Success stories
New lease of life for Penny – 7 stone loss!
Last summer, Penny was spurred on to lose weight along with her other half. He had decided to lose weight for himself, so Penny decided to join him. She was fed up of trying different diets - they never worked, so why should this time be any different? Well Penny is eating her words now! Just one year on, Penny has shed an amazing 7 stone and dropped from size 22-24 to a size 12!
Penny’s starting weight of 16 stone 4 lbs gave her a very unhealthy BMI of 38. This was well into the obese category, and creeping towards the morbidly obese category. With her trim new figure of 9 stone 4 lbs, Penny’s BMI is a much healthier 24, meaning she is much less at risk of developing obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Penny, a nurse, registered for our online programme after hearing about it from one of her patients. She chose the Gi plan, and loved it from the beginning! "I had previously tried every diet going and they were all successful to a certain extent. But Gi is definitely the one for me. It helps to prevent cravings and binges which was very helpful for me, as this my main area of weakness. I have been proclaiming the gospel according to Gi ever since I started this plan!"
"I must admit, when my other half started dieting last year, initially I tagged along reluctantly. But once I got into it and started to see the results, it became a real pleasure. It still gives me a buzz to get on the scales and find that I’ve lost weight."
Penny admits that before losing weight, she had fallen into the downward spiral of binge eating. "It was hard for me to admit at first, even to myself, but I was a binge eater. Now food plays a secondary role in my life. I eat regular, sensible meals and feel satisfied. I think the problem before was that the swings in my blood glucose meant I rarely reached satisfaction, or if I did it was for a very short period of time, and then I was looking for the next sugar rush."
"Before I started losing weight, my health had been suffering. I was lethargic, and really worried that I might develop diabetes. I wanted to be able to play with my grandson, and be there for him and my daughter in the future."
Now Penny can do that – and much more. "Losing weight has made all the difference in the world to me. I have tons of energy and confidence now. I go to the gym most days and I’ve joined a walking club. I try to walk everyday and fit in a long (7 miles) walk at weekends. I can buy clothes that I like, and not just because they are the only things that fit me."
Ah yes, the clothes – tell us about the clothes Penny! "I think I’m in danger of becoming a clothes-aholic", she laughs. "I never miss an opportunity to go out in a new outfit now. In fact I find excuses to socialise rather than not to! Life is just so much more fun. Sadly people treat overweight people differently. It is a subtle difference but one which erodes your confidence."
"It has taken some for me to realise that I have a new size and shape. I have curves now which I’m very pleased about, and the old apple shape is gone. I still buy clothes in too big a size and have to take them back. It’s still sinking in that I am smaller now. Even when I hold something up in front of me I think it won’t fit me, but it does! My mind needs to catch up with the change in my body – that’s a slower process than the weight loss. I love all the delicate lingerie I can wear now – it makes me feel more womanly."
Penny particularly loved the support aspect of our site. "I loved the meal plans and the support boards, although the meal plans are second nature to me now. The support groups are fantastic and really make a difference. Who else wants to listen to all the highs and lows of a dieter’s journey, except others in the same position?!"
When Penny eats out now, she’s not afraid to request her food to be made exactly how she wants it. "I still go out for regular meals with friends and family. I am selective about what I pick off the menu an will ask the chef not to use sauces, or for an individual dish to be made just for me. Cheeky maybe, but they don’t seem to mind at all. I’m really confident that I will maintain my weight loss because the Gi way of eating is something I can see myself following for the rest of my life. I’m not letting myself go back to the way I was!"
Needless to say, Penny’s family and friends are very impressed with her success. "They have been amazed at the change in me – both physical and in my outlook, which is now much more positive. I hadn’t seen my brother in quite a while and he didn’t recognise me until I spoke! Most people take a second look before they are sure it is me. They have been very complimentary and say I look years younger. I certainly feel I have a new lease of life."
"My patients at work are all impressed and inspired by my weight loss. Because I work with people who have diabetes and blood sugar problems, I am able to support and encourage them in the same way that I have received it from this site. They can see that it works and are therefore more willing to try it themselves. Success breeds success!"
Penny has one last goal to achieve, and we’re certain that she’ll fulfil it! "I have entered the Race for Life too this year with a work colleague. Last year I would have been breathless just walking. This year I aim to take people’s breath away."