Best advice: Decide why you want to lose weight or get healthier then go for it and stick to your guns! Do it for yourself too.
I have never felt confident with my own body shape. I was diagnosed diabetic when I was 10 and I put on a lot of weight as the traditional diabetic diet focuses on eating a lot of carbohydrates.
I lost a lot of weight at university - but not in a healthy way! I didn't look after my diabetes properly.
A first job, working shifts and cooking for one didn't help. I ate erratically and the weight gradually piled on.
I had always been sporty at school and realised my lifestyle had become eating, working and sleeping.
I decided to do something for me, taking up swimming and joining the Swimathon for cancer relief. With a clear goal, I trained and raised £400.
That set me off and I began varying my exercise routines including circuit training and running.
I was gaining weight though - eating more as I was hungry with all of the extra exercise!
I committed to sorting out my diabetes care, and took my diet in hand, making the necessary changes for myself and my long-term health.
My weight levelled off with sensible eating and regular exercise, though I wasn't losing anything.
I was doing all of what I thought were the right things, but I wasn't losing weight and my confidence was at an all-time low.
A friend suggested Weightwatchers and, initially, I went to support her. My motivation started by attempting to prove it was doomed to failure! After all nothing else had worked for me.
I was trying so hard to prove them wrong that in the first 3 weeks I lost half a stone! I was on my way.
I felt so much better about myself and the way I looked so quickly. I kept up the exercise and as the weight came off my new shaped was more toned.
I feel really good now and I know the changes I have made are for life. I know if I stick with them I'll always feel this good!
your comments
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Claire Jones, Holland
Well done you look great keep up the the good work and enjoy yourself.
Charlotte from Bath
You look very good - I wish I could look as good as I am overweight and I am only 16.
Claire Jones from Bendigo, Australia
Great to see how Claire's work. Keep up your good work and keep inspiring people. From one Claire Jones to another.
Lee from Cardiff
Congrats Claire, u look great. Keep it up. Why are u still single? U are well fit.
Claire Jones,
unbelievable, a very similar story
Desperate
I have been fighting with my weight for many years and have all the intentions in the world, but my willpower takes a beating every time. It is great to see that it can be done.
congratulations
Sue from Quakers Yard
When do I start? Where is my nearest weigtht watchers?
Becky Morris, Swansea
I think that you should deserve a medal, but I really think that you shold wear bright vibrant clothes, as you have fair skin and that black top brings too much contrast to your body. good luck with your clothes, love Bex xxx
Anna Rogers, Pembrokeshire
I think you have done really well to lose that weight. You look fabulous! Keep it upXXX
claire l jones from runcorn
my name is claire to we must be sisters jokeing wow you have love that much we can all lose it but you rock on girl love from claire l jones
Paula from Cwmbran
That must have taken a lot of determination what with the diabetes to contend with too. Congrats and keep it off!
Kelly fae Gala
Well done. You look fab and happy. Congrutalations on your sucess. You have healthy shiny hair too.
Lynne Reyed from Brynmawr
Congratulations on your weight loss. I have tried every diet going including Weight Watchers but it didn't work for me. I'm 50 years of age and desperate to lose weight. My next attempt will be on the South Beach diet, so wish me luck.
Rees
You look stunning!
Nicole from Chepstow
Firstly congratulations on ur success. I may try the ww to see if it can work for me like it has for u. cheers x
Anna from Caerphilly
I did the same thing! I was convinced WW couldn't work but it does!
Natalie, Cardiff
I swim 30 lengths a day and am not losing weight. I shall try WW now! Thanks, oh and congrats!!!
Sam
Wow Claire, you have shown some clear and worthwhile determination and you're looking great for it. Can't believe you're still single!
Jan from Cardiff
Well done Claire! You look fab, you're an insiration.
Paul from Swansea
Well done Claire. My problem is that I love pies. I'm going to try and have just one pie each day instead of two.
Marion Jones from Runcorn
Congratulations on the weight loss. Keep up the good work you've begun. I hope you can be an inspiration and encouragement to others to follow suit - you've done it, so can they!
