Welcome

I've decided to write this blog, as over the last 4 years I've lost 6 stones, using different methods and with a lot of help.

Basically, in August 2007, at 21 1/2 stone, I decided I had to do something about my weight. I'd starting putting on weight when I was about 18, and it crept up slowly - about 7 lbs a year - I can't say I didn't really notice, but I was happy enough so just ignored it.

My first big step was to sign up to the Boots weight management programme. This is a very low fat diet, and includes taking medication (known as Orlistat or Xenical) which helps prevent the digestion of fat.

Over a year, I lost 4 and a half stone, but then I hit a plateau and found it difficult to lose any more. My eating habits had changed dramatically though - my consumption of butter and cream were much lower, and I generally cooked lower fat versions of most things.

For six months I decided to "go it alone" and managed to keep my weight steady. But then I wanted to lose some more.

In June 2009 I joined Slimming World - doing "extra easy" which is about eating lots of fruit and veg and limited amounts of carbs and protein. Some weeks I lost a fair bit - but mostly just a pound here and there, and after a year I'd only lost 1/2 stone.

I then had some health and personal issues, and eating properly wasn't high on my priority list. I completely lost focus, comfort ate, grabbed fast food on the run and ate the wrong things. Nine months later, I'd put on a stone and a half! My trousers got too tight for comfort, but I was determined not to buy bigger (and I didn't have any bigger clothes, I'd got rid of them all!). So, I looked for another alternative for losing the 7 to 7 1/2 stone I wanted to.

And then I heard about Alizonne and thought I'd give it a go.

That was April 2011, and this blog is my journey since then.

I hope you enjoy it.