My sister inspired me to try this diet.  She had been quite successful (beginning at the start of 2007).  We went on holiday together to Spain in August 2007 and I was totally in awe of how she had her 2 shakes in the day, drank lots of fluid and then had a meal at tea time.  I on the other hand stuffed my face – fat picture is from this holiday.  Within about 4 weeks of returning home I looked on the website in order to find out a bit more about the diet and to find a counsellor in my area. 

I have been a very successful dieter before – WW and Slimming World – but you guessed it I always put the weight back on.  My reasoning “this time” was and still remains that this was my last chance saloon diet – if this didn’t work then I wasn’t going to bother with any more with diets.
I found Joan and Sophie via the website and arranged to meet that week with Joan.  I was super anxious to begin it as I had some deadlines looming:

1. I was going to New York at the end of November and I was determined that I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable on the long flight sitting cooped up – fat bulging and seat belt hurting!
2. I was going to look great in an outfit for Christmas
3. I was going to Florida in March
4. Ultimately I wanted to lose weight to give myself the best chance of having another baby

After meeting with a very friendly Joan I ate like a horse – the last supper! 
I found the first week of my diet horrific – it was awful.  No-one can prepare you for it.
I had a fantastic first week weight loss – I was thrilled.

From then on I found the diet easy and practical – I didn’t have to think about what to have for any meals as it was all sorted.  Me and shakes became best of friends.  Fridays became very ritualistic to me – I weighed myself in the morning then compared Joan’s scales to my scales – they were usually very similar.  Joan was always welcoming and I never felt rushed during my time with her (even though her living room is a bit like a busy station on drop in nights – Mia was an added bonus whilst waiting!). 

During this time my husband graduated as a nurse (this was the reason for our trip to New York).  We held a party and I didn’t eat – I stood in the kitchen with my shake and I didn’t care.  People began to notice the weight loss – I was thrilled with all the compliments.  During those few days away in New York I ate – my poor stomach didn’t know what had hit it!  I felt super sluggish.  I was back on the diet the day after my return and by the Friday when I was weighed I had only gained 1 lb since the last time that Joan had weighed me.  I didn’t have the horrible symptoms going back on the diet and before I knew it was Christmas and the all important time to go and buy some new clothes.

The Christmas night out was great as I knew that I looked so much better!  Again I ate over Christmas and even though I wanted to go back on to the diet I found it a bit harder this time as I just wanted to carry on eating.
As I was nearing my target I began to speak to Joan about the GI Diet.  She was very supportive and gave me lots of tips about what to eat especially during my forthcoming holiday to Florida.  I reached my target on Tuesday 26th February – I jumped on and off my scales at home just to check – shouted to my husband that I had finally done it and was so happy inside. 

The following day I brought in sweets for work colleagues to share my news – the compliments I received that day and every day since have made all the yukkiness of the first week worth it.  I still do a double take when I see my reflection – I can’t believe it’s me.  I still pick up clothes (size 12 tops especially) and say to myself “that won’t fit me” – but of course when I try them on I see that they fit me perfectly.  That will take some getting used to!

I’m still daunted about eating – I weigh myself every day just to keep a handle on it.  I have begun to exercise more in the last few weeks (although I have always done ¾ hour tap dancing for the last 5 years or so) – if you’re just starting on the diet definitely start the exercise at the beginning – it should pay off at the end.
Big headed to say it but my 2 best friends and sister in law have begun the diet inspired by my weight loss – they are all doing brilliantly.  Please don’t ask about my sister – she has not fared as well…….

My next goal is Florida – I go in 3 days time.  I’m thinking about the food I will eat – and have my GI head firmly on!
Who knows about the final goal – watch this space………

Nicky, Lancashire

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