Healthier, Happier, Stronger - my weight loss journey

by Aimee Havelock, biomedical scientist

In January 2020, I was pretty miserable about my weight and size after looking at a family group photo. A full diet and lifestyle re-haul seemed so daunting so I decided to make small changes.

To start with, I stopped drinking fizzy drinks and switched to water or diluted juice. Fizzy drinks are a nice treat now when I’m out with my family and friends.

Then I changed my snacks. From my usual chocolate and biscuits to fruit and nuts – tiny changes really. And seeing my weight loss just from changing my snacks and drinks was enough to keep me motivated. To help with feeling fuller, I increased my water, fibre and protein intake. I plan my meals out in advance and now I do make room for some ‘unhealthy’ food. Nothing’s off limit, it’s just about quantity and frequency!

I was already feeling better about myself but started meditation to learn more about myself, to reduce stress and ultimately increase my positivity. I find that YouTube has all the appropriate meditations I could ever need for my day ahead.

Now in a positive mind set, I started working on my fitness. My old fitness routine was one dance class a week.

But last year my partner introduced me to rock climbing. Now we both attend indoor sessions a couple times a week and take to outdoor climbing on the odd occasions the sunshine makes an appearance. Our last outdoor excursion was a 150m climb in the Lake District.

But I still dance once a week and have added short walks into my routine as well now.

In the two years and eight months since I cut out fizzy drinks, I’ve lost a total of 100lb (7 stone 2lb or 45.35kg). I’m healthier and happier, my fitness levels have improved but most importantly, I feel stronger in my mind.

Aimee’s tips for your weight loss journey:

• Take small steps. Small changes to your everyday are easier to maintain than jumping in head first

• Take plenty of photos! Trust me, you’ll want to see the comparisons – it’s nice to see your body shape changing as you lose fat, add muscle and create definition