From 148 kg to 70 kg: My Weigh-Less Success Story
Every day is a new beginning, learn from yesterday's mistakes but don't look back - you are not going that way!"
Facts and Figures
Weight then: 96.4kg
Goal Weight: 70kg
Weight lost: 26.4kg
Time taken: 11 months
My weight has been a problem since I can remember. Since Primary school I was always the biggest girl. Being the “Fat Kid” always made me feel left out- even though I had lots of friends. I was always dead last in athletics, and it was really discouraging when we were obliged to take part in the initial practice rounds. Even though I really wanted to take part in sports, my ability was limited due to my excessive weight.
In Matric I was at my heaviest ever, weighing 148 Kg. When I started University, I took a lot of hammering from fellow students. Being referred to as the Whale OR the Elephant in the classroom. I was studying to be a veterinarian, and everybody found it very funny referring to me as an Elephant or Whale. I had enough! I changed my eating habits and started to exercise and tried almost every magic pill available. I lost a lot of weight and maintained my weight at around 70 kg for almost two years but from there on, it was an absolute see-saw ride with my weight. It was a constant battle between 70 and 100 Kg.
A work friend was a member, and I saw the change in her, and most importantly I needed guidance and to be held accountable. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and unhappy with my health and weight.
I was uncomfortable in my own skin and unhappy with my health and weight.
When I initially joined, I was very skeptical, unsure and felt a bit overwhelmed. But I was also curious and enthusiastically excited for the new journey. Adapting to the eating plan initially was challenging. Initially the portions was a challenge because I struggled to eat all my serves - especially Vegetables. I felt so unsure and “scared” to eat the wrong food. I just took it one day at a time until I figured out what worked for me.
I started to try new recipes like smoothies and other ways to incorporate a variety of vegetables. I reached a point where my body started craving vegetables! And still this day, I cannot go a day without eating my vegetables – my body literally demands it!
My Weigh-Less journey was not smooth – there were a lot of ups and downs. There were days where I wanted to give up, and other days where I was super determined to achieve my goal. I had to dig deep and build my confidence in myself. My health also took some strain at one point during my journey, and this was a really challenging time. Weeks went by where I did not lose any weight or just 100 grams here and there, but perseverance was key, I kept going and my wonderful Group Leader was there all the way. I overcame my health problems and to this day I am so grateful that I did not give up!
I was excited as within the first month I lost 10kg.
I battled on my own for a couple of months- I would lose weight and then gain a little. I felt that it is now time to join a group. The group leader at the time was Louise and she invited me to sit in – that was 8 years ago and that is when my relationship with Weigh-Less started. In total I have lost 100kg on the Weigh-Less program (I lost 40kg on my own by using the “borrowed” filo!!)
I enjoy the Wei program as the splitting of meals really works for me especially over weekends. It is easy and enjoyable. It was easier to lose the weight then to keep it off - I have adapted the Weigh-Less lifestyle and weigh in regularly. I have lost a total of 100kg and will never stop eating according to the Weigh-Less principals – as it is my lifeline to a slim and healthy body.
Weigh-Less has changed my life in so many ways!
I am a winner now – and would like to share my Weigh-Less winning recipe with those that are in the same situation that I was before I started on the program. I have made so many friends through Weigh-Less. Thank you to my Group Leader for the motivation and encouraging me. I do realize that nothing can be achieved without hard work and dedication. But being slim is just a bonus as I now have my health back. Fat has robbed me of my “young girl” years. Thanks to Weigh-Less I can now enjoy the best time of my life, I am healthy and slim – for me life only begun after Weigh-Less.
My advice to my “big friends” start now – allow Weigh-Less to teach you how to change to a healthy lifestyle, how to plan your meals. Many people think that you have to put your life on hold when you are on a diet – well Weigh-Less is not a diet. You will see and feel the difference immediately. Just remember there are many “big friends” out there fighting the same battle as you – you are not alone. Nor am I - thanks to Weigh-Less.