The new Howard's Way Weight Loss Centre at Croxley Green, Watford is opening on Wednesday 24th February at 10.00-13.30. 

Come along and discover how you can lose more than 3 stones in weight in 3 months!

Even better – Sign up on the day and SAVE £60!

Call 01923 773851 and ask for Helen or Kim.

Or email us at Info@HowardsWay.co.uk

I hated eating in front of other people because I thought they would think: “Oh look at her eat, that's why she's fat”. I always made excuses to get out of PE at school, as I was embarrassed at how unfit I was and how I couldn’t run or jump very far. I also hated seeing my reflection in anything – mirrors, shop windows etc – I would look the other way if I had to be in front of one. I hated the way I looked and felt but, being so big, I thought the mountain I had to climb was too high to even try to start.

That's where Howard's Way came in. I heard about it through a friend of the family who had done their Programme and lost weight. Even so, I didn't really believe that I, too, could actually lose my excess weight, but I went along to the first group meeting nevertheless, feeling I might as well give it a try. Once our locum explained what the programmeme actually entailed – Total Food Replacement (ie not eating anything but the shakes and bars that were specially formulated), I was worried. How could I go for any amount of time without eating? I said I'd do it but, in my mind, a small part of me still thought that I would give up, as I had on many other previous attempts to diet. So off I went on my last evening without food and I had my 'last supper' of a take away kebab.

The first few days, having 3 shakes and drinking 4 litres of water every day, were difficult. I just willed myself to get through the day, go to sleep and another day would be over. In the first week, I saw my locum a few times and, after the first few days, I had started to lose weight and was in ketosis. As the days went on, I was surprised to find that my resolve to keep going just got stronger. And, as the weeks went by and my hard work was showing on the scales – in the first month I lost 10kgs – it got easier and easier to just carry on. Other people were amazed when I told them what I was doing, saying that they wouldn't be able to go without food for so long and that's exactly what I had at first thought. But technically I wasn't going without food; my body was getting all it needed to function, it was just different to the excessive amounts I used to eat.

After a while, I almost forgot about food altogether, although I did have a few dreams of eating something by mistake! As the weight continued to drop off, I started to feel that the ‘real me’ was finally emerging. I felt 100% more confident in everything I did. I would spend forever in front of the mirror studying my new reflection, not believing that it was still actually me! I could do the little things that other people take for granted, like going shopping for clothes, without feeling frustrated and disgusted. Losing weight is truly an incredible experience, because living your life overweight and living it at a healthyweight are two completely different experiences – it's like living two different lives.

When I went back to university, all my friends were amazed at how much weight I'd lost. Some people didn't even recognize me and, looking at my photos of my first weigh-in, I can see why: I don't recognize that person either! Once, even my parents passed me on the street without recognizing me!!  After 18 weeks on the programmeme, my weight had dropped from 93kg to 59kg and I had gone from a size 20 to a size 10. Above all, I had changed completely! My whole outlook on life had changed and I knew that I could never go back to how I used to be.

I became more outgoing and confident, I no longer dreaded the thought of going on holidays and, 2 years after I started the programmeme, I  met my husband. Before losing weight, I hadn't even had a boyfriend, because I never had the confidence! When I found my perfect wedding dress, I appreciated all my hard work in successfully losing weight, as I felt and looked great and knew I would look forward to seeing my wedding pictures, rather than dread them.

When I  showed my husband photos of me when I was overweight, he wouldn't believe it was me in the pictures. But he's right in more ways than just looks, I'm  no longer the same person; I’m so much more confident and I couldn't be happier. I'm so, so glad I did the “Howard's Way” Programme, as it really did change my life in so many ways.

I continued to pop-in to Howard's Way on an almost weekly/fortnightly or even monthly basis and was able to buy TFRs whenever I wanted to so that I could have controlled days following a possibly not so controlled weekend. I love my wine, takeaways and dining out and could do this quite easily at the weekend as long as I had 2 or 3 days of 2 TFRs and a sensible meal in the evening during the week.

Following three "all inclusive" holidays to celebrate my silver wedding and other reasons to be bad, I enquired about joining a Recovery group in September 2007, having had 2 all-inclusive holidays that year! My husband and I began to slip into bad habits often eating out, a glass or two of wine with dinner at home and gradually my weight increased by 21 lbs – but that was over almost a 3 year period which I don't think was too bad.

But before it got much worse, I started TFRs for 6 weeks with the once again tremendous support of the staff and other 'recovery' members, one of whom I started the programmeme initially with in January 2005. Within 7 weeks, I had lost 24 lb and have gone through 6 weeks of refeeding and now maintenance.

