Print     Email

After

Before	Name Kate Age 25 Height 5'2" Was 14 st 4 lb Lost   4 st 7 lb Weight 9 st 11 lb
Take some inspiration as you look ahead to Christmas!

Many of us may view events like Christmas with trepidation, as it traditionally revolves around food and drink.

But 25 year-old Kate managed to lose over 4st by focusing on special occasions, and planning to reach certain smaller weight mini-goals in time to enjoy them.

Says Kate on why she first decided to join Weight Watchers: "I saw a picture of myself and was horrified! I decided at that point to make a change for life. I did it for me and my health."

Following her godmother's example, she joined her local meeting – and found it was exactly what she needed: "I needed to feel that I was not the only one trying to lose weight. And it was great – the whole group was there for the same reason. My leader was so supportive, and it helped listening to tips from other people in the class e.g. drink lots of water.

It is an easy plan so I was able to adapt my busy life around it. I love cooking, and it was great to be able to still cook for my friends who didn't even know they were eating Weight Watchers recipes from the cookbooks!"

Kate kept motivated, and one year later she'd reached her goal. When asked what kept her inspired for 12 months, she replies:

"I kept giving myself little goals to reach. The first was a friend's wedding where I was going to be a bridesmaid and wanted to lose 25lbs; then a dinner-dance where I wanted to have reached 40lbs; then over Christmas where I wanted to at least stay the same weight and actually ended up losing 2lb; then my own wedding - I got to goal before then."

So how did she manage to cope with all those celebratory buffets, especially over the festive season? "I really love my food and I didn't have to give up anything. For Christmas, I was able to eat a normal dinner like everyone else, but was just more aware of having those extra second helping of potatoes. I also enjoyed lower fat versions of seasonal recipes, such as mince pies with filo pastry instead of the short crust versions."

Staying on track and losing 4 and a half stone is such a great achievement. Kate tells us how she feels: "Before, I did not believe I could lose the weight, and now I know I can. I am as keen today as I was the first day I started and that's due to Weight Watchers. It has meant changes that I know are for life.

I feel more confident and enjoy dressing up, whereas before I hated going out with my 'skinny' friends – I was very untrendy for my age! People are amazed, and most days someone comments on how good I look."

Kate's Top Tips:

• Track everything, and remember to drink lots of water
  
  
• Find something that takes that sweet craving away – I loved carrots and the Weight Watchers Fruities
  
  
• The Eating Out Guide is brilliant – I didn't want my life to come to a halt as I am in a very sociable group of friends, and it showed me that I could still go out, but just make more sensible choices
  
  

Kate is wearing a pink sweater from Next, tweed trousers from Marks & Spencer and boots from Freemans.