Q: What was your weight loss motivation?

A: There were lots of different things that motivated me to lose weight. I was turning 40 at the end of the year and didn’t want to be fat at 40. I felt unhealthy and had had numerous previous failed attempts at losing weight – slimming world, weight watchers, hypnotherapy etc. etc. I felt humiliation on a previous flight where the seat belt wouldn’t do up and I had to ask for extension belt. I couldn’t really enjoy holidays to the maximum due to embarrassment about my weight issues – for instance not being able to go on rides in Euro Disney for fear of not fitting into the seats! My kids were also starting to make comments about the size of mummy’s bum or tummy! I was fed up shopping in Evans and feeling hideous on nights out with my skinny friends. Friends and family didn’t know how I felt about being fat – I think I covered it well, made a joke of things myself and pretended I was fine with it. But deep inside, I was extremely unhappy with the size I was and how it was beginning to impact on my life.

Q: What made you choose Exante Diet?

A: I wanted to try something different – not just another fad diet. I think I was addicted to food – not just to eating but food shopping, cooking, watching food related programmes it was taking over my life. After discussions with a friend who had seen this advertised, I decided to try a VLCD that didn’t offer me food as an option – I wanted to abstain totally to try and get me to refocus. My initial aim was to stick to it for three weeks. I lost 14lb in the first week, loved it, had minimal side effects so decided to stick to it and have never looked back.

Q: What Exante Diet plan were you on?

A: Total Solution.

Q: What were your favourite Exante Diet products?

A: All shakes – blended with ice or coffee added to vanilla and toffee caramel, all pancakes, chocolate bars and lemon bars.

Q: What did you learn on the plan?

A: I lost my obsession with food. It gave me the confidence to say no to food especially when out socialising with friends (me not eating is their problem not mine!). My skin was better due to drinking more water. That I can accommodate the plan with holidays – in the summer I pre-ordered my shakes, had them delivered to Spain for a three week holiday. I combined those with protein based meals out if and when I wanted them. I lost 6lb in the 3 weeks I was away – I’ve never lost weight on a holiday before.

Q: How did your plan fit into your lifestyle?

A: Easy – it’s such a simple plan. I have a shake for breakfast on the way to work with a glass of water, a bar at lunchtime and a shake or pancakes for tea. Throughout the day I drink black tea or carbonated water. I don’t have to think about it – my family are supportive and give me the encouragement to carry on. I cook for them and I still keep their snacks in the cupboards but now I’m just not bothered by it.

Q: What are your weight loss tips?

A: Surround yourself with positive friends and family who understand and support your weight loss goals. I’d also recommend using the Exante support site. Encouraging friends to try it and seeing their weight losses also really helped – I turned into a mini Exante mentor! The fact that I was losing weight, gaining confidence and starting to feel great with more energy spurred me on. My parents live abroad – I didn’t tell them how much weight I had lost. In August when I flew out to see them I’d lost just under 6 stone and they didn’t recognise me as I walked through the airport - it was the best feeling in the world!

Q: What exercise did you do to compliment your plan?

A: I converted the garage into a mini gym with a power plate, running machine, cross trainer and weights. I now do that every other day and I love it – I’ve never liked exercise before.

Q: When did you first notice a difference?

A: It took a while for me to notice – probably my 3 stone loss was when I noticed a difference in my clothes. I got rid of everything that was too big, sold it on and used the money to fund my new clothes habit. Now at work every week I get comments by people on how different I look and that helps to keep spurring me on.

Q: How has your life changed since losing weight?

A: Turning 40 at Xmas was a big thing for me. I really didn’t want to be a fat frumpy forty year old. I now don’t think I am. I’ve still got a way to go until I reach my own targets but I love the way I am feeling and how I am starting to look. My outlook on food has changed. I now don’t live to eat. I enjoy both my family and social times much more now and my confidence has grown and I feel amazing all thanks to Exante.

Q: What is your next goal?

A: Start Pilates. Hit 8 stone weight loss. I’m going on holiday to Euro Disney in February and I will go on whatever ride I want (without having to google rides for fat people so that I knew what I could try and what to avoid). Maintain my weight loss.

Q: Would / have you recommended Exante Diet to a friend?

A: I have recommended this to a number of people and would continue to recommend this plan to anyone. It really does work but you can’t do it half-heartedly.