Rachel entered our New Year New You Transformation Challenge after she lost 3 stone and came in as one of our runners up.
In our New Year New You Transformation Challenge, there was 4 runner up positions up for grabs and Rachel bagged herself one. Rachel impressively lost 3 stone, so after crediting her New You account with £250, we asked if she would share her transformation journey with us so we can share it with you. And she did! Keep reading to discover how she found weight loss success
NY: How much have you lost and how long did it take?
RACHEL: So I started off with the 12-week Plan and in that time I lost 3 stone.
NY: How did you discover the New You Plan?
RACHEL: When the plan was first introduced a few years ago I started it and I have followed it on and off for a few years. This time I decided to do it properly. But it was originally online that I came across it.
Before New You
NY: Describe how you felt before starting the Plan?
RACHEL: Pretty horrible to be fair. I just didn't feel myself. I didn't like being in photos with my children and things because I didn't like how I looked or felt. I felt tired and just had no energy.
NY: What was your first impression of the Plan?
RACHEL: Stressful days are hard. Once you get past the headaches during the first few days and the hunger dies down it's easier. After the first four days or so it gets easier and easier to follow.
NY: What are your favourite meals and snacks?
RACHEL: At the start, I wasn't having any snacks, I was mixing up the packs. With the Risotto I prefer to have the rice and sauce separate rather than mixed. Also, the pancakes and the strawberry bar are nice. It has a very nice taste compared to others and I would usually only eat once per day around 7pm.
Non-scale victories
NY: What was your biggest non-scale victory?
RACHEL: I think feeling like myself again. I had lost myself since having my children and cravings don't help. So being able to feel like me is my non-scale victory. Also being able to fit into old clothes I wasn't able to fit into since I was in my 20s was amazing!
NY: What was your biggest motivator for staying on Plan?
RACHEL: I'm not really sure. I think I just wanted to make a change and on the New You Plan you need to be in the right headspace. You also need to be 100% committed. If you aren't fully committed you will more than likely continue to fail. I think it is quite a mental game.
Life-changing
NY: How has the plan changed your life?
RACHEL: It made me feel like I can actually go out and do things again without worrying about how I look. I wasn't massively big but going from a 10-12 to 16-18 was a big deal. I was always covering myself up whereas now I'm sitting chatting to you in a vest top. The confidence boost is massive.
NY: How has your health improved?
RACHEL: I feel more energetic because I was only eating once per day. I wasn't exercising but I have a gym at home so I'm going to start bringing in exercise to tighten everything up after the weight loss.
NY: Since losing weight, what is your happiest memory?
RACHEL: I think just being able to get back to my normal self and being able to take photos with my children and I know I shouldn't worry about that but you do. We went out recently and I was actually happy to be in the photos and not hiding from them which is good.
Compliments for your efforts
NY: What is the nicest compliment you have received since losing weight?
RACHEL: Generally it's people saying I look amazing and giving compliments. Everyone has been quite astounded at how much I've lost because they didn't think I had that much weight to lose. But the support and the look of shock when people see me is a nice change.
NY: What advice would you offer anyone thinking of starting the Plan?
RACHEL: I think the main thing is the mental game. Make sure you are fully committed before you start. That's the only way I got through the 12 weeks so if I do it again I now know what I need to do. I was shocked by how much I actually lost. Just try your best to stick to the plan because you can lose weight and it does work.
