Katie Glease and mum Julie helped one another to lose over 2st each with our diet plans.

Katie Glease
Age: 26
Height: 5ft 2in
Before: 11st 3lbs, size 14
After: 9st 1lb, size 10
Diet plan: Low-GI diet

I joined Closer Diets in May 2011. I’m a civil servant and when my role became desk-based two years ago, my weight crept up. I never used to weigh myself, but I was a size 10 in my early 20s and had reached a size 14 by last May. When I did get on the scales, I was shocked to see I’d hit 11st 3lbs – overweight for my height. I wanted to lose 2st and my mum was losing 2lbs a week on her Closer Diet, so I decided to join her!

The major change I made was to control my portion sizes. I’d been eating more than my body needed – I’d have a large breakfast, shop-bought sandwiches filled with mayo, crisps and a chocolate bar at lunch, then pasta with a meat sauce and cheese at night… and I still didn’t feel I was eating much! But on the Closer low-GI diet, I ate smaller portions of foods that kept me fuller for longer, like wholegrain bread, veggie pasta and lean casseroles. I also cut down on alcohol. I lost 2lbs a week and hit my goal weight in five months!

It didn’t feel like a diet because I was never hungry. It was great doing it with Mum – we’d plan meals and help each other on bad days. Now when we go shopping, for the first time ever, we’re spoilt for choice!

Julie Glease
Age: 56
Height: 5ft 3in
Before: 13st, size 18-20
After: 10st 7lbs, size 14
Diet plan: Low-salt diet

When the doctor said I had high blood pressure in April 2010, I realised I had to take action. At 5ft 3 and 13st, I had a BMI in the obese range and it was damaging my health – so I wanted to lose weight and cut back on salt. I run a guest house and my eating habits were awful. I’d skip breakfast and lunch, then when I did eat I’d have huge portions – large sandwiches with plenty of mayo at 4pm and creamy, cheesy pasta or salty ready-meals in the evenings. I actually ate far more often on the diet – but the right things!

The online meal planner was great, as it told me what to buy in my weekly shop. I’d have breakfast, lunch and dinner, rather than starving my body and letting my metabolism get sluggish. I’d have Weetabix for breakfast, a lean meat sandwich at lunch and a soya mince dish or chicken risotto for dinner. It was fun dieting with Katie, and the weight fell off. I’ve lost 21/2st in under a year and I’m still going!

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