Body weight percentage loss: 27%
BMI reduced from 31 to 22.6
Weight loss: 26 kilos (4 stone)
Our latest Client of the Month was nominated by advisor Shaun. Diane’s journey started last Autumn after having a miserable time on holiday. This summer when she returned to France with a healthy body mass index, it was a different story…
The mum of two from Derby explains:
“Lying on the beach all covered up at the heaviest I’ve been, my confidence hit an all time low. Even playing with my two children left me breathless. Thinking about being a positive role model for our kids and my upcoming big birthday, I vowed to my friend and husband that this time next year, I’d return to our favourite holiday spot slimmer and healthier.
I’ve struggled with my weight all my adult life, shedding pounds on fad diets, only to regain it and more when I started eating more normally. I couldn’t get into a consistent routine with eating or exercise. Stuck in rut and comfort eating to get through the grief of losing my mum to cancer, it was little wonder my mental health deteriorated.
On a friend’s recommendation, I registered for Livewell online and joined the Normanton Library group with Shaun and Joe. The back-to-basics advice was presented in a non-patronising, hands on way that included discussions with other new starters in the same situation and a gentle introduction to exercise that allowed me to build up my stamina week by week.
As a busy working mum, it’s easy to find reasons not to exercise or prepare healthy meals but planning and making time for me really helped. I adjusted my mindset prioritising the Livewell classes and prepping nutritious family dishes for the week.
I’d heard people say exercise is good for mental health but experiencing it is truly believing it, and I can’t believe the positive difference it has made to my own. The mental load of juggling children, work and life melts away for that hour I’m exercising with others and it’s such a great mood booster.
Loving the gym is something I never thought I’d say, but once I had my induction and got used to the equipment I was hooked! As an overweight person, you think everyone will be super fit and judgemental, but I was surprised to discover people of all shapes and sizes working out at Derby Arena. They didn’t give me a second glance!
Shaun created a tailored programme and switched up the plans as my fitness and strength improved. The staff at Derby Arena are welcoming and approachable so it’s easy to ask for help if you’re unsure. Now that I’ve finished my journey, I’ve taken up the Wellness membership exclusively for Livewell graduates.
Shaun has been a massive source of support throughout the year. His regular contact, knowledge and coaching helped me stay on track and get through the difficult days.
The weight dropped steadily week by week and Shaun helped me through the natural plateaus and blips, explaining them to be a normal part of weight loss. An important lesson I’ve learned is not to return to old habits after having one bad day or week. And after losing more than a quarter of my body weight, I’m feeling fantastic.
My husband and children are reaping the benefits of all the extra fruit and vegetables we’re tucking into, and we’ve reduced takeaways and ready meals to a treat rather than the norm. Having said that I still eat everything I enjoy, just in moderation and in line with the recommended portions. Accepting that some days will involve dinner with friends, or a Sunday pub lunch is part of leading a sustainable healthy lifestyle, I just plan in more activity or have a smaller plate.
Briskly walking alongside the kids cycling and scooting is something I couldn’t do before. My 7-year-old son said he hopes he gets muscles like mine when he’s older and I love that I’m inspiring my children to be active and try new sports.
Dropping five sizes means I’ve needed an entire new wardrobe but it’s lovely to treat myself to styles and brands I couldn’t shop for a year ago.
I gave myself a year to change and I fulfilled my goal returning to France as a confident, happy and healthy mum in my size 10-12 bikini. I’m ready to head into my forties feeling fitter and younger than ever!”
Livewell advisor, Shaun Benning added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Diane, her dedication is admirable. She demonstrates that it is possible to find time with a busy lifestyle to make manageable changes and shows that it can better a person’s health physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am proud of all she has achieved throughout her time at Livewell.”
Diane’s five top tips to lifestyle change
- Don’t let childcare problems stop you from exercising – I do a Livewell YouTube workout when I can’t get to a class or the gym.
- Make the most of your year with Livewell – it’s a valuable and free opportunity to make lasting changes. Lean on the advisors for advice and use the drop-ins to stay motivated.
- Get support – I sought support from my husband, friend and my advisor. It made such a difference, particularly when things aren’t going so well.
- Take pictures during your year – I wish I had done this more, but I do look back at my before photos to see how far I’ve come, particularly if I have a bad day.
- Make a playlist – I have three for walks and gym workouts that include all my favourite motivational songs, I mix them up to keep me energised.
Right - Diane before and after her weight loss.
