Best Mental Turning Point- Richard Lost 4st 12lbs* & Won £1000 Cash

After years of struggling with his weight, failed New Year’s resolutions, and chronic health issues, Richard knew something had to change. He joined The New You Plan in January — and since then, he’s lost an incredible 4st 12lbs*, won £1000 in our March/April Transformation Challenge for Best Mental Turning Point, and completely redefined his mindset around health and control.

His story is a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t just about the scales — it starts in the mind.

Getting Started: The Power of a Mental Switch

Emma: How much weight have you lost, and what’s your goal?

Richard: As of today, I’ve lost 4st 12lbs. I started on the 8th of January. My ultimate goal is to get to around 12 stone – I started at around 28st. I know it’s going to get harder the closer I get, so I’ll keep evaluating as I go, but that’s the long-term aim.

Emma: What led you to start The New You Plan, and how were you feeling at the time?

Richard: Losing weight was something I’d tried to do every year as a New Year’s resolution, but I never really stuck with it. Then my partner, who works as a healthcare assistant, heard about The New You Plan from a patient and suggested we give it a go together.

We ordered the Starter Pack, went away for a spa weekend over Christmas, and came back committed to trying it properly. We thought, “Let’s just do three weeks – if it works, great. If not, at least we tried.” But from the beginning, we stuck to it completely, and it’s become part of our lifestyle.

Winning Mindset, Winning Result

Emma: How did it feel to find out you were a Transformation Challenge winner?

Richard: It was fantastic – especially since it’s my birthday this week! But honestly, it’s the non-scale victories that mean more. Just yesterday, I had to buy new trousers because I dropped yet another waist size – that’s four sizes down now.

I’ve done Slimming World in the past, but what I’ve always loved is being able to inspire other people. I see that same inspiration and support in the New You social media community, which has made a big difference.

Emma: What has the plan taught you so far?

Richard: It’s taught me that if you stay focused and patient, change will come. I’d love to wake up tomorrow 4 or 5st lighter, but that’s not realistic — this plan teaches you to trust the process. It’s about small steps that add up to something big.

Real-Life Routine & Adaptation

Emma: What was your first week like on plan?

Richard: Surprisingly easy! I had that “mental switch” – once I’m focused, I’m all in. I stuck to five meals a day with one snack, and I felt full and motivated. I lost nearly a stone in the first week, which gave me a big confidence boost.

The hardest part has been drinking enough water — I don’t love it — so I use sugar-free squash, which works for me. I’ve also adapted slightly by having an extra snack if I’m more active or out and about. It’s about being smart and in control.

Emma: Do you have favourite meals or snacks?

Richard: Definitely! I love the Mexican Tacos, Vegetable Chili, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Sweet & Sour Noodles. Snack-wise, the Apple & White Chocolate bar is a daily must for me. I also have the Porridge for breakfast, a Bar or two throughout the day, a Savoury Meal in the evening, and Crisps at night. It works well around my mostly sedentary job — but I bring extra bars if I’m more active to stay fuelled.

Changes, Challenges & What Comes Next

Emma: How has your life changed since starting?

Richard: Physically, I’ve dropped clothing sizes and started reducing my pain medication. I have severe arthritis in both hips and used to rely on medication four times a day — now I can go most days with just morning and evening doses. That’s a huge improvement.

Health-wise, I’ve got conditions like atrial fibrillation and sleep apnoea. While they’re still present, I know weight loss will help, and I’m already seeing the benefits start.

Emma: What’s your favourite non-scale victory?

Richard: Fitting into clothes I haven’t worn in years — or seeing myself in the mirror and actually liking what I see. I usually hate being in photos because I do photography as a hobby and prefer to be behind the camera. But now, when I see myself, it’s not as bad — and that’s a huge shift for me.

I’m also looking forward to the day I can walk into a regular shop and buy clothes off the rack, instead of only shopping online.

Looking Ahead: From Pain to Possibility

Emma: What are you most looking forward to when you reach your goal?

Richard: It’s about being more mobile and in less pain. I’d love to get back on my motorbike or even try an adaptive trike. I run the Sea Cadets in my area, and we’ve got an active trip planned in August – things like moving around boats are tough at my current weight, but that’s something I want to do with more ease.

I’m also working towards being eligible for a hip replacement, which will be safer when I’ve lost more weight. It’s not just about a final goal – it’s about unlocking more opportunities and having a better quality of life along the way.

Final Thoughts: Advice for Anyone Just Starting

Emma: If you could go back to the start, what advice would you give yourself?

Richard: Trust that it will work. Be flexible and don’t be afraid to adapt it to your life. I use squash instead of plain water. I have two snacks some days. It’s not the textbook plan, but it works for me – and I stay in control.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency, awareness, and taking back control of your choices. That’s what’s made all the difference.

Feeling Inspired? Start Your Own New You Journey Today!

Richard’s story is proof that when you commit to yourself, amazing things happen – inside and out. Whether you’ve hit rock bottom or just need a change, there’s a plan and a community here waiting for you.

Ready to feel like YOU again?

Need a Little More Motivation? Join Our 2025 £52K Cash Transformation Story Challenge!

Inspired by Rebecca’s incredible journey? It’s time to write your own success story! Our 2025 Transformation Story Challenge continues, with an astounding £52,000 in cash prizes up for grabs!

Cash Prizes To Help Your Thrive – £52,000 Up for Grabs!

This year, we’re giving away 52K in cash. £7,000 cash will be won every 2 months for our absolute favourite glow-ups! One overall winner will WIN £3000 cash and 4 more customers will each WIN £1000. And the grand finale? An epic £10,000 cash prize for one overall winner!

Customers can enter any or ALL of the following challenges:

• May & June: Summer is Coming (submit by Monday 30th June)
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• Nov & Dec: End 2025 strong (submit by Wednesday 31st Dec)

You don’t have to be at your goal to enter! Entering each time will keep you motivated and on track to achieving your goal. And, if you are already at your goal and maintaining your weight loss, you can enter too!

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