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Feb 21

Mother loses 5st in five months using smart weight-loss plan that allows chocolate and wine – Mirror Online

An overweight mum lost 5 stone in as many weeks and claims she reversed her pre-diabetes after switching to a 'smart' weight-loss plan - which allowed her to eat chocolate and drink wine.

Tipping the scales at 21st 10lbs, Lynne Gaskell, 54, from Lancashire, was determined to lose weight so she could be around for longer to look after her autistic son Joshua.

After being told she was pre-diabetic during a full health MOT when she turned 50, Lynne knew it was time to act.

She started researching ways to get into shape and put herself forward for the Second Nature programme, a 12-week programme which focuses on rewiring peoples habits to live healthier lives.

She said: "The results of the blood test showed I was at risk of type 2 diabetes and they classed me as pre-diabetic. They said the best thing for me to do was to lose weight.

I didnt want to join a gym or any of the slimming groups as they didnt appeal to me.

My son Joshua is autistic and needs a lot of care. He was one of the reasons why it was important to become healthier.

After signing up to the digital-focused plan, Lynne was a set of smart scales and an activity tracker that links with the app, allowing her to monitor her weight-loss progress and daily step count.

She was also sent a recipe book, a meal plan and daily motivational articles, and was added to an online peer support group - hosted by a qualified dietitian offering daily advice.

The digital aspect meant she still had the motivation to shed the pounds without having to stand up in front of a room of strangers and talk about her weight.

She said: "I lost weight straight away. Its really easy to stick to and because Im eating healthily, my husband, Lee, is too - hes lost two stone.

The biggest change Ive made is creating meal plans and sticking to the meals, using their recipes and keeping a food diary.

She swapped fast food for freshly cooked dishes, including a number of delicious treats like chocolate-covered desserts, muffins and curries. She was also told that nothing was off limits, meaning she could treat herself to the odd glass of wine.

She said: I really dont feel as though Im missing out on anything - and Ive cooked things I wouldnt normally cook. The things we do like eating, weve found an alternative way of cooking them, or substituted it with something else.

Theres nothing you cant have as long as you have it in moderation or that youre very mindful that what youre having is a treat.

On a Friday night, my husband and I will sometimes have a bottle of wine with our neighbours or well enjoy a takeaway - I will choose a healthier option though.

Ive given some of my recipes to my father-in-law, who is diabetic, and my mother-in-law who is at risk - and shes lost 12lbs.

Lynne also started walking every day, slowly at first, beginning with 3,500 steps, gradually increasing it to 10,000 over the duration of the 12-week programme.

Lynne has stopped an incredible 5st and now weighs 16st 7lbs, saying the weightloss has also helped ease the pain of the arthritis she has in her knee.

She's also bought herself a dog, and walking Aubrey gives her a reason to get out exercising over the weekend.

She said: "Ive wanted a dog all my married life, but my husband always used to say that I would never walk it or take care of it. But after Id lost a couple of stone, he agreed that I could get a puppy.

I have a beautiful chocolate labrador called Aubrey - shes 18 weeks now and she is taken for walks all the time. Having a dog helps me to get out at the weekend.

My son is overweight too - because of his autism, he has a very restricted diet and we have to stick to very specific things. So its been great for us to take the dog out together for a couple of hours.

Im now much more active with him over the weekends. But life hasnt hugely changed - which is a good thing. It just means I have the peace of mind of knowing I will be around for a lot longer for Josh - and be healthier around him.

Ive just had my yearly check up and the results from my blood tests is perfect - my sugar levels are fine and Im no longer at risk of type-2 diabetes."

Second Nature was set up by Chris Edson and Mike Gibbs both former NHS advisors to tackle Britain's obesity and type-2 diabetes epidemic.

The programme, which offers an effective alternative to fasting, calorie counting and points- based diets, has so far amassed 30,000 users and is also being trialled by the NHS.

Chris Edson, co-founder of Second Nature, said: Weve used our research and insights to create an app that helps you rewire your habits.

Using smart behavioural science, our app makes it easy for you to form new habits, ones that help you sleep better, eat better and feel better. Habits that help you lose weight, and keep it off.

As habit experts, we know the key to changing them successfully is keeping it up, long-term. So, we stay by your side, in your pocket, helping you keep up these positive changes for good.

In the end, youll find youre not trying to lose weight, youre not depriving yourself or counting calories, youre just living better, automatically, every day.

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Fast-food - McDonalds or a cheese toasty

Dinner: Big portion of curry/takeaway

Breakfast: Homemade muesli with blueberries and yoghurt

Lunch: Wrap or a salad or fish

Dinner: Freshly made chili con carne, butter chicken, beef curry, or chicken with spinach.

Read more here:
Mother loses 5st in five months using smart weight-loss plan that allows chocolate and wine - Mirror Online

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