Thats what kicked my arse into gear, seeing myself in a full length mirror in just my knickers, not posing, just me in my normal saggy mode aged 58 post menopause
I was at that time off sick, had to pack in my last job due to injury and was looking at getting back into employment and I saw me and thought, how on earth would anyone employ me looking like this?
Walked myself into SW two days later
I know people say is doesnt work, its a cult and all that. I tend to follow some of the plan, I go mostly for the accountability. But I do kind of do the "plan" as in I keep the carbs low and wholemeal, eased off the fats, eat lots of fruit and veg, lean protein, am mindful of the sweet treats and Ive gone from wearing a size 14 jeans last April to a size 8 today
I walk. I walk and walk. Walking is cheap and easy and is available 24/7 - just have to open the door and out you go
When I first started walking it hurt, my back ached, legs, feet, joints - I used to hurt everywhere and struggled with the smallest incline. But I still went out every day , all through the winter as well - out I go. I no longer hurt. My flexibility has improved , so now I do some home exercises - lunges, squats planks etc - low impact
Last April I was on Sertraline , and popping co codomol like sweeties , needing ibuprofen gel 2 to 3 times a day and even needing the odd Tramadol to manage my joint pain - Ive not taken as much as a paracetamol this year so far
Added benefit was my flushes diminished
By August I felt confident enough to apply for a customer facing role in hospitality ( Id been behind scenes for years so it didnt matter what I looked like ) I got the job and Im so happy in it
The weight loss is slow, I dont get the "first weight in and 6lb off ", I get "1/2lb loss this week" lol and for a while it really was disheartening but I came to realise it was still coming off so what I was doing was fine.
Even though I no longer need to lose weight, I stick to what Ive been doing. I keep up the exercise cos I really enjoy it now. I keep to the healthy eating but dont say no if we are out for a meal and Im happy with the balance. I still have a belly - post menopause the fat distribution changes and the only way thats going to go is with weights which I cant do due to said injury
Im going into my 60's a lot healthier and happier. The healthy is so important to me, a woman in work who I actually thought was in her late 50's early 60's but was actually just 50, had a heart attack three weeks back. Like you Im a carer, I cant afford to not look after myself now