WEIGH TO GO!
Lynne Gaskell, 54, from Lancashire, has made losing weight second nature…
An overweight mum lost more than five stone in five months and reversed her prediabetes while still enjoying takeaways and drinking wine.
Tipping the scales at 21st 10lbs, Lynne was referred to a digital-focused diet plan by her GP last year, after health checks revealed she was pre-diabetic.
She signed up for the 12-week Second Nature programme, which focuses on ‘rewiring’ people’s health habits.
Lynne, who is now 16st 7lbs, swapped fast-food for freshly cooked dishes.
After signing up in
July 2019, she received a set of ‘smart’ scales and an activity tracker that links with the app, allowing her to monitor her weightloss 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.
Lynne said changing her lifestyle was important so she could be around for longer to look after her autistic son Joshua, 21.
‘He was one of the reasons why it was important to become healthier,’ she said.
Lynne said when she was referred to Second Nature, the appeal was that it was online, rather than having to attend weekly weigh-ins.
She was assigned a dedicated, fully qualified health coach, and she was also told no food group was off-limits, so when she felt like having a takeaway or a glass of wine, she could.
‘I lost weight straight away,’ she said.
Lynne said with the online support, it was easy to ditch her
Lynne reversed her prediabetes
old eating habits - swapping skipping breakfast for homemade muesli, a fast-food lunch for fish or a wrap, and a huge dinner for freshly cooked dishes.
‘I really don’t feel as though I’m missing out on anything and I’ve cooked things I wouldn’t normally cook.
‘There’s nothing you can’t have as long as you have it in moderation or that you’re very mindful that what you’re having is a treat.’
Fast-forward to December 2019, and Lynne had lost five stone - and completely changed her lifestyle and eating habits.
She said she feels happier, and that losing weight has helped ease the pain of the arthritis she has in her knee, and she has more energy than before.
‘I’ve just had my yearly check up and the results from my blood tests is perfect - I’m no longer at risk of type-2 diabetes,’ Lynne said.
‘I have the peace of mind of knowing I will be around for a lot longer for Josh - and be healthier around him.’ Visit www.secondnature.io to kick your bad habits.