right- why should something as insignificant as fish and chips or a piece of cake make me want to give up on something that will give me my life back rather than just a moment of pleasure?!
I know where going back to my old habits would take me- a cycle of misery, self-hatred and regret. And what is on the flipside of this? Happiness, freedom and contentment. I know which one sounds better.
I know all too well what it feels like to be uncomfortable in my own skin- I have endured this feeling for two decades- but what I don’t know is how it feels to enjoy clothes shopping or to order items in smaller sizes- so I’m going to find out!
A huge thank you to Sarah Cash for your continued support, I wouldn’t be where I am now without you! X
MORE: Cambridge Weight Plan Review (Month 1)
The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan reveals the foods you should be eating to nourish yourself and stay on track this summer
It’s summer which can only mean one thing – households across the nation will be firing up their barbecues. Yet with temptation around every corner, it can be difficult not to overindulge.
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, shares the foods you should be eating to avoid the post-BBQ guilt this summer:
Watermelon – Besides being a great low-calorie source of vitamins A and C, watermelon contains lycopene, a natural cartenoid which studies have suggested can lower the risk of heart and vascular disease and some cancers. It is also a concentrated source of citrulline, an amino acid which helps your blood vessels dilate and support good blood pressure. It’s fantastic for a refreshing summer mocktail.
Chickpeas – Chickpeas offer a range of health benefits. As an ingredient, they’re high in folate, other B vitamins, several minerals, protein, fibre and even contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. They have shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and make for a great addition to any salad and side dishes.
Quinoa – Quinoa is one of very few grains that contains enough of all of the essential amino acids that are required to repair and maintain our muscles, blood, enzymes, organs and support our immunity. It’s also high in probiotic fibre to foster good bacteria growth in our gut and is a good antioxidant. Plus, it makes a pretty great burger!
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