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6 years ago, I used to take UK women’s size 24 clothes; I now take a 14/16! I have learnt to manage my weight and realise that I have achieved a lifestyle change! This is some of the things I have learnt along the way. Maybe they will be of help to you….
Why did I do it?
I used to eat for comfort, often out of boredom or desperation. I was answering an emotional need. As a child a relative had given me chocolate bars when I went to visit, suggesting I keep it a secret. Hence my issues with food were born. Many people turn to food, alcohol or substance misuse to meet emotional needs.
I recognised that and chose to change my life to adapt to the needs of my body and so improve my health outcomes.
What is food?
It means different things to different people. What does it mean to YOU?
I had to ask myself some serious questions:
How balanced was my diet? I looked at how many times a week I ate Vegetables, Fruit, Fried foods (Chips etc.), High fat dairy food? (Ice cream / chocolate / cheese etc.) What does your balance look like?
I experimented with fruit and vegetables I had never tried before. I now eat butternut squash, it’s delicious. I grow my own vegetables and fruit on the patio. This fulfils two passions; I know where my food is coming from and I enjoy gardening (a moderate form of exercise).
How many times a week did I take part in physical activities. (Walk, run, gym, play sports, cycle, swim, dance etc)
Activity means different things to different people because we are all unique, what may suit one may not suit another. I walk, dance and swim nowadays. What do you do? How much do you do per week?
How do you live your life? I answered all of these questions for myself and made changes. It wasn’t easy however it was worth it! I feel healthier, I heal faster, I am happier. I started with small steps and increased them over time.
I started with the ‘Big Challenge’ a BBC programme to fight obesity that gave me the confidence and inspiration to move forward and diversify. I bought home exercise equipment (second hand) and tied in my sessions with a popular regular 4 times a week TV programme to ensure I remembered to do it. I told my family my plan, so they reminded and supported me. I used an exercise bike whenever the programme was on. This gave me motivation and spurred me on to do better each week / month. I joined a dance class with friends.
If you live alone perhaps you could go for a walk with a friend, neighbour or maybe get someone to call you with words of encouragement at a set time. Perhaps looking up blogs on the Net does it for you. Buddy up with another person with similar goals, you can encourage each other.
Find your own way to ensure you get it done and keep it up! Eventually it becomes habit, and then continuous prompting is not require for motivation, as the mere action of doing it is enough. Positive hormones are great for making you feel good! 
YOU TOO can achieve great things. Set your mind to it. Ask yourself the questions… How do I live my life? Break it down into your physical, mental and emotional needs, look at your social, sexual and spiritual needs, Are these being met? If not what changes could be put into place to alter that? Where do you want to make room for changes? When are you going to do it? How am I going to get to where I want to be?
The GP, Practice Nurse, or Health Trainer can offer support and signpost you onto other support groups. Asking for help and support isn’t easy yet it is worth it. The first step is the hardest; it does get easier over time. I know I’ve been there!
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