testimonials: Jayne

A Crossroads In My Life
Through my story I would like to tell others how Sarah can help you, whichever part of your weight loss journey you are on.

As a young girl I had never been extremely overweight and was fairly active at school, but without fail at every school medical I was told that I was overweight and needed to cut down on food. Until now I didn't realise how much these seemingly small events can linger in the back of your mind...

Milkshake Diets
And so followed milkshake diets, apples only diets, and various other well known diet solutions which I will not mention by name! Some of them worked of course... Until I got fed up with them and started eating the wrong things again. Then I seemed to gain back all that I had lost and EVEN MORE!

This yo-yo weight loss and gain went on and on until I came to a crossroads in my life. It was not until later I learnt to realise that my reactions to food were closely linked to my emotions and feelings. Sarah helped me to realise that there are other ways to live my life and review my eating patterns to combat stress and worry.

A Difficult Time
Six years ago I went through a difficult time in my life. I had just finished my university degree and was preparing to delve into my new career. After being secure in education for so long this was a really frightening thought.

This, along with a bereavement I had never dealt with as a child all mounted up into a severe depression. I was desperate to come out of it, but couldn't seem to find the light at the end of the tunnel. I feared I would not be able to begin the career that I had worked so long to achieve. Luckily I pushed hard for help and after medication and counselling the clouds began to lift. I started my job which really kept me busy and pulled me out of the hole that I was in.

I was feeling much better, but unfortunately one of the side affects of the medication I was on was more weight gain! My clothes didn't fit. All my trousers had to be elasticated as it was so much more comfortable.

Nail & Beauty Treatments
I spent a fortune having my nails done and various other beauty treatments to try to get away from the fact that I was unhappy with the way I looked. I was told by my doctor that I was medically obese which was a shocker. It just crept up on me without me realising.

My periods began to become unbearable. The pain and discomfort all over my body for up to 10 days before was a nightmare and clearly linked to the fact I was bigger. The local hospital suspected that I might have polycystic ovaries. I read up on this and educated myself. I realised that being overweight could lead to diabetes and even more problems. It wasn't about what I looked like anymore, it was about my health and looking after myself.

Everything Changed
That's when everything changed. I altered my eating patterns but didn't diet as such, eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains for sustained energy. However the biggest change that I made was the amount of exercise I was doing. I got a personal trainer and got tough with myself. I soon realised the energy boost and the high that you get after a workout and it kept me going! The weight began to come off. In July 2003 I completed the 59 mile bike ride from London to Brighton.

I then decided that I wanted to help other people, so now feeling fitter and healthier I trained to become a fitness and gym instructor myself. I now knew that I had to look after myself to create the right image as an instructor.

Chinese & Curries
I had lost weight but I was still classed as overweight. The problem I still had was food. Loving Chinese and curries was an issue. I knew that if I could just be a little more disciplined I could achieve my goal of 10st 4ibs and therefore being a good weight for my size. Sometimes the final leg of the journey is the hardest part where you need support and understanding. This is where Sarah helped me the most.

In our sessions she encouraged me to be honest with myself. Instead of pretending to be the ultimate health guru, she made me confess that I love some junk foods and I really don't love doing exercise (but I do love the after effects and that's the truth). With that out of the way, I began to realise that there is no point feeling guilty for everything you eat. As a person YOU make the decisions about how you are going eat and the lifestyle you are going to choose. I may not love it all the time, but I choose my healthy changes as I know the difference this has made to my life.

Controlling My Food
Sarah helped me to cope with controlling my food whilst I have PMT which has helped me deal with some of the symptoms. She has made me to realise that I must not be a slave to the scales.

I had lost 15% of my body fat and 78% of my body was muscle, but I was still worried what the scales were saying to me. She showed me that the same weight of fat and muscle can look totally different. I realised that exercise has made my body look better. Overall I had gone down from a size 16-18 to a 10-12. How you feel and look is a much better measure of success than numbers on a scale.

With this greater understanding of myself I was able to achieve my aim. I have been the correct weight for nearly a year now due to the change in attitude that Sarah has instilled in me. I still have times when I feel rotten but I know that if I need Sarah she is always there to lend a hand.

Anyone Can Do It
I hope that anyone who can relate to my story now realises that you can do it. It may take some time but the results are long lasting. I don't regret one penny that I have spent on improving my health. Sarah can help and support you to make these changes.

I am now PE and Sport Co-ordinator at a school in Ipswich. I feel strongly about helping children to protect their health and well being from an early age.

Inspiring Others
In August 2006 I plan to begin inspiring others to achieve their exercise and fitness goals. If you would like me to work alongside you either in my private studio or your home LOOK OUT for information on the slimlife website.

Thanks for your support and understanding, Sarah. Kindness like yours is hard to find and impossible to forget!

— Jayne