The NHS is delivering a new programme which provides a low calorie diet treatment for people who are overweight and living with Type 2 diabetes. Meet Bev who put her Type 2 diabetes into the remission following this new programme in which she followed a very low calorie diet plan of 800 calories a day, using exante shakes and soups.
Bev's Story
When Bev was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in October 2018, she weighed 80kg.
“When I found out that I had Type 2 diabetes at a doctor’s appointment, I was absolutely devastated. I was prescribed medication for the condition and felt that there were no treatment options for me other than to be on meds for the rest of my life.”
Bev started to cut down on cakes, biscuits, bread etc, to try and lose weight. Once she had recovered from the initial shock of the unexpected diagnosis, she began searching for information and treatment options for Type 2 diabetes. That’s when she found the ReTune study in Newcastle. In April 2019, she weighed 70kg, her BMI was 26.4 which is classed as overweight. It was then when she started the trial.
“I got in touch with the people who were running the study and they gave me so much information and support. They said that I’d be a prime candidate for their low calorie diet study to help me lose weight safely. Shortly after, I started my new 12 week total diet replacement with their support.
“My total diet replacement involved three low calorie shakes or soups a day, plus extra vegetables – it was so simple to do."
"I found prepping all my food for the day in the morning really useful, and I would try different vegetables that I wouldn’t normally eat to mix things up and keep my taste buds interested. Oh, and plenty of Tupperware and good scales were a god-send!”
“Since the low calorie diet programme, my mind set has totally changed for the better and I look at food differently now. My shopping habits are far healthier and when I eat out, I’ll go for a healthier option and skip dessert - except for the occasional treat! The programme has taught me moderation."
“My husband has also lost 10kg now we’re living healthier lives together. I get so many compliments from him, my friends and family about how good I look. My skin is clearer and people say I’ve got my sparkle back – I didn’t realise that I’d lost it but now I see that I definitely had."
“I can honestly say that the low calorie diet programme changed my life for the better.” - Bev
In the first few days of the 800 calorie diet, she bought nice glasses to drink her shakes from. She also bought plenty of vegetables and tupperware to store food in so that she knew what she could have in a day. Bev advises buying a good pair of scales to stay accountable to the diet and ensure your portion control is correct.
Bev's Advice
Bev blends her shakes in a blender with ice as she enjoys the shakes really cold. Her favourite shake is the Lemon Cheesecake Smoothie. Bev also advises plenty of water - by day 3 she felt a slight headache and was feeling a little hungry, but staying hydrated helped this feeling. She believes by staying determined, committed and motivated these feelings will pass.
Bev recently featured on ITV News talking about the 800 calorie diet, so make sure you watch the ITV News segment below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYnKsCJml5g
Bev now weighs 61.4kg, and her BMI is a healthy 22.6 but she is still trying to lose 6-8 more lbs.
