New You Plan Interview: Jackie Lost 4st 7lbs & 6 Dress Sizes
Before finding The New You Plan, Jackie Murphy was miserable. Working in an extremely stressful environment, and being subjected to bullying by her supervisor led to emotional eating, and ultimately, her weight gain. Over the years she has tried every diet plan out there. She was successful once but negative comments led to her piling the weight back on, and more. However, with determination and the correct TFR plan, she has lost a staggering 4st 7lbs, as well as a phenomenal 6 dresses sizes. Here is Jackie’s New You Plan interview…
Jackie, what do you think led to your weight gain?
Stress would have been a big thing in my life. In my previous job, I was bullied by a supervisor and I tend to eat my feelings instead of trying to deal with them. I tried a particular diet in the past and was losing on average 4lb a week because I was very active. I used to play squash, indoor soccer and the leader told me I was losing weight too fast so I just gave up and put on what I had lost and more besides.
How did you feel before you started the plan?
I felt totally miserable. I didn’t care about my appearance and hid away in dark, oversized clothes to try and hide my bulk. I felt worthless and ashamed of how big I had become, yet I was doing nothing to change my weight issue.
When did you make the decision to take control of your weight?
I had a routine visit to my GP and once again she had a go at me about my weight. I have back issues and walking more than 100 meters left me breathless and in pain. My GP told me that if I didn’t get my weight under control I could end up in a wheel chair because of my back issues and that I wouldn’t be able to do simple things like shower and dress on my own. I wouldn’t be able to drive because I wouldn’t fit behind the steering wheel. If I kept going the way I was with my “I don’t give a damn” attitude I could be heading for a major heart attack that could kill me. As I result of this I started the New You Plan on July 6th 2015.
How did you hear about The New You Plan?
A friend told me about the plan so I gave it a try in 2013 but I gave up without giving it a chance as I was doing it for the wrong reasons back then.
My GP told me to try my liquid diet again as I had been on a different TFR diet previously. When I thought about it I knew I had nothing to lose so decided to give it another go.
Tell us how you found your New You journey?
I have followed both Fast Focus (TFR) and Family Focus at various times. As I needed to lose weight fast I opted for Fast Focus initially as the excess weight was causing so much pain on a daily basis. I have used Family Focus from time to time as and when I needed to.
I have been on and off the plan since July 2015. To date I have lost 4 stone 7lb (63lb) and I have gone from size 3XL (24/26) down to a size 14, depending on the brand. So I’ve lost approximately 6 dress sizes.
How have you found the support?
The support from the New You Team was and still is second to none. They are always available and any time I sent an email I got a follow up phone call from one of the team. Then there is the most amazing group that I have ever been a part of called Secret Slimmers. I have never experienced such positivity and support ever in my life. It’s a support system made up of people all on the same journey of weight loss.
What meals are your favourite?
The meals are absolutely amazing and taste fantastic. If I had to choose I would say the New You Brownie. It’s heaven on a plate and it doesn’t feel like a diet. Then there are the Coconut Bars, the Hazelnut Bars and the Lemon Yogurt Bar. They are to die for especially if you freeze them. Then there’s the Spicy Noodle Nosh, Vegetable Chilli and Porridge. I could just go on and on.
My meals vary the longer I am on plan but at the moment, breakfast is one of the Chocolate Shakes, lunch is the Brownie and dinner is sometimes a double Porridge. If I only have one product for dinner then my snack would be a Coconut Bar straight from the freezer as it lasts longer.
Would you recommend joining Secret Slimmers?
Definitely. The New You Plan has changed my life in so many ways. The positivity and support from the group is so amazing. It’s not like an ordinary group. It’s like a family as we are all on the same journey but at different stages. If I am struggling and post in Secret Slimmers, there is always an instant reply from someone who has been where I am currently at. Without Secret Slimmers, The New You plan would be just another diet. I also love the challenges. They’re fun and very motivational. It meant that I had to push myself a little more each day, plus I have a bit of a competitive streak.
I’m also delighted to be a Cheerleader in Secret Slimmers. Everyday I’m there cheering you and helping you get the most out of your journey, so stop by, reach out to me and I’ll help in anyway I can.
How do you feel since losing weight?
I feel like a different person. I look in the mirror and still I don’t recognise the person staring back at me. Before I lost weight I couldn’t walk very far without getting out of breath or without back pain. Now I can walk 5 miles without pain or shortness of breath. My confidence has improved and I have started to buy brighter colours when it comes to clothes instead of my normal black. Now when my husband asks me if I want to go somewhere with him I jump at the chance instead of saying no and staying at home.
I haven’t quite reached my goal. I lose weight slower than most but for me it’s a marathon and not a race. I currently weigh 12st 7lbs and I’d like to get to 9st 10lbs, which I know I will reach.
What is the nicest compliment you have received since losing weight?
I have had a lot of nice comments but the one that sticks in my mind more than any other came from my physio when I met him on the street. He asked where was the rest of me was!
Do you feel your mind-set has changed with following the plan?
Definitely. When I am on a break from The New You Plan I now make wise choices where food is concerned. I used to live on junk food but that type of food no longer bothers me. I have also got over my addiction to chocolate which, before New You, I couldn’t say no to.
What keeps you motivated?
One of my favourite quotes is: “Never look back, you’re not going that way”. Another is “I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”
What advice would you offer someone considering starting their weight loss journey?
Don’t think about it as you will come up with 100 reasons not to start when all you need is one reason to commit. Do it for you because on a weight loss journey the only one that matters is YOU.
Don’t think about it. Give it a week and see what happens. What have you got to lose except weight?!
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