Not just another diet plan
Charlotte Crook, 26
Height: 5ft 7ins
Weight before: 10st 11lbs
Weight after: 8st 10lbs
A picture can paint a thousand words, this was certainly true for Charlotte. She was shocked into action after seeing a photo of herself looking less than slim. If that wasn’t enough, the thought of wearing swimwear in public gave Charlotte the final push to join the plans. After a few months on the plan Charlotte lost 2 stone on top of 2 dress sizes going from a size 12-14 to a size 8-10 and she was delighted to fit into her dream dress.
Charlotte tells us her story…
What made you decide to join us?
The turning point for me was having my picture taken by a photographer at work. The photo made me face up to the weight I gained in such a short space of time (approximately 6 months). I was also going on holiday for my Dad’s birthday and the thought of wearing swimwear in public triggered me to try and achieve the figure I always wanted.
Have you tried any other diets?
No, this is the first diet that I have ever tried.
Was your weight causing any problems?
I’ve never been very confident with my body shape, but with the rapid weight gain, I lost my self confidence completely. I felt miserable and frumpy. All of my clothes were ill-fitting. It impacted on my social life and my relationship. I didn’t want to go anywhere that required dressing up as I felt more comfortable hiding behind baggy clothes.
Have you enjoyed the online diet plans?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Totals diet plan. I like the freedom of the Totals diet plan as I can eat the foods that I crave, but in moderation. From the Totals plan I learnt the art of food substitution to make meals healthier and more filling, an example is changing from white bread and pasta to the wholemeal versions. I’ve learnt to appreciate food more and since joining have become a self-confessed ‘foodie’. I also love the positive and helpful advice of the online mentor team. At a low point, they were there to keep me motivated.
Tell us about your diet before you joined us and how it has changed as a result?
My whole outlook on food has changed since joining the diet plans. I don’t eat for convenience anymore and I have definitely become more creative in the kitchen.
Whilst at university, like most students my diet consisted of ready meals and takeaways washed down with chocolate and snacks. Finishing university and going into my first job meant I often skipped breakfast due to early starts. I usually ended up eating a fried breakfast or a piece of cake at 11am. I constantly snacked on the wrong types of food and never thought about the impact of what I was putting into my mouth. Now I always eat breakfast, fruit as a snack, a light lunch and I still have the foods I like.
How have your family and friends reacted to your weight loss?
Several work colleagues have commented on how good I look and the difference that they can see. Getting feedback keeps me going.
How do you feel about your weight loss?
I am really proud of myself for changing and breaking my bad eating habits, losing the weight and working towards my perfect body shape. I would now be happy showing off my figure in a bikini whilst on holiday.
Have you any other tips you would like to give?
The diet plans have truly changed my perception of food. You eat the foods you love, but in moderation. Experimenting with food often creates a masterpiece dish which even the toughest "I don't do vegetables" boyfriend will devour.