Keri – 10 stone in 32 Weeks

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 programme 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 programme . 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 programme 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'!