I truly recommend Howard's Way to anyone who has, like me, tried the many other diets out there and lost and gained in a yo yo fashion. The staff, and in particular, Kim, Helen, Jean, and Natalie, other members and my friends and family have always been of the utmost support and the results are rapid. I will continue to pop-in to keep an eye on my weight, buy my lifesaving TFRs and remain in touch with all the people I have met along the way.

Howard's Way have not paid me to write any of the above but I have been delighted to pay them for what really has changed my life. Thank you!

A friend had lost her weight with ‘Howard’s Way’ and I was really impressed with how well she did. On a ‘girls night out’, I felt so uncomfortable and self conscious that next morning, I decided I must try what had worked for my friend and I called ‘Howard's Way’. I wasn’t sure I could stick to it, but my Locum assured me that almost everyone feels the same way and yet goes on to lose 3 stones plus. So I thought: “Well, if others can do it. so can I!” With Howard's Way, there are no choices to make about food except which flavours you are going to have.

This helped me get through the first week without a hitch and, the whole time I was dieting, without angst. What really made the difference for me with this diet, though, was the  SUPPORT: feeling  ‘PART OF SOMETHING’! Being in a Group with others, meeting each week, all doing the same thing, all losing a similar amount, we all supported each other and, of course, there was the caring, dedicated Howard’s Way Locum, who become our Mentor (she could give us the answer to EVERY question we could ever think to ask), always ‘there’ at the end of the phone should we ever need her. Absolute Magic!

That, coupled with the knowledge that they seemed to care MORE about OUR overall health than their diet, was very reassuring. I dieted throughout Christmas and was fine. I joined in with my family in every thing we did and, while they ate Christmas dinner, I had my Bar, then got on with the rest of the day. Dinner was such a small part of the day that I hardly even noticed and, even on Christmas Day, my Locum was just a phone call away. Since losing weight, I have so much energy! I used to get bad indigestion most of the time when eating but not now. I was also prone to migraines before doing the diet, but once I started Howard’s Way, THEY STOPPED!

You have to change your lifestyle to keep your weight off. With ‘Howard’s Way’, you have 6 months of maintenance when you finish dieting. The classes advise how to keep your weight down and which foods to avoid; they are invaluable in keeping me focused. Even after a holiday in the States, my weight stayed off; I am so pleased with my progress so far!

PART 1 Keri – as featured in local Hertfordshire Magazines…….. 

My name is Keri Khalilitari and I live in Malvern Way, Croxley Green, with my husband and two children. I started with Howard's Way on 17th September 2007 and to date (03.12.07), I have lost 6 stone!!

The reason I joined is because one day, whilst talking to my Mum, she said that, if I wanted to lose weight, I should try and do it before I was 40, as it can get more difficult from then on! Also for my children, as when we went to fairgrounds, I couldn't go on the rides with them. I also wouldn't go swimming with my children as I felt embarrassed for them, not me; I was happy to go on my own, just not with anyone else I knew.

I spoke to a Mum at school who had done this programmeme and she showed me her before and after pictures and, like me, she had tried every diet under the sun before going to Howard's Way. I decided, like this Mum, I needed something that was quick and healthy, with lots of support to help me get to a point where I am happy, confident and do all the things I have wanted to do. It is only now that I realise how much I have missed out on and all the fun things I have to look forward to.

My journey started in a (tight fitting) size 32. I was scared, anxious, worried the tape measure would not go around me and lacking in so much confidence. Another concern was that Howard's Way would not accept me, that I was too overweight for their programmeme. Once my photo and measurements were taken, I felt a lot happier and ready to start. The groups I attend are extremely valuable to me, as when I first started I didn't know anybody, so I was quite happy to join in and just be me!!

The thought of not eating regular food for the intial 12 weeks made me think it was going to be extremely hard. But, to my joy, once I got through the first week, I found it got easier and it became easier still as the weeks went on. I realised that the 6 bars of chocolate and 2 litres of diet coke a day, as well as ready meals, had really helped to increase my weight.

I am happy to say, my family are now eating a lot more healthily, due to the information I receive at my weekly meetings. I am now looking forward to continuing on until I catch sight of my reflection and think wow, is that really me?! …….Watch this space for part two of my story, in spring.

PART 2 KERI'S STORY continued…..

Remember me? I was in the January issue  having lost six stone in twelve weeks!

It is now the beginning of May …. MY TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS IS 10 STONES!

I'm now a size 20 and delighted!! You may think that's still large but NOT to me, I was size 32 just 8 months ago! I am 6 DRESS SIZES SMALLER looking so much slimmer. I'm now in stage 2 of refeeding (there are 4 stages) and getting weighed twice a week to help me stay on track. Looking back at my 'before' pictures, I don't recognise myself, I look like a  different person.

I cannot put into words how wonderful losing 10 stones has made me feel: I'VE  ENTERED MYSELF INTO THE 'STARLIGHT WALK' ON 14TH JUNE 2008! It's approximately 13 miles!! which will be a huge achievement for me; 8 months ago, (at my heaviest), I would get out of breath walking to school, five minutes  away.

I am also on a jogging programmeme with my friend, where we build up  over 8 weeks, to be able to jog continuously for 30 minutes! Week one involved jogging for 1 minute and walking for 90 seconds, 8 times. Now, in week 5, we are jogging for 8 minutes and walking for 2 minutes, 3 times!

I never thought I would be able to do this but with the Howard's Way diet and all the support I have had, I am able to do things I would never have considered before. I am now eating a small meal once  a day and just 2 TFR's; I understand I could  continue to lose between 1 – 3lbs a week, which is great as I would still like to lose a couple more stones.

Since losing weight, my confidence has grown in leaps and bounds. I have had a completely new hair style, bought new clothes and thrown away the old, I have the joy of being able to buy the 'new' in a greater number of stores than before and in a much greater range of colours and styles (so OUT with the 'Black'!).

My 4 year old daughter made me laugh the other day, she said; "You are nearly a straight up and down Mummy like Auntie and not round any more". I have more energy to do things with my family; whilst at the park with my children the other day, I went on the swings, which I couldn't have done 8 months ago. I wouldn't have been able to fit in the seat and would worry it would break! I can also now fit in the seat when I go out for a coffee, rather than perching on the edge, hoping nobody noticed.

I have caught sight of my reflection in shop windows and feel really pleased with what is looking back at me!!!!
I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to the Howard's Way Team, for all their support, this diet really worked for me (and it could work for you, too)!

I will be dropping in to Howard's Way weekly for the foreseeable future to keep a check on my weight, as I never want to go back to that 'old me'!!

What We Do

1. You are more than 3 stones overweight and need to lose this excess weight.

2. You are miserable being FAT!

3. You are uncomfortable being FAT!

4. Size '10' seems a ridiculous size and completely unattainable.

5. You are likely to become even fatter as the weeks slip by!

Now 5 ‘Things’ You Didn’t Know:

1. Everyone who sticks with the “Howard’s Way” programmeme for 12 weeks loses 3 STONES!

2. Your life will change COMPLETELY, and happiness, self esteem and confidence grows and this DOES come with being SLIM, regardless of what anyone else would have you believe!

3.  You will:

• Walk faster

• No longer get hot and sweaty just keeping up

• Select to walk up stairs

• Find tights and trousers will last longer

• Choose to tuck blouses/shirts and jumpers into skirts and trousers

• Discover there will be more room in the bath for water!

• Find you can wear all your rings and belts can become quite a novelty

• Be comfortable in aircraft seats and NOT embarrassed 

• And of course much, much more!!!

4. Size ‘'6' will look ridiculous; size '10' now looks attainable! 

5.This really CAN be the LAST YEAR you have to be FAT!

Don’t delay, contact us today…….. to be SLIM very soon!

Get your calendar out and PLAN!

You will be 3 stones lighter in 12 weeks from THE DAY YOU START. CALL NOW!

A lot of people are confused by the term "ketosis". You may read that it is a "dangerous" state for the body to be in. But ketosis merely means that our bodies are using fat for energy. 

Ketosis shouldn't lead to a loss of muscle tissue, unless you are completely out of fat. It makes you even better at burning fat, as you retain the strength throughout your body to do so, particularly in the smaller internal muscles. 

When ketosis is taking place, it is possible to lose up to a stone in 2-4 weeks. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body will resort to stored fat (triglycerides) as its primary fuel source. 

Stored fat is broken down into ketones, which the body then uses for energy. In order to enter this state of ketosis, one's liver glycogen must be emptied. 

Ingested carbohydrates are stored in the liver as glycogen, as well as in the muscles. When the liver is depleted of glycogen, a state of ketosis is achieved.

Ketones are molecules generated during fat metabolism, whether from the fat in the guacamole you just ate or fat you were carrying around your middle. This is when our bodies are breaking down fat for our energy.

Is Ketosis dangerous?

‘Ketosis’ should not to be confused with a dangerous condition called ‘Ketoacidosis’ which can develop in those with type 1 diabetes. 

The body usually avoids this state by producing insulin but people with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin. Even most people with type 2 diabetes who inject insulin usually produce enough insulin of their own to prevent ketoacidosis.

"Howard's Way" is medically monitored, supported by and recognised by many medical experts.

It is compliant with government guidelines on VLCD's and is in partnership with many NHS G.P's and private practices. 

After seeing a patient go through the "Howard's way" programmeme, G.P.'s will often refer other patients to the "Howard's way" programmeme if they have three stone or more to lose.

This is something we expect to see a lot more of in the future, as more G.P.'s have one of their patients on the "Howard's Way" programmeme.