Success Stories

Hannah realised after her second pregnancy that she couldn't carry on at the weight she was. A friend recommended BootsDiets, and with the tremendous support from other Diet Club members, Hannah lost an amazing 7 and a half stone.

Hannah even appeared on Ireland's hit Breakfast show - 'The Morning Show' - where she shared her experience. You can watch Hannah's interview here, as well as read her weight loss story.

What was your reason for joining BootsDiets?

I had become very overweight during my first pregnancy and only lost a little of the weight before I fell pregnant again. After having my little girl I realised that I couldn't carry on at the weight I was and after a friend recommended BootsDiets I signed up, and the rest is history!

Had you tried other diet plans/programmes before?
What was your experience like?

I had tried Weight Watchers when I was in my late teens, but with only a small amount to lose it only took me a few months. Coming into a diet with so much to lose and having 2 small children I didn't feel like any sort of "points" system would work with me again - I loved the idea of being able to create your own recipes which meant I could feed the whole family instead of preparing separate meals. When I had done Weight Watchers before I used to find myself eating and preparing my own food which was a little awkward at times so BootsDiets just "fit" very easily into my life.

How did you feel at your heaviest?

I didn't feel like me anymore. I felt like I was trapped in somebody elses body. Most of all I felt invisible. When I walked down the street I felt like nobody really saw me... and if they did see me - it wasn't really the REAL me they saw, it was an overweight, underconfident person with no self esteem. I used to stumble over my words because I just felt so silly talking to people, I had no confidence anymore... I felt stupid and unattractive.

Was there a 'moment of truth' / something specific that happened which made you decide to lose weight?

I think I just "knew" I wasn't me. All through my second pregnancy I knew I had to do something about it so once I'd had my daughter the decision to lose the weight had already been in my mind for several months. It was a gradual realisation, but my normal love of shopping had completely gone - there were no clothes in high street shops that fit properly, and even if they did fit they just didn't look nice or make me feel good anyway.

What's been the key to your dieting success?

Sticking with it, staying in touch with my fellow dieters on the forums has been key - the support from others who completely understand is invaluble, and finally making real changes to my lifestyle - exercising and eating healthier options!

What are your top three pieces of advice for other dieters?

Always keep yourself focussed on the main reasons you are starting your diet - take a look at yourself in the mirror and write down how you feel and why you need the change. Then remember these everytime you are feeling weak and need help to stay motivated.

Secondly - enter your food into the diary before you eat it. That way you stay on top of what you are eating and don't accidently go over your calories! Makes it so much easier when you plan - Plan Plan PLAN!

And thirdly stay in touch with people on the forums - even if you don't want to join in - reading the posts can help boost your motivation!

How have you made the diet fit into your lifestyle?
Or have you adapted it for your new healthier way of life?

I think it took me a while to get the hang of it because I love naughty treats like chocolate and crisps! But by adapting and creating my own recipes I still enjoy my treats and have lovely healthy meals and snacks.

Have there been any success milestones (eg fitting into an old pair of jeans again/looking great for a wedding or special occasion/getting compliments)?

I had saved all my old jeans but honestly thought I'd NEVER get back in any of them. It was wonderful to finally get back into them and then even slimmer than I was before. My husband took me on a shopping trip for my birthday for new clothes all either size 8 or 10, I finally feel like I'm the outgoing and happy person I knew I could be.

How do you feel now compared to before you started the plan?

I think the word I'd use is "WOW". I feel like a completely different person. I have my confidence back. I feel like I did when I was 17 - carefree and on top of the world. I feel like everything is possible now. You get out of life what you put into it. I put my heart and soul into the dieting and it paid off - now I am excited about my future and am planning to return to college to study Health and Fitness which I would have never done before. I used to make excuses as to why I couldn't do something but now I have so much more positivity I really do believe you can make your dreams come true.

How do you keep motivated? How do you stay on track if you're feeling low/out of control?

I have my bad days everybody does, but after a while you kind of learn how to get over it quicker. If i overeat now I actually don't feel good in myself at all and will have to go for a long walk or a run just to get rid of the horrible sluggish feeling. If I've had a bad day or 2 I shake it off, brush off the negative vibes and get back on. Exercise is a key part of my life now and definitely helps counteract any bad days! It seems way too simple sometimes but once you've made the changes it really is a completely new you and new lifestyle... well a new LIFE! I always stay in contact with people on the forums and they can give me a gentle (or not so gentle) shove in the right direction again.

